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| Olympic closing ceremony, London, 2012. |
YHWH Nissi is only mentioned once in the Hebrew Bible, at the end of a story which chronicles the first armed conflict of the nation of Israel. Though just a few months out of slavery, the people of Israel have had their share of troubles. They ran out of food, so God provided manna and quails. They also ran out of water, so Moses struck a rock and water came gushing out. Even so, morale is low and complaints are high. Now at Rephidim (most likely a valued oasis), they are attacked by the Amalekites, nomads in the region who are protecting what they view as their territory. Moses tells Joshua to take some men and go out and fight, then indicates that he will stand atop a hill with the staff of God in hand.
The battle is a long one. Joshua and the men of Israel are fighting in the valley. Moses is up on the hill, arms raised. When he tires and his arms fall, the battle goes badly for the Hebrew warriors. Aaron and Hur give Moses a rock to sit on and each hold up one of his hands. As long as Moses's hands (and the staff) are raised, Israel prevails. Eventually, at sundown, the battle is over and Israel has won.
The Lord tells Moses to record the story for posterity, indicating that he will wipe out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. Moses builds an altar and calls it, "YHWH Nissi," the Lord is my Banner, noting that YHWH will have war on Amalek from generation to generation.
Just a side note: this last bit sounds somewhat harsh to our modern ears, but in a time when posterity was equal to eternal life, the wiping out of both remembrance and future generations of the Amalekites was a direct contrast to the covenant which YHWH made with the people of Israel: to bless them, to make them a great nation, and to make them a blessing to all other nations. The focus of the story is not the curse on the Amalekites, but the faithfulness of God to fulfill the covenant first made to Abram. Israel would not be wiped out.
Back to the name of God: Nissi means banner or flag. In the context of a battle story, it most likely refers to a military standard. But what does it mean that YHWH is a banner? Below are four different purposes for a banner, flag, or military standard, each with implications for the relationship between God and God's people.
1. A banner or flag is a sign of belonging or identity. We see this evident in many contemporary contexts. Each country has its own flag representing a national identity. Some countries even pledge allegiance to their flag, the sense of belonging and loyalty closely tied to this symbol. At the Olympic games, flag-bearers take on the leading role in the parade of nations, and the athletes of each country assemble behind this symbol of their respective countries. Winners often drape themselves in their nation's flag, or wave them on a victory lap.
In the biblical text, we find that each of the twelve tribes of Israel had their own family flag around which they assembled. "The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 'The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family'" (Numbers 2:1-2, NIV). Banners signal identity and belonging.
2. A banner or flag serves as a rallying point, a place of refuge and safety. In a military setting, a standard is often set up on a hill, away from the actual battle site. It serves as a place for troops to rally around before and after battle. It also provides a safe place of retreat during battle should someone be caught under fire. Similarly, a fort or fortress will fly high the flag of its king or nation, offering refuge to those who are aligned with their cause while keeping out all who intend harm.
In a prayer of David written concerning an intense battle, we read: "You have set up a banner for those who fear you, to rally to it out of bowshot. Give victory with your right hand, and answer us, so that those whom you love may be rescued" (Psalm 60:4-5, NRSV). The place of the banner is a refuge, away from the assault of the enemy, away from hostilities. People can rally there and be safe.
3. A banner or flag is a call to action and a point of focus. A flag is not always merely symbolic. Sometimes it is direct communication, even a call to action. If you are on the sea, signal flags are an important way to communicate. There is a flag for every letter of the alphabet, and each flag also represents a concise message, be it "Yes" or "No," or "I am altering my course to starboard" or "I am on fire and have dangerous cargo; keep clear!" Each message calls for a different kind of action and one must be attentive to know what response is appropriate.
Isaiah the prophet foresees the devastation coming upon a wayward Israel (captivity, exile, scattering, destruction of Jerusalem, etc.), but he follows this declaration of doom with promises of comfort and restoration, salvation and homecoming. "The Master, God, says: 'Look! I signal to the nations, I raise my flag to summon the people. ... You'll know then that I am God. No one who hopes in me ever regrets it'" (Isaiah 49:22-23, The Message). In Isaiah's message of hope, the signal to the nations is to gather, to bring the people of Israel together, to carry them, to serve them. It is a reversal of the scattering and subjugation. A banner can call us to restorative action. And similar to the standard which serves as a rallying point, a signal flag becomes a point of focus, a way of orienting those who have become disoriented or lost.
4. A banner signifies the presence and character of the ruler. One of the most famous historical banners is that of Richard I of England, better known as Richard the Lionheart. It features three golden lions on a red background. Richard spent much of his reign actively fighting or defending his country and its lands. He was an army commander from the age of 16, and the regal animals on his standard reflected his reputation as a brave military leader and warrior. Legend has it that though sick with scurvy and lying on a stretcher, Richard shot his crossbow at guards on a wall and aided in the capture of Acre. (Please note that I am not condoning war or the Crusades here, only noting his reputation for bravery.) The standard of Richard the Lionheart likely accompanied him as he commanded his army, so the red banner flapping in the wind above everyone's heads would have reassured the troops that their leader was on the ground with them.
In contrast to Richard's banner of military bravery, we find the royal banner of a lover in Song of Solomon: "He placed me at his banquet table, for everyone to see that his banner over me declares his love (Song of Solomon 2:4, The Voice). Though the word used here for banner is not nissi, but degel, it also means flag, banner, or standard. While military standards are meant to inspire confidence and strength, the banner of King Solomon, here representing YHWH's love for his people, is one of intimacy and vulnerability.
Though only used once in the Scriptures, the name YHWH Nissi is rich with meaning. A banner is a visual representation of the character of the king, a reminder of his presence. It a point of focus and a call to action. It brings us hope and serves as a rallying point. It is a place of safety and refuge. It is a symbol of belonging and identity. But the banner is not merely a symbol or analogy. In this story, it is a person: YHWH.
Who do we belong to? YHWH Nissi
Who do we rally around? YHWH Nissi
Who is our refuge and safety? YHWH Nissi
Who calls us to action? YHWH Nissi
Who is our hope? YHWH Nissi
Who is our focus and who orients us? YHWH Nissi
Who is with us, our guiding presence? YHWH Nissi
Who loves us and invites us to the royal table? YHWH Nissi
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Image from dailymail.co.uk
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