Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: I. THE ALTAR A MEMORIAL OF AN HISTORIC FACT. Great battle of Rephidim. One of the most remarkable. The enemy — crafty, cruel, cowardly — attacked the rear where the young, aged, women, etc. (Deuteronomy 25:17, 18). Israelites unarmed, unused to warfare. Taken by surprise in the rear. They could succeed only by the help of God. II. THE ALTAR A RECORD OF RELIGIOUS DUTY. 1. The duty of diligently using the means at hand in doing our proper and appointed work. Moses chose the general. Joshua chose the fittest men. The men chose their weapons. 2. The duty of encouraging those who may be in peculiar danger. Moses to Joshua (ver. 9). 3. The duty of rendering willing sympathy and aid. Israel hastening to the rescue of the feeble, etc., who were attacked. III. THIS ALTAR AN EXPRESSION OF PIOUS SENTIMENTS. 1. Of faith. Flushed with success, remembering much individual prowess, they acknowledge that their victory was from another source. 2. Of gratitude. The altar left behind would teach all desert travellers to trust in the Lord. 3. Resolution for the future. They would only fight for the right, and under this banner. We too have a banner (Isaiah 11:10). Must be united (Isaiah 11:12, 13), and rally round it (Psalm 60:4; Song of Solomon 2:4). (J. C. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:WEB: Moses built an altar, and called its name Yahweh our Banner. |
    |