The Lord My Banner

At Rephidim, Amalek came and fought against Israel. Moses said to Joshua, "Select some men for us and go fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with God's staff in my hand."
Joshua did as Moses had told him, and fought against Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed. When Moses' hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword. The Lord then said to Moses, " Write this down on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua: I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven."
And Moses built an altar and named it: The a Lord is My Banner." He said, " indeed, my hand is lifted toward the Lord's throne. The Lord will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation." Exodus 17:8-16

Isn't it interesting that as Moses raises his hands Joshua prevails. Worship here is a weapon, and a mighty powerful one at that. Intercession on behalf of the Israelites is also a weapon. While Moses worshipped the Israelites prevailed. What does this tell us? Not to give up in prayer for others.

God wanted Moses to write all that happened down, Joshua would come to a time when he would need reminding. This is why it is good to journal and write down God's miraculous provision, to remind us how good our God is, remembering is powerful.

Moses built an altar, another act of worship, he made an offering in thanksgiving to God.

Moses saw that his hands were lifted towards God's throne, not just in the air, not just a gesture, he was inviting God's presence into the battle. Moses named the altar: The Lord is my banner. An unusual name but one that recognised God's covering.

Call it like it is. Give honour for victories one, recognise it was God who gave you the victory. Amen!


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