from יְהֹוָה and נֵס with the prononimal suffix; Jehovah (is) my banner; Jehovah-Nissi, a symbolical name of an altar in the Desert; Jehovah-nissi.
Transliteration:Yᵉhôvâh niççîy
Pronunciation:yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יְהֹוָה נִסִּי (Yᵉhôvâh niççîy, `{{H3071}}`) is a compound phrase, eloquently combining the sacred name of God with a declaration of His role. It translates most directly as "The LORD is my banner" or "YHWH is my standard."
The first element, יְהֹוָה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`), is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God, signifying His self-existence, eternal presence, and active engagement with His creation, particularly His covenant people. It underscores His faithfulness and sovereign power.
The second element, נִסִּי (niççîy), is derived from the noun נֵס (nes, `{{H5251}}`), meaning "banner," "standard," "ensign," or "pole." The suffix -י (-i) denotes the first-person singular possessive, "my."
Semantically, a "banner" or "standard" in ancient Near Eastern contexts served multiple crucial functions:
1. **A Rallying Point:** It was the visible symbol around which an army or tribe gathered, indicating their unity and purpose.
2. **A Symbol of Authority and Leadership:** It represented the commander or king under whom the people fought.
3. **An Emblem of Victory:** Raising a banner often signified triumph over an enemy.
4. **A Sign of Divine Presence:** In a spiritual sense, it could denote God's protective and leading presence.
Thus, "YHWH-Nissi" encapsulates the profound truth that God Himself is the one around whom His people gather, under whose authority they fight, and by whom they achieve victory. He is their visible sign of hope, their unifying force, and the source of their triumph.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יְהֹוָה נִסִּי (Yᵉhôvâh niççîy, `{{H3071}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in [[Exodus 17:15]]. Its singular occurrence, however, is deeply significant and provides the foundational context for its meaning.
The setting is the aftermath of the first major battle fought by the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. The Amalekites attacked Israel at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16). Moses directed Joshua to lead the fighting, while Moses himself, accompanied by Aaron and Hur, ascended a hill overlooking the battle. Crucially, as long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed, but when his hands grew weary and dropped, Amalek gained the upper hand. Aaron and Hur supported Moses' arms, ensuring Israel's decisive victory.
Following this divine intervention and triumph, Moses built an altar and named it "YHWH-Nissi" (The LORD is my Banner). This act served as a perpetual memorial and declaration:
1. **Commemoration of Divine Victory:** The altar's name testified that the victory over Amalek was not due to Israel's strength or Joshua's military prowess, but solely to the active, banner-like presence and power of YHWH. He was the standard around whom they rallied and who fought for them.
2. **A Pledge of Future Vengeance:** [[Exodus 17:16]] further states, "For a hand against the throne of the LORD, the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation." The altar and its name stood as a reminder of God's enduring commitment to defend His people and to contend against their spiritual and physical adversaries.
3. **An Act of Worship and Remembrance:** Building an altar signified worship and an enduring commitment to remember God's mighty deeds. The name itself served as a theological statement for all future generations, teaching them where their true strength and salvation lay.
The context underscores God's role as the divine warrior, leading His people into battle and securing their deliverance, making Him their ultimate "banner."
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of יְהֹוָה נִסִּי (Yᵉhôvâh niççîy, `{{H3071}}`) is enriched by its connection to several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
1. **יְהֹוָה (YHWH, `{{H3068}}`):** As the primary component, the divine name emphasizes the personal, covenantal nature of God. It links this specific attribute of "banner" directly to His faithful character and active presence in the lives of His people.
2. **נֵס (nes, `{{H5251}}`):** The root word for "banner," nes, appears elsewhere in the Old Testament with related meanings:
* As a tribal standard (e.g., [[Numbers 2:2]] for Israel's encampment).
* As a sign or wonder (e.g., [[Numbers 21:8]] for the bronze serpent on a pole, [[Isaiah 11:12]] as a signal for the nations). This highlights its visibility and capacity to draw attention or signify a divine act.
* As a rallying point for nations or armies (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:26]], [[Jeremiah 4:6]]).
3. **Other Compound Names of God:** YHWH-Nissi belongs to a series of compound names that reveal various facets of God's character and relationship with humanity, such as:
* יְהֹוָה יִרְאֶה (YHWH-Yireh, "The LORD will provide," [[Genesis 22:14]]).
* יְהֹוָה שָׁלוֹם (YHWH-Shalom, "The LORD is peace," [[Judges 6:24]]).
* יְהֹוָה צְבָאוֹת (YHWH-Tzva'ot, "The LORD of Hosts," often implying His command over heavenly armies).
These names collectively portray a multi-faceted God who meets His people's needs in every circumstance.
4. **Divine Warrior Theology:** The concept of God as a warrior, fighting for His people, is prominent throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [[Exodus 15:3]], [[Deuteronomy 1:30]], [[Joshua 23:10]]). YHWH-Nissi powerfully articulates this, portraying God as the supreme commander and standard-bearer in battle.
5. **Divine Presence and Leadership:** Like the pillar of cloud and fire that guided Israel through the wilderness, or the Ark of the Covenant that accompanied them into battle, YHWH-Nissi signifies God's active, visible, and leading presence among His people.
### Theological Significance
The name יְהֹוָה נִסִּי (YHWH-Nissi) carries profound theological significance, illuminating several core truths about God and His relationship with His people:
1. **God as the Sole Source of Victory:** The primary theological assertion is that victory, especially in seemingly insurmountable circumstances, belongs to the LORD alone. Israel's triumph over Amalek was not by their own strength, but by God's direct intervention. This teaches dependence on God rather than human might or strategy. He is the one who fights for His people (Deuteronomy 20:4).
2. **God as the Unifying Rallying Point:** As a banner draws people together, YHWH-Nissi signifies that God Himself is the central figure around whom His people gather. He is their identity, their allegiance, and their unifying standard in both physical and spiritual conflicts. True unity among believers is found in their shared devotion to and reliance upon the Lord.
3. **Covenant Faithfulness and Protection:** The use of the divine name YHWH emphasizes God's unwavering covenant commitment to protect and deliver His people. He is faithful to His promises, even when they face overwhelming odds. His character as "my banner" assures His constant presence and defense.
4. **Call to Remembrance and Worship:** The building of an altar named YHWH-Nissi underscores the importance of remembering God's salvific acts and responding with worship, gratitude, and continued trust. It serves as a perpetual reminder for future generations of where their true help comes from.
5. **Relevance for Spiritual Warfare:** While rooted in a physical battle, the concept of YHWH-Nissi extends powerfully to the realm of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to stand firm, recognizing that their ultimate victory over sin, temptation, and the forces of evil comes not from their own strength, but from the Lord, who is their banner in every spiritual conflict. He leads them to triumph through Christ.
### Summary
יְהֹוָה נִסִּי (Yᵉhôvâh niççîy, `{{H3071}}`) is a potent Hebrew phrase meaning "The LORD is my banner." Composed of the divine name YHWH (`{{H3068}}`) and the word for "banner" (נֵס, nes, `{{H5251}}`) with a possessive suffix, it encapsulates a profound theological truth. This name was given by Moses to an altar built after Israel's miraculous victory over the Amalekites in [[Exodus 17:15]].
The name signifies that God Himself is the ultimate source of victory for His people, their rallying point, and their emblem of identity and protection. It underscores God's active presence in warfare, His unwavering covenant faithfulness, and the imperative for His people to remember and worship Him as the one who fights for and delivers them. The theological implications extend beyond physical battles, teaching believers that in all aspects of life, especially in spiritual conflict, the Lord is their standard, their strength, and their assurance of triumph.
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