Baruch Ha Shem Adonai!
(Blessed be the Name of the Lord!)
(Blessed be the Name of the Lord!)
This is the sixth in The CRIB's presentation of the Twelve Jewels of God ... a look at the wonderful, powerful, inspirational names of God.
The name before us in this post, Jehovah Nissi, "The Lord My Banner," and it appears only once in the bible. (see below)
Jehovah is a compound Hebrew word meaning "The Self-existing One." The main component is derived from the Hebrew word hawyah meaning "to be" or "to exist." Thus God told Moses that He was called by the name "I Am," which is derived from the same root word. It also implies "to become" or specifically "to become known" — this in turn suggests God desires to reveal Himself to His people.
Jehovah Nissi is found only in Exodus 17:16 ...
The name before us in this post, Jehovah Nissi, "The Lord My Banner," and it appears only once in the bible. (see below)
Jehovah is a compound Hebrew word meaning "The Self-existing One." The main component is derived from the Hebrew word hawyah meaning "to be" or "to exist." Thus God told Moses that He was called by the name "I Am," which is derived from the same root word. It also implies "to become" or specifically "to become known" — this in turn suggests God desires to reveal Himself to His people.
Jehovah Nissi is found only in Exodus 17:16 ...
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner; and he said, "The LORD has sworn; the LORD will have war against Amalek from generation to generation."
To give a sense of what the Hebrew implies but is somewhat lost in translation, the Septuagint provides a Greek equivalent which is translated in English versions "the Lord my refuge."
In war, opposing armies flew a banner on a pole at at the center of their respective front lines; this was intended to give their troops a feeling of identity, and pride. These banners are known affectionately as their "colors." It is why so many war movies have dramatic banner bearer scenes (e.g., Mel Gibson's The Patriot). The men, fighting valiantly, would look to their banner; if it still flew they fought more fiercely. Their banner was a "refuge" for their courage ... the LORD is our banner, and we find refuge in Him [Proverbs 14:26].
With regard to the army of Israel, each tribe had its own banner and banner bearer. [Numbers 2:12, 34]
This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point in times of battle or danger.
So life is confronting you with hardship and trials; oh some days seem sweet but there are days when a chill blows your way and you involuntarily shudder from its affect. That my friend is when you look over your shoulder with eyes of faith and see Jehovah Nissi.
Something has crept in under the gate of your being and there is turmoil and confusion in your mind and heart; oh friend, look over your shoulder to the Banner that is over us, for it is Jehovah Nissi, and His banner over us is love!
What? You were minding your own business, taking care of what is yours, and the enemy seeps up through the cracks in the pavement of your walk and you gag at the smell of evil in the air; oh brothers and sisters, turn your head ... is it still there? Of course it is!
Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." [Matthew 28:20] Christ is our banner of love. Look to the banner, He is there! Always!
In war, opposing armies flew a banner on a pole at at the center of their respective front lines; this was intended to give their troops a feeling of identity, and pride. These banners are known affectionately as their "colors." It is why so many war movies have dramatic banner bearer scenes (e.g., Mel Gibson's The Patriot). The men, fighting valiantly, would look to their banner; if it still flew they fought more fiercely. Their banner was a "refuge" for their courage ... the LORD is our banner, and we find refuge in Him [Proverbs 14:26].
With regard to the army of Israel, each tribe had its own banner and banner bearer. [Numbers 2:12, 34]
This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point in times of battle or danger.
So life is confronting you with hardship and trials; oh some days seem sweet but there are days when a chill blows your way and you involuntarily shudder from its affect. That my friend is when you look over your shoulder with eyes of faith and see Jehovah Nissi.
Something has crept in under the gate of your being and there is turmoil and confusion in your mind and heart; oh friend, look over your shoulder to the Banner that is over us, for it is Jehovah Nissi, and His banner over us is love!
What? You were minding your own business, taking care of what is yours, and the enemy seeps up through the cracks in the pavement of your walk and you gag at the smell of evil in the air; oh brothers and sisters, turn your head ... is it still there? Of course it is!
Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." [Matthew 28:20] Christ is our banner of love. Look to the banner, He is there! Always!
Jehovah Nissi "Himself has said, 'I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU.'" [Hebrews 13:5b; cf. Deuteronomy 31:6, 8] Jesus is our Nissi, blessed is the Christ the Son of God, who is Jesus the Son of Man, the Son of David ... blessed be the name of the LORD.
Soldier of God, fight the good fight of faith ...
Soldier of God, fight the good fight of faith ...
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.1 Timothy 6:12
Jehovah Nissi tells us the battle is not ours, it is His, He is our Supreme Commander. He tells us the victory is also His. And He tells us through the apostle John, "this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith." [1 John 5:4]
And through the apostle Paul He tells us,
And through the apostle Paul He tells us,
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:37-39
Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers.1 Samuel 17:22
Faith is the victory! His banner, Christ Jesus, over us is love! Look now, He is there!
Posts
