“and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.”
Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭28‬

In Philippians 1:28, we have an indication of Jehovah Nissi, which means “The LORD Our Banner.” It comes from Exodus 17:15, where we see Moses giving the altar this name after the Lord gave them victory over the Amalekites.

Amalek was the first enemy Israel had to face in the wilderness. It is a picture of the flesh. Amalek was a challenger to the people of God as the flesh is a challenge for believers to battle with. Victory was secured for Israel when Moses held up his hands. Here we see a type of the intercession of the Lord Jesus in heaven on our behalf. 

Back in Philippians 1, we have Paul’s testimony: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Then, in verses 27-30, we see seven practical ways in which the believer can “live Christ” while we are still on the earth. We are to have conduct worthy of the gospel; to stand firm; to strive side by side with other believers; not to be frightened by our opponents; to be conscious of God’s favor; to be willing to suffer; and to be engaged in the conflict.

Right in the middle of these practical exhortations, we find that God is the source of our salvation. Paul says that their salvation is “from God” (v. 28). He is the One who gives us the power and ability to practice those things which display that Christ lives in us. We are called to stand, strive, suffer, and engage in the conflict, but we do not do so in our own strength. The One under whose Banner we stand is the One who supplies what we need for the battle.

The Christian life is not without conflict. In this world we will have tribulation. There are opponents for the believer and enemies of the cross of Christ. But in all conflict God proves Himself to be our Jehovah Nissi—our Banner. The single mind enables us to have joy in the midst of battle.

This first name of God that we see reflected in Philippians speaks to us of Divine Protection. Jehovah Nissi is our Banner in the conflict.

Anchor For Today:
Just as Israel’s victory over Amalek came from the Lord, our ability to stand firm and “live Christ” in the midst of opposition comes from Him.