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    In Context

    What Does Jehovah-Nissi Mean — In Biblical Context

    Jehovah-Nissi means 'The LORD Is My Banner' — proclaimed by Moses after Israel's victory over the Amalekites.

    Quick Answer

    Jehovah-Nissi means 'The LORD Is My Banner' — proclaimed by Moses after Israel's victory over the Amalekites.

    "And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi." — Exodus 17:15 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Jehovah-Nissi appears in Exodus 17, when Joshua led Israel in battle against the Amalekites while Moses held up the rod of God on the hilltop. As long as Moses' hands were raised, Israel prevailed. After the victory, Moses built an altar and called it Jehovah-Nissi — 'The LORD Is My Banner.' In ancient warfare, a banner was a rallying point that identified an army and signaled its loyalty. By naming God his banner, Moses declared that the LORD Himself is the standard under which His people fight and conquer. Believers today rally to Christ as their banner — He is the One who fights for us and gives us the victory.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Exodus 17:15, sits inside Exodus 17. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi."
    — Exodus 17:15 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Psalm 60:4
    "Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth."
    Song of Solomon 2:4
    "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love."

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    Meaning

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