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Exodus 17:15

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Exodus 17:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi;
Exodus 17:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Exodus 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12But Moses` hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; And his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
13And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
14And Jehovah said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
15And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi;
16And he said, Jehovah hath sworn: Jehovah will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
← Exodus 17:14Exodus 17:16 →
← Full Chapter 17 Exodus Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Moses built an altar, etc.] On Horeb, as Aben Ezra; on the top of the hill, as Ben Gersom, where sacrifices of thanksgiving were offered up for the victory obtained, or however a monument erected in memory of it: and he called the name of it Jehovahnissi; which signifies either “the Lord is my miracle” who wrought a miracle for them in giving them the victory over Amalek, as well as, through smiting the rock with the rod, brought out water from thence for the refreshment of the people, their children and cattle; or “the Lord is my banner”: alluding to the hands of Moses being lifted up with the rod therein, as a banner displayed, under which Joshua and Israel fought, and got the victory.…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Jehovah-nissi - See the margin, “Jehovah my banner.” As a proper name the Hebrew word is rightly preserved. The meaning is evidently that the name of Yahweh is the true banner under which victory is certain; so to speak, the motto or inscription on the banners of the host. Inscriptions on the royal standard were well known. Each of the Pharaohs on his accession adopted one in addition to his official name. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Moses built an altar, and called it Jehovah - niffi - The Lord is my banner. The presence and power of Jehovah was the banner under which they were lifted, by which they were animated, and kept together, and therefore which they erected in the day of their triumph. In the name of our God we must always lift up our banners: He that doth all the work should have all the praise. Write this for a memorial - This is the first mention of writing we find in scripture; and perhaps the command was not given till after the writing of the law on tables of stone. Next: Exodus Chapter 18”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“17:15 This banner was a battle flag. In Isa 5:26, God lifted up a banner to call the nations to war against Israel. In Isa 11:10, 12, the Messiah would be the banner calling the nations to bring his people home.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jehovahnissi: i.e. the Lord my banner, Gen 22:14, Gen 33:20; Psa 60:4 Exodus 17:16”
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Related study paths

Read Exodus 17 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification