Exodus 17:15 (NKJV) “And Moses built an altar and called its name, “The
Lord-Is-My-Banner.” KJV: “Moses built an altar, and called the name of it
Jehovah-Nissi.”
(1) After the Israelites had been delivered from
Egypt and Pharaoh, during their wilderness journey a new enemy, the Amalekites,
arose “and fought with Israel in Rephidim” (Ex. 17:8). At Moses’ command Joshua formed an army and
led it against Amalek, while nearby hill Moses held the staff of God over his
head.
(2) So long as Moses held up the staff of God,
Joshua would prevailed (to win against);
when his arms grew heavy and he lowered the rod, Amalek would prevail. Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands until
Israel was victorious.
(3)
Joshua defeated Amalek, and the Lord announced that He would “have war
with Amalek from generation to generation” (Ex. 17:9-16). Moses built an altar there and called it
Jehovah-Nissi, “The-Lord-Is-My-Banner” (Ex. 17:15).
(4)
Aaron and Hur, we should hold up the tiring hands of our pastors,
teachers, evangelists, missionaries, and all who fight the good fight of faith
(2Tim. 4:7). Amalek is an illustration
of the flesh to the Christian.
(5)
After leaving Egypt and crossing the Red Sea, Israel faced a new
enemy—Amalek—who is a picture of the flesh (the old sinful nature of man). The
war between Amalek (the flesh) and the believer has raged on for almost two
thousand years, and will continue until Jesus comes.
(6)
This warfare with the flesh is perpetual (continue forever), but will be won as long as we look to Jehovah
with uplifted arms, seeking His strength.
Paul speaks of this war against the flesh and warns the believer (Gal.
5:26, 16, 24).
(7)
Isaiah 11:12 looks prophetically into the future millennial age,
following Christ’s return, and gloriously announces, “He [God] will set up a
banner for the nations, and will assemble (gather)
the outcasts of Israel.”
(8)
The cross of Christ is our banner, and we must hold it high (John 12:32
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself”).
Key: We learn from this outline that, in the
battles of life, the believer’s strength comes not from himself but from
Jehovah-Nissi, “The-Lord-Is-My-Banner.”
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