The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is involved in a study that has the potential to deepen our understanding of the very character and nature of God. As many of you know, names in the Bible are not merely labels; they reveal profound truths about who a person is. This is especially true when we consider the names of God. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself through various names, each highlighting a unique aspect of His being, His power, His love, and His relationship with humanity. Over the coming sessions, we will explore some of these powerful names, such as Elohim, Jehovah, Adonai, and many others, uncovering the rich tapestry of God's self-revelation and how understanding these names can enrich our prayer lives and our walk of faith.
These are the notes to session six.
The combination names of Jehovah reveal different facets of His character by pairing His covenant name, often translated as LORD, Yahweh or Jehovah, with words that describe specific attributes or actions. We've looked at the combination name Jehovah-Jireh a Hebrew phrase that literally means "The LORD Will Provide. We also talked about the name Jehovah Rapha. Rapha: This Hebrew word means "to heal," "to restore," "to make whole," or "to mend." It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
In this session 6 we talk about Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord is My Banner
Moses asks for God's name, God replies "I AM WHO I AM".
Exodus 3:14-15 NIV [14] God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ” [15] God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.
The very first name God reveals to us in Scripture—Elohim. This name is found in Genesis, the book of the beginning, and we discover it in the very first verse: “In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heaves and the earth.”
Elohim is the first name used for God in the Bible. It is used exclusively to refer to God from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:3, highlighting God as the powerful creator.
The combination names of Jehovah which we have been studying for the past few weeks reveal different facets of His character by pairing His covenant name (often translated as LORD or YHWH) with words that describe specific attributes or actions.
We've looked at the combination name Jehovah-Jireh, a Hebrew phrase that literally means "The LORD Will Provide.
So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
We also talked about the name Jehovah Rapha. Rapha: This Hebrew word means "to heal," "to restore," "to make whole," or "to mend." It encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Rapha conveys the idea of restoring something to its intended state.
The name Jehovah-Rapha reveals God as one who not only heals and restores physical needs but spiritual and emotional ones too.
Exodus 15:26 NIV He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.
We took two weeks on the combination name Jehovah-Shalom.
Shalom: This Hebrew word conveys much more than just the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, health, harmony, and prosperity. It speaks of a state of perfect tranquility and flourishing in every aspect of life.
Judges 6:21-24 (NKJV)21 Then the Angel of the LORD put out the end of the staff that was in His hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.22 Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the LORD. So Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face."23 Then the LORD said to him, "Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die."24 So Gideon built an altar there to the LORD, and called it The-LORD-Is-Peace. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Bold mine)
Therefore, "Jehovah Shalom" means "The LORD is Peace" or "The LORD is our Peace." It reveals that God is not only a provider of peace but is Himself the very essence of peace.
The name Jehovah Shalom appears only once in the Bible
Now today we are going to consider the combination name Jehovah-Nissi, The LORD Is My Banner”
Jehovah Nissi signifies "The Lord is my banner." It declares that God is our standard, our rallying point, our source of strength, and the one who leads us to victory in our battles.
Exodus 17:8-16 NIV [8] The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. [9] Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with te staff of God in my hands.” [10] So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. [11] As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. [12] When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. [13] So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. [14] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” [15] Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. [16] He said, “Because hands were lifted up against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”
In Exodus 17, amidst a fierce battle against the Amalekites, Moses raises his staff, and as long as it is held high, Israel prevails. When his arms grow weary, Aaron and Hur support them, ensuring the staff remains aloft until victory is secured. In commemoration of this triumph, Moses builds an altar and names it "Jehovah Nissi." This powerful name reveals a crucial aspect of God's character and our relationship with Him. Let's delve deeper into the meaning of Jehovah Nissi and explore its significance for our lives today.
First let’s look at some background to see Moses built an alter to Jehovah-Nissi.
Who were the Amalekites?
Genesis 36:12 NIV Esau’s son Eliphaz also had a concubine named Timna, who bore him Amalek. These were grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah.
Descendants of Amalek, who was the grandson of Esau (Jacob's twin brother).
This familial connection suggests a distant kinship with the Israelites.
The Amalekites were the first nation to attack the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt., and it appears to be unprovoked. They targeted the weary and straggling at the rear of the Israelite camp, showing a lack of fear of God.
Deuteronomy 25:17-19 NIV [17] Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. [18] When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. [19] When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!
What was the significance of Moses holding up the staff of God? What does this tell us about the role of faith and obedience in our battles?
The staff was not just a piece of wood; it was the "staff of God." It was the instrument through which God had manifested His power in Egypt, performing miraculous signs like turning the Nile to blood and parting the Red Sea
Exodus 4:2-5, 17 NIV [2] Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. [3] The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. [4] Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. [5] “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
[17] But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.”
Exodus 7:15, 17, 19 (and 8:5, 16): While sometimes Aaron is commanded to use his staff, it's often in conjunction with Moses and ultimately God's command. For example, in Exodus 7:17, God tells Moses, "This is what the Lord says: By this you will know that I am the Lord: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood." And in verse 19, Moses is told to command Aaron to use his staff over the waters of Egypt to turn them to blood. Similar commands are given for the plagues of frogs and gnats.
Exodus 9:23: For the plague of hail: "When Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, the Lord sent thunder and hail, and lightning flashed down to the ground."
