Yahweh Nissi – The Lord Our Banner

The Mystery of God Series

Main Texts: Psalm 103:1–5; Exodus 17:8–16 (ESV)

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1–5, ESV)

First Mention of Yahweh Nissi

8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. 9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses told him and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. 

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, 16 saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” (Exodus 17:8–16, ESV).

Yahweh Nissi means “The LORD is my banner” or “The LORD who gives me victory.”

Just as a banner rallies an army and marks their victory, God is our standard of triumph.

I. Anticipate Blessings AND Expect Battles

• God had miraculously provided for Israel, but now they must engage in battle.

• Amalek = descendants of Esau, representing the flesh warring against the spirit.

Truths to Remember:

1. Spiritual life includes both blessing and battle.

2. Resistance often follows spiritual breakthroughs.

3. The enemy attacks from within and without.

4. Opposition is often a sign that you’re moving in the right direction.

II. Your Posture is Just as Important as Your Position

• Victory didn’t happen on the battlefield—it happened on the hill.

• Moses raised his hands in surrender and authority, supported by Aaron (priest) and Hur (elder).

Lessons for Warfare:

1. Your victory depends on dependence, not strength.

2. Surrender is the highest posture in spiritual battle.

3. You need both spiritual and practical support.

4. Authority flows from being under authority.

III. There Are Many Ways to Wage War—But Only One Guarantees Victory

• God told Moses to write it down: Victory comes under God’s banner.

• The war with Amalek is ongoing and generational.

How to Win Today’s Battles:

1. Get under authority.

2. Walk in obedience.

3. Don’t go it alone—who’s holding up your hands?

4. Remain on the Rock.

5. Keep your hands raised—surrendered and praying.

One Last Thing:

You’re not fighting alone. The LORD is your victory (Yahweh Nissi) and your ever-present help (Yahweh Shammah).

He will crown you with steadfast love and mercy.