Page 17 - May 2026 - Truth & Tidings

Israel prevailed. When his hand fell, Ama- and confidence did not come from them-
lek gained ground. The close combat was selves. God was not merely assisting them;
hard and continued until sunset, the battle He was the defining centre around which
below reflecting Moses’ posture above. everything else aligned. The same Hebrew
As Moses’ strength faltered, Aaron and word is used elsewhere for the brazen
Hur supported him, seating him on a serpent’s pole and for signals raised high
stone and upholding his hands on either – visible from afar. David wrote, “You
side. Thus, the victory was shared: Joshua have set up a banner for those who fear
battling courageously, Moses interced- you” (Psa 60:4). Isaiah used the imagery
ing dependently, with others sustaining to describe God’s people gathering again
him in his weakness. Although Scripture in future national restoration (Isa 49:22).
credits Joshua with overwhelming the Thus, Jehovah-Nissi speaks of knowing
Amalekites, it is obvious that Amalek where to stand, where to flee, and whom
was defeated not by military strength, to trust when danger comes.
but because the Lord fought for them as
Moses interceded. Amalek’s Continuing
Remembered and Recorded Significance
The Lord instructed Moses to write the Throughout Scripture, Amalek reap-
account as a memorial and to rehearse pears at key moments: in Saul’s failed
it in Joshua’s hearing. This would give obedience, in David’s recovery of stolen
him assurance as he would one day lead plunder, and later through Haman the
Israel into the land. The lessons learned Agagite in the book of Esther. Their per-
at Rephidim were foundational: victory sistent hostility left a deep mark on Israel’s
would never rest on experience or num- collective memory, even more poignant
bers but on reliance upon God. Amalek because of their kinship through Esau.
would not have the ultimate victory; Naming the altar, Moses said, “A hand
they would eventually be defeated, ren- upon the throne of the LORD” (Exo 17:16
dered powerless and forever forgotten. – “Because the LORD hath sworn” KJV).
In response, Moses built an altar and Whether this refers to Amalek’s audacious
named it Jehovah-Nissi – “The LORD is attack against the Lord or Israel’s depen-
my banner.” dence upon Him is uncertain.
Amalek has often been understood
The Meaning of the Banner typically. Without detaching the narrative
Regimental banners are physical and from its historical reality, many have seen
emotional rallying points. They mark in Amalek a pattern of the relentless op-
identity, and give direction and a sense position that emerges soon after redemp-
of belonging. As warriors regroup around tion, particularly the weakness (strength?)
their standard, they are reminded whose of the flesh which is constantly opposed
they are and whom they serve. Bearing to God’s will and ways. Our redemp-
records of past victories, they give courage tion does not bring an immediate end to
for present conflict. spiritual conflict; rather, it introduces a
To declare the Lord as Israel’s banner new sphere of warfare and dependence
was to affirm that their unity, protection upon God.
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