May 19, 2026; Jehovah Nissi

Daily Dose of Hope May 19, 2026   Name of God:  Jehovah Nissi – The Lord Is My Banner Scripture:  Exodus 17:8-16, Isaiah 11:10-12, Psalm 20:5-7, John 12:32   Prayer:  Holy God, I come before You today acknowledging You as Jehovah Nissi, the Lord my Banner. When the battles of life surround me and the enemy's tactics seem overwhelming, I do not have to fight in my own strength. I look to You as my defender and my source of strength.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently in a study on the names of God in the Old Testament.  As we have mentioned, in the ancient world, names held a great deal of significance, indicating aspects of someone's character and purpose.  Certainly, it is the same with God.  God has many different names, all of which demonstrate one aspect of His character.  Today, we are focusing on Jehovah Nissi.   Jehovah Nissi (or more accurately YHWH Nissi) means the Lord is my Banner.  Nissi comes from the Hebrew word Nes (nês), meaning something lifted up as a standard or banner.  A standard is a flag or rallying point during battle, while a banner was usually set on top of a mountain to show people where to assemble and it flew over the warriors as they fought.   In Exodus 17:8-16, we find an excellent portrayal of Jehovah Nissi fighting for His people; it's also the only place in Scripture specifically referencing the name Jehovah Nissi. The Amalekites, an enemy of Israel, came to fight at Rephidim. Joshua gathered some men while Moses stood on top of the hill with the Lord's staff along with his brother, Aaron, and friend, Hur. Moses held the staff over the men fighting below. "While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed."  So Aaron and Hur helped by supporting Moses' arms so the staff wouldn't lower, and Joshua and his men defeated the Amalekites.   In Exodus 17:15-16, Scripture reads, "And Moses built an altar and named it, The Lord Is My Banner." He said, "Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the Lord's throne." Moses knew that God was the one who ensured their victory and he wanted to make sure everyone else did too. Jehovah Nissi was the source of this victory, while using Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Hur and the staff. Elsewhere in the Bible His "banner" is an illustration of His protection and salvation.  Just as banners and flags today identify nations and groups and those who belong to them, God's banner identifies those who belong to Him.  Here are a few illustrations: Psalm 60:4, "You have raised a banner to . . . save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered." Psalm 20:5 "We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!" Isaiah 11:10,12, Speaking of the Messiah who was to come, Isaiah prophesied, "In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people...He will set up a banner for the nations."   What significance does this divine name, Jehovah Nissi, have for Christ-followers?  First, it points to how God does not leave us to fight our battles in our own strength.  I'm often praying to God to fight my battles for me, because so often, we simply have no control.  But God does.  Second, I think we learn to remember and celebrate the way God has led us and the victories He has provided. Moses built an altar.  I don't think we need to build something physical but we do need to remember what God has done for us.  Remembering God's faithfulness in the past builds our own faith and trust in the present. Take a moment and pray to Jehovah Nissi.  What battles do you need God to fight for you right now?  What battles has He fought for you the past?  Have you celebrated those victories? Blessings, Pastor Vicki