Bible Dictionary
Jehovah-nissi
Jehovah-nissi means “the Lord is my banner.” Moses gave this name to the altar commemorating Israel’s victory over Amalek, declaring that God is the people’s rallying standard and source of victory.
Definition
Jehovah-nissi means “Jehovah my banner” or “Yahweh is my banner.” Moses gave this name to the altar he built to commemorate Israel’s defeat of the Amalekites under Joshua at Rephidim.
Biblical Usage
The name declares that God is the banner around whom His people rally and the source of their victory.
Historical Background
The altar marked the victory over Amalek. The supplied material also records variant translations connecting the name with refuge and miracles.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Jehovah my banner, the title given by Moses to the altar which he erected on the hill on the top of which he stood with uplifted hands while Israel prevailed over their enemies the Amalekites (Ex. 17:15).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>je-ho'-va nis'-i (yahweh nicci, "Yahweh is my banner"): So Moses named the altar which he reared to signalize the defeat of the Amalekites by Israel under Joshua, at Rephidim (Ex 17:15). Septuagint translates "the Lord my refuge," deriving nicci from nuc, "to flee." Targum Onkelos reads, "Moses built an altar and worshipped on it before Yahweh, who had wrought for him miracles" (niccin). The suggestion is that the people should rally round God as an army gathers round its standard. He it is who leads them to victory.</p>