“And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah Nissi [Jehovah is My Banner]” – Exodus 17:15, KJV)

When the American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to land on the Moon on July 21, 1969, the first thing he did was to set up the US flag on the moon’s surface.

That historical and momentous act was very significant in light of the fact that the US was in a tight race with the USSR over who would be the first to put a man on the moon.

The eventual presence of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ on the lunar surface was a massive declaration of America’s prowess and conquest of space ahead of its archrival.

Our meditation today reflects on Moses’ act of building an altar following a fiery battle against the Amalekites.

In the heat of the battle, the Israelites got the upper hand whenever Moses’ hands were lifted up to heaven.

However, Moses got tired, which forced Aaron and Hur to sit him on a stone and helped to keep his hands lifted up until the Amalekites were completely vanquished.

Afterwards, Moses, following in the footsteps of the Patriarchs Abraham and Isaac, built an altar and called it ‘Jehovah is my Banner’ or standard/flag.

Mark you, it was not a name attributed to God; it was the name of an altar, which symbolized God on His throne stretching out His mighty Hand against the enemies of His people from generation to generation.

“You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth.”

PSALM 60:4

Did I mention the fact that when Moses’ hands were stretched out, they made the sign of the cross, which shadowed Christ on the Cross of Calvary?

Since ancient times, every army had a standard or flag by which it would be identified (see Number 2:25).

A banner/flag was a rallying symbol for battle. Indeed, a conquering army would proclaim its conquest of territory by installing their flag on the new frontier.

That’s why David wrote in Psalm 20:5; “And in the Name of our God we will set up our banners!”

That particular psalm was composed by David for use in military training or as a war cry for soldiers matching to war.

In Psalm 60:4, the psalmist sang; “You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth.”

Isaiah prophesied that: “There shall be a Root of Jesse [Jesus Christ], Who shall stand as a banner to the people.” 

The prophecy was fulfilled when the crucified Christ became the banner for the gathering of peoples from all over the earth.

You could be involved in battles, struggles or conflicts right now.

However, God says He’s causing you to set up your banner on the territory of giants – people who are smarter, wealthier and stronger than you.

The Father says start building the altar called Jehovah Nissi, because He is setting up your banner on the enemy territory.

You’re not going to remain on the defensive; the LORD is handing you a ‘flag’ and the Lord of Hosts is leading you deep into enemy territory to conquer it for the kingdom.

You shall not stop proclaiming to the nations that I am your banner, says the LORD. Amen!

Prayer:

Almighty God, thank you for being my Banner.  Whatever is arrayed against me, you’re giving me a banner that I may display it as a celebration of your victory over every foe. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!