My Banner

In Exodus 17:8-15, we read of a battle between Israel and Amalek.  It is in the account of this battle that we first encounter the name Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord My Banner.

Let's think first about a banner, which in ancient times, in the time of the Bible, was not exactly what we may picture today.  According to The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, a banner was a standard "carried at the head of a military band or body, to indicate the line of march or the rallying point. A banner was not necessarily a flag such as we might use today, but was often a bare pole with a bright shining ornament which glittered in the sun."
 
Think about that today.  Consider the passage in Exodus 17 carefully.  Some say that Amalek is a picture of the flesh and that God has a practical lesson for our lives in this historical event.  What do you think that lesson is?  Don't stretch your imagination or add to what God is saying.  Just consider the facts.  (Remember those questions....who, what, when, where, why, how!)  Meditate on that today, and we'll continue tomorrow.  Feel free to share your thoughts or insights in the comments section.  I would love to hear from you!