Exodus 17:13-16 "And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."
In the verses immediately prior to these, Moses sat upon a stone and, with the help of Aaron and Hur, held up his hands during the battle between the children of Israel and Amalek. As long as Moses’ hands were up, Joshua and the children of Israel prevailed against Amalek. With help, Moses was able to hold his hands up until the sun went down. The tide of battle was turned in Joshua’s favor.
Joshua discomfited the Amalekites. Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionary gives the meaning of the word translated as discomfited to mean “to prostrate; by implication to overthrow, decay.” Webster’s 1828 Dictionary of American English defines prostrate as used here to mean “to throw down; to overthrow; to demolish; to ruin.” This was not just a little skirmish; the LORD blessed Joshua to completely overcome the Amalekites.
The LORD then instructed Moses to write down an account of Israel’s first battle after leaving the land of Egypt. It was to be remembered by the children of Israel. The work of the LORD in delivering the Amalekites into Joshua’s hand was to be “put (rehearsed)” in Joshua’s ears. Joshua was to always remember that though the enemy fell by his hand it happened by the LORD’s strength. The LORD showed Moses that there would be generations who would be at war with Amalek, but God would bring absolute destruction upon Amalek’s head.
Moses built an altar there and called it “The LORD is my banner (Jehovahnissi).” Throughout history, armies have carried banners into battle. These banners serve many purposes, such as identifying a rallying point for the soldiers of that particular army. The banner inspires hope in its soldiers and reminds them of what they are fighting for. If the army has a reputation of being victorious, that banner may also cause fear in the hearts of the enemy.
Dear ones, take a moment to consider what it means that we can say “The LORD is my banner.” He is our gathering place, and He causes our foes to flee. Even death and the grave cannot stand before Him. While His banner to the enemy might bring fear, the Song of Solomon tells us His banner over us is love (Song of Solomon 2:4). May we fly His banner in our lives with great joy!