THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #120 | THE LIFE OF MOSES #101

Pastor Christopher Choo

Lesson 3805

THE  LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS #120

THE LIFE OF MOSES #101

FROM ELIM TO THE WILDERNESS OF SIN #12

The Battle of Rephidim #5

YHVH NISSI

After their miraculous victory over the Amalekites, Moses built an altar.  And he called the name of it “YHVH-NISSI”

 

This was an altar, first of all, where they could sacrifice.  Here they would offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to God for the victory that He had given them.  And what a victory it was, for they suffered no loss at all.  They had much to be thankful for.

 

But it was also an altar that would serve as a memorial.  

The altar was built by Moses to be a constant reminder to the Israelites of this victory.  That’s what is expressed in the name, YHVH-Nissi.  That name means this – “God, my flag or banner.”

 

A banner was an important symbol in warfare back then.  

The banner was a flag placed upon a tall pole. It was lifted up high for all the soldiers to see – similar to what Moses did with the rod.  

And that banner stood above the leader of the army.

 

When the soldiers went out to battle, they went out looking for that banner and following that banner, for that was where their leader was.  They would rally around him.  When they did so, they were strong, they were united, they were safe against the enemy.  However, if ever a soldier was separated from the banner, that is, from his leader, he would be in danger and would most likely be taken and destroyed by the enemy.

 

Thus Israel confessed through this altar, and through the name that Moses gave it, what they had learned from this battle: “YHVH-Nissi – God is my Banner.”  

What they were  confessing was this: “God is our leader. We are His soldiers, but He is the One that leads us into battle.  We gather around Him when we fight.  He is our strength.Without Him we are doomed. If ever we are separated from Him, the enemy will take us and the battle will be lost. But He is with us and over us.

Our victory is sure because of Him.”

It means that as you fight all your spiritual battles, YHVH leads you. 

You do not follow and put your trust in men. 

You do not lead yourself into battle and trust in yourself. 

You trust in Him. 

- He leads you when you must fight against the devil. 

- He leads you when you must fight against the world. 

- He leads you when you must fight against your own sinful lusts.  

- He leads you when you must fight against your besetting sins – against doubts, against pride, against an evil tongue, against worldliness, against neglecting the things of God.  

You fight under the banner of YHVH. You fight under God Himself. You fight under His covering.Thus victory is certain.