The LORD is My Banner Yahweh Nissi

God has taken me on quite an excursion as I continued to consider the ideas of salvation and defense that come from the word yesha from Psalm 27:6. You can take a look at Sure Footed to see what God has been teaching me through his Word while urging me to apply them to my experiences in life. Today, I am looking at addition definition of  the Hebrew word yesha -- victory. I came across the idea of The LORD is My Banner introduced to us by Moses in Exodus 17. The following is an exert from Ann Spangler's book Praying the Names of God.

“Moses built an alter and called it The Lord is my Banner.

He said for hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD.

Exodus 17:15-16

   

Understanding the Name from Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler

“Unlike fabric flags, ancient banners were usually made out of wood or metal and shaped into various figures or emblems that could be fasten to a bare staff or lodge pole. Depicting birds, animals, or gods, they often glistened brightly in the sun so that they could be seen from a far off. A banner carried at the head of an army or planted high on a hill served as a rallying point for troops before battle or as an announcement of a victory already won. Because they embodied the ideals and aspirations of whoever carried them, banners aroused devotion to a nation, a cause or a leader.”

   
When considering this particular name of God-- The LORD is my Banner--I especially like Ann's statement “A banner carried at the head of an army or planted high on a hill served as a rallying point for troops before battle or as an announcement of a victory already won.” A victory already won. Now that is a beautiful thing! It should spur us on to believe that today's 'battles' will also have the same outcome and give us the confidence to march on with the LORD as our inspiration.

     May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;

may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary

and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices

and accept your burnt offerings.
May he give you the desire of your heart

and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy over your victory

and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the LORD grant all your requests.

Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed.

He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

 but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,

but we rise up and stand firm.
LORD, give victory to the king!

Answer us when we call!

Psalm 20