## The Names of God - Jehovah-Nissi

## Exodus 17:15

Over the past several weeks we have been looking at the various ways that God has revealed Himself to us in Scripture indicated by His names. Each name that God uses for Himself reveals to us an aspect of His character that helps us to know Him better.

- Elohim = God -- Creator, Preserver, Keeper of His Covenant
- Jehovah = LORD -- holiness (Truth revealer), righteousness, redemption
- El-Shaddai = Almighty God -- Our all-sufficient supply, Bestower of power, gifts, blessings, and the one who makes us fruitful
- Adonai = Lord - Our Sovereign God, Owner of all.
- Jehovah-jireh = The LORD will provide - He will see our needs and meet them.
- Jehovah-Rophe = Jehovah Heals - He will heal the bitter waters of this life.

Tonight we come to another of the names that God has used to reveal Himself to us. It is also a combined name: Jehovah-Nissi. It comes from another very important biblical event. After leaving Marah where God healed the bitter waters, they arrive in Rephidim only to find that there was no water there at all! Read: Ex 17:1-7

I. The First Attack - Amalek v8

A. Who were the Amalekites?

1. Amakek was the grandson of Esau.

2. His descendants would prove to be Israel's adversaries for many years to come.

3. God commanded Saul to utterly destroy them, and he failed to do so.

4. It wouldn't be until centuries later that King Hezekiah would finally destroy them.

B. They attacked the rear guard.

1. We would call this a sneak attack.

2. This is our first introduction to Joshua.

3. He would be in charge of their counter attack.

C. Moses, Aaron, and Hur would be on the mountain overlooking the battle. v9-12

1. As long as the Moses held the rod high, the battle went for the Israelites.

2. When he let down his hands the battle would go against them.

3. Aaron and Hur were there to support Moses when he grew tired.

4. Here is a great lesson in working together.

II. God Brings Victory and a New Name v13-16

A. The source of victory.

1. Wasn't in Joshua's expertise.

2. Wasn't in Moses' experience.

3. Victory comes from God!

4. Moses' rod was a symbol of God's power and presence.

5. This event was to be a memorial for Israel.

(Exodus 17:14) And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

Deuteronomy 20:1, "When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt."

B. The Rod was God's Banner

1. A banner was not always a flag.

2. Sometimes it was a staff with an emblem that was lifted up for all to see.

3. Moses' rod was God's banner…

4. With it he had defeated the magicians of Egypt and led the people forth.

5. He stretched it out and the Red Sea parted for their escape…and for their enemies' destruction.

6. Now it is lifted up and brings victory over Amalek.

C. A New Name is Given. v17

1. Jehovah-Nissi = The Lord is Our Banner

2. Nissi = is the same word that is used when Moses would make the serpent of brass and lift it up for the salvation of the people.

3. It is a type and picture of the cross of Jesus Christ.

4. Nissi = is also translated as standard, banner, ensign and sail.

5. These banners and standards were used to unite the people…similar to how our US flag today unites us all together.

6. The significance here is that God is our banner…He is the One who unites us...and He is the One who brings us into victory.

III. Why We Need Jehovah-Nissi

A. We are in a battle today.

1. Spiritual warfare is a reality.

2. This is a battle that takes place within.

3. Our enemy attacks us when we are at our weakest point.

4. The forces are unseen, but very real.

(Ephesians 6:12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

B. Every believer needs to rally under His banner.

1. We need each other!

2. That is why the local church is so important to us.

3. Testimony this week of young family so encouraged since becoming a part of this church.

4. Moses, Aaron, and Hur were up on the mountain lifting up the battle to God…Joshua and the army was in the heat of the battle.

5. We need to pray and support one another and lift one another up in prayer for victory.

C. Ultimately we recognize that the battle is the Lord's.

1. They did all they could do, and the Lord - Jehovah-Nissi gave them the victory.

2. Only when the rod was held up could the battle be won.

3. Our battle can only be won in God's strength.

(2 Chronicles 20:15) And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

(Zechariah 4:6) Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

(Psalms 118:6) The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

(Romans 8:31) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

4. The rod (the banner) was a symbol of Jesus Christ Himself and His cross.

5. Jesus is our Jehovah-Nissi He unites us and brings us victory.

Are we depending upon our Jehovah-Nissi for victory? The attacks will come, but He will never leave us nor forsake us.