Exodus 17:15(ESV) And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner.
When Moses built the altar and called it, The LORD is my banner, he was creating a place of remembrance, a celebration of victory, an expression of thanks.
The Lord is my Banner – Jehovah Nissi – proclaims God’s leadership and the protection of His people.
Psalm 20:5(ESV) May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfil all your petitions!
Psalm 60:4–5(ESV) You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us!
Banners are labels and signets. They announce names and images which people can recognise from a great distance. They show the location and identity of a business or event so people can navigate to it. God is our banner because we live to celebrate and honour His faithfulness to us.
God as your banner means:
• His purpose stands firm – When troops went into battle, a banner was raised as a rallying point and proof of their purpose. They would look for the banner as a focal point. The banner would call them back and re-align them with their sense of purpose.
Psalm 33:11(NLT) But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken.
• He is with you through every trial – Romans 5:3-4(NLT) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
God raises a banner over you to remind you that His presence is with you. He is fighting for you.
Hebrews 13:5b(NLT) I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.
• His provision sustains you – Philippians 4:19(NLT) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
• His protection brings victory – Isaiah 41:10-12(NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
Song of Solomon 2:4(ESV) He has brought me to his banquet house, and his banner over me is love.