Original Word: יְהוָֹה נִסִּי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Yhovah nicciy
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see'
Phonetic Spelling: (yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see')
KJV: Jehovah-nissi
Word Origin: [from H3068 (יְהוֹוָה - LORD) and H5251 (נֵס - standard) with the prononimal suffix]

1. Jehovah (is) my banner
2. Jehovah-Nissi, a symbolical name of an altar in the Desert

Jehovah-nissi

From Yhovah and nec with the prononimal suffix; Jehovah (is) my banner; Jehovah-Nissi, a symbolical name of an altar in the Desert -- Jehovah-nissi.

see HEBREW Yhovah

see HEBREW nec

Word Origin
see Yhvh and nes.

Name and Meaning

יְהוָה נִסִּי (Yahweh Nissi) is translated “The LORD Is My Banner.” A banner (nes) in ancient warfare was the signal pole around which troops rallied and under which they advanced. By naming an altar Yahweh Nissi, Moses identified the LORD Himself as Israel’s rallying point, source of identity, and guarantee of victory.

Historical Setting: Exodus 17:8-16

After the Exodus, Amalek attacked Israel at Rephidim. Joshua led the combat while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to a nearby hill. Whenever Moses held up the staff of God, Israel prevailed; when his hands lowered, Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur supported his hands until sunset, “and Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword” (Exodus 17:13). Moses then built an altar and named it “The LORD Is My Banner” (Exodus 17:15). The altar commemorated the battle, acknowledged that the LORD—not human prowess—secured the victory, and testified that ongoing conflict with Amalek would culminate in their eventual blotting out (Exodus 17:16).

The Banner Motif in Scripture

Though Yahweh Nissi itself appears only in Exodus 17:15, the nes motif permeates Scripture:

• Israel marches under divine banners in Numbers 1–2, each tribe encamping “by his own standard.”
• Moses foreshadowed the banner of salvation when he “made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole” (Numbers 21:9).
• Psalm 20:5: “May we shout for joy at your victory and raise a banner in the name of our God.”
• Song of Songs 2:4: “His banner over me is love,” depicting covenant affection.
• Isaiah 11:10-12 portrays the Messianic Root of Jesse as “a banner for the peoples,” gathering the nations.
• Isaiah 62:10 rallies Zion to “raise a banner for the nations.”

These references expand the concept from military signal to emblem of salvation, covenant love, and eschatological gathering.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Warfare: The raised staff shows that Israel’s battles are fought in dependence on the LORD’s power (Deuteronomy 20:3-4).
2. Intercession: Moses’ upheld hands illustrate prayerful mediation; victory flows from reliance on God rather than on arms (1 Samuel 17:47).
3. Covenant Remembrance: The altar at Rephidim serves as a memorial, keeping future generations mindful of God’s acts (Joshua 4:7).
4. Judgment and Grace: While Amalek is condemned, Israel is preserved, foreshadowing the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over evil.

Christological Significance

Jesus fulfilled the banner motif. “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14). The crucified and risen Christ is the banner under which salvation is offered to all. Isaiah’s prophecy that the Root of Jesse would stand “as a banner for the peoples” (Isaiah 11:10) finds its ultimate realization in Him, and He now draws all nations to Himself (John 12:32).

Ministry and Personal Application

• Spiritual Warfare: Believers engage in conflict “not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12) under Christ’s banner. Prayerful dependence, symbolized by Moses’ upheld hands, is indispensable.
• Identity and Unity: In a fragmented world, the church rallies around the person and work of Christ, not cultural or political symbols (Galatians 3:28).
• Assurance of Victory: Yahweh Nissi assures Christians that ultimate triumph rests on the Lord’s might, encouraging steadfastness (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).
• Evangelism and Missions: The banner imagery propels global witness, anticipating the day when “peoples will gather to the Root of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:10).

Related Names of God

• Yahweh Sabaoth – “The LORD of Hosts,” emphasizing military supremacy.
• Yahweh Shalom – “The LORD Is Peace,” complementing the victory theme with covenant wholeness.
• Yahweh Roi – “The LORD Is My Shepherd,” balancing the warrior image with pastoral care.

References for Further Study

Exodus 17:8-16; Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 20:1-9; Song of Songs 2:4; Isaiah 11:1-12; Isaiah 62:10-12; John 3:14-15; John 12:32; Ephesians 6:10-20.

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