Exodus 10:13: For the plague of locusts: "So Moses stretched out his staff over Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind that blew all that day and all that night."
Exodus 14:16: This is perhaps the most famous instance, at the parting of the Red Sea: "But lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground." And then in Exodus 14:21, Moses obeys this command.
Exodus 17:5-6: When the Israelites needed water in the wilderness: "The Lord answered Moses, 'Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.'"
Exodus 17:9 (and 11-13): During the battle with the Amalekites: "Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose some of our men and go out and fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.'" And later, the text describes how the Israelites prevailed when Moses held up his hands with the staff.
Numbers 20:8-11: This is the account where Moses is commanded to speak to the rock for water, but instead strikes it twice with his staff, which leads to him not entering the Promised Land: "Take the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock." Moses disobeys and strikes the rock.
Holding the “staff of God” was a visual declaration that Israel's strength and victory did not lie in their own might or military prowess, but in God's power working on their behalf. It was a tangible reminder of God's covenant with them and His promise to deliver them.
A Focal Point of Faith:
The staff, though an ordinary object in Moses' hand, became a powerful symbol and instrument of God's miraculous intervention, divine authority, and Moses's obedience to God's commands.
Moses raising the staff served as a focal point for the Israelites' faith. It was a visual cue to trust in God's intervention. As long as the staff was raised, symbolizing their reliance on God, they prevailed. When it lowered, their strength waned. This demonstrates that their success was directly linked to their dependence on God, manifested through Moses' act of faith.
Moses, as the leader appointed by God, acted as an intercessor for the people. His raised hands, holding the staff, can be seen as a form of prayer and supplication on behalf of Israel. It highlights the role of spiritual leadership in guiding and interceding for the community during times of conflict.
Just as the Israelites' victory was tied to the raised staff, our victories in life's battles are tied to our active faith in God. Faith isn't passive; it involves looking to God, trusting in His promises, and acting in accordance with that trust. Moses' act of holding up the staff was an active expression of his faith that God would fight for Israel. Similarly, we need to actively rely on God's strength and not our own.
Our Dependence on God is Crucial for Victory: The fluctuating success of the Israelites based on whether the staff was raised or lowered starkly illustrates our dependence on God. We cannot overcome life's challenges through our own strength alone. We need to constantly look to God as our banner (Jehovah Nissi) and rely on His power to see us through.
Faith and Obedience Often Work Together: Moses' act of faith was intertwined with his obedience to God's previous instructions regarding the staff. In our lives, faith and obedience are not separate entities but rather two sides of the same coin. Our faith is expressed through our obedience, and our obedience is fueled by our faith in God's goodness and promises.
In essence, Moses holding up the staff of God is a powerful visual lesson: victory in our battles is not won through our own strength or ingenuity, but through active faith in God's power and consistent obedience to His will. We must keep our "staff" of faith raised high, relying on Him as our banner and source of strength, often with the support of our community.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV [9] Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: [10] If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. [11] Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? [12] Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly
Support is Vital: The support of Aaron and Hur in holding up Moses' arms highlights the importance of community in our battles. We are not meant to fight alone. Having others who will support us in our faith and help us remain steadfast in our reliance on God is essential.
The Victory: Whose power ultimately secured the victory?
How does this relate to the name Jehovah Nissi?
Exodus 17:12-13 NIV [12] When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. [13] So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
These verses clearly state that Joshua and the Israelite forces were the ones who actively fought and defeated the Amalekites "with the edge of the sword." This highlights the role of human effort and action in the battle. However, this victory occurred while Moses held up the staff of God.
Jehovah Nissi in Our Lives:
Our Battles: What kinds of "battles" do we face today? (These can be spiritual, emotional, relational, financial, etc.)
God as Our Banner: How can God be our banner in these battles?
A Standard of Truth: His Word provides a clear standard for our lives, guiding us in righteousness and truth.
Psalms 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
A Rallying Point: He is the one we look to for strength, encouragement, and direction.
Psalms 46:1-3 NIV [1] God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
A Symbol of Hope: His presence with us assures us that we are not alone and that victory is possible through Him.
Romans 8:31-39 NIV [31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” [37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
A Source of Strength: Just as Moses' staff, representing God's power, brought victory, our reliance on God empowers us to overcome challenges.
Philippians 4:10-13 NIV [10] I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. [11] I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. [13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Raising the Banner: How do we "raise the banner" of Jehovah Nissi in our lives?
Prayer: Communicating with God and seeking His guidance.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Faith: Trusting in His promises and His ability to act on our behalf.
Hebrews 11:1, 6 NIV[1] Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. [6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek
Obedience: Following His commands and living according to His will.
John 14:15-21 NIV[15] “If you love me, keep my commands. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— [17] the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. [18] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. [19] Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. [20] On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. [21] Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
Witness: Sharing our faith and declaring God's goodness to others.
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV [14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 NIV [16] So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. [21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Community: Supporting and encouraging one another in our faith journeys.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and
Conclusion:
The name Jehovah Nissi is a powerful reminder that God is not a distant deity but our active leader and protector in the battles of life. Just as the Israelites found victory through God's power symbolized by the raised staff, we too can find strength, hope, and triumph by making the Lord our banner. Let us continually look to Him, trust in His promises, and live in a way that honors His name, knowing that He is our victory.
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