Old Testament
Exodus 17:15
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Moses built an altar and named it Jehovahnissi — "The LORD Is My Banner."
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And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:
What Exodus 17:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Moses creates an altar to honor God after a significant victory. He names it Jehovahnissi, which means 'The LORD Is My Banner.' This name reflects the idea that God is a source of strength and protection. Just as a banner represents a group, Moses acknowledges that God leads and supports His people. The altar serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness during their struggles. It symbolizes the importance of recognizing divine help in our lives. By naming the altar, Moses encourages the Israelites to remember their reliance on God. This act of worship reinforces their identity as a community under God's guidance. It teaches us to celebrate our victories and acknowledge the source of our strength in challenging times. The altar stands as a testament to God's presence and power in their journey, reminding us that we are never alone in our battles. We can look to God as our banner, guiding us through life's challenges with His unwavering support and love.
How to apply Exodus 17:15 to your life
In our lives, we can create our own 'altars' by recognizing and celebrating moments when we experience God's help. This could be through journaling, sharing stories with friends, or creating reminders in our homes. Acknowledging these moments strengthens our faith and encourages us to trust in God's guidance during tough times. Remember, God is always our banner, leading us forward with love and support. Embrace this truth daily.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Victory over Amalek (Exodus 17:8–16)
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Moses
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 17:15 mean?
Exodus 17:15 describes Moses building an altar named Jehovahnissi, meaning 'The LORD Is My Banner.' This signifies that God is a source of strength and protection for His people, especially after a significant victory.
What is the meaning of Jehovahnissi in Exodus 17:15?
Jehovahnissi means 'The LORD Is My Banner.' It reflects the idea that God leads and supports His people, serving as a reminder of His faithfulness and protection during their struggles.
Why did Moses build an altar in Exodus 17:15?
Moses built an altar to commemorate a significant victory and to honor God. The altar serves as a reminder for the Israelites of God's faithfulness and their reliance on Him.
How can we apply Exodus 17:15 in our lives today?
We can apply Exodus 17:15 by creating our own 'altars' to celebrate moments of God's help, such as journaling or sharing stories. This practice strengthens our faith and reminds us of God's guidance.
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