Daily Devotion

The first time Joshua appears in scripture is when he is told to lead men in the battle against the Amalekites (17:8-16). Moses stood on top of a hill and held out his rod toward the battle. As long as his rod was held up, Israel prevailed. When he started getting tired Aaron and Hur (identified as an assistant to Moses 24:14) helped hold up his arms. After the battle was won Moses erected an altar to honor the Lord and called it “The Lord is My Banner” (Yahweh Nissi). A banner was a standard or battle flag on a pole that could be lifted to signal troops. It could call the people to fight, have a meeting or to receive instructions. Moses was saying that if he lifted up the Lord, the Lord would direct his battles. God still does this for us today. His love for us means He not only protects, and provides for us, but He also fights for us. The allegory of the Song of Solomon had it right:

“He brought me to the banqueting house and His banner over me was love” (Song of Sol.)

Pastor Roger Dean

Exodus 17-20