In this quirky-but-enlightening text, Moses lifts up his staff in prayer. The Hebrew word for "staff" is "matteh." This means a branch, tribe, standard or sign. Those ancient, likeable linguistics also had another word for branch, tribe, standard or sign — it was "shabet." The two words matteh or shabet were used somewhat interchangeably. Mattehs and shabets were used to lead a tribe or army into battle. They were identifying and unifying and inspiring types of flags, although for Moses his was a mere stick of wood.
Are you following all of this??
The Hebrews did make a distinction between a matteh and a shabet. A shabet was also a club or a spear. Likewise, thusly, and witherto (don’t ask!)… a matteh was considered a comforting staff, and a shabet was known as a ruling rod. This is probably why Proverbs 13:24 has become the proof text for spanking and thereby saving our kids. The word "rod" in this adolescent nightmare verse is "shabet" in Hebrew.
BUT… because both shabet and matteh are somewhat interchangeable and can both mean a branch, tribe, standard or sign (banner), what if parents are also supposed to hold up the banner or sign of Jesus in their kids life, and lose our offspring when we don’t? What if "rod" was also a banner? Hmmmm.
HOWEVER, class, in our text, Moses throws out another interesting word… Jehovah "NISSI." Whaaaaaa? Did you see it in verse 15? "Nissi" is another Hebrew word that can also mean a standard, sign or banner. Are you tracking with me here? Have I lost you?
Why didn’t Moses call God a "matteh" (comforting staff) or a "shabet" (ruling rod)? Why did he use another Hebrew term for banner or sign? Hmmmm.
This is my opinion here, but I think Moses uses "nissi" to say, "God is our banner no matter what. Sometimes in our battles He is a quick and comforting staff. In other fights, God can seem distant and disciplinary like a ruling rod. God is both, but no matter what, HE is our banner. HE has already won the battle! He is Jehovah Nissi."
Are you in a battle right now? Are you praying and lifting up the banner of Jesus? He has already won the war against sin, death, and Satan. Is someone else standing in the gap for you and holding up the banner? Who needs you to pray, stand in the gap, and lift up the glorious, victorious banner of Jesus for them?
Go to our 365prayer.org website, and stand in the gap for someone. Also… ask for someone to stand in the gap for you. Lift up the banner of Jesus!
March 12th, 2010 - 10:16 am
I am in the battle and standing in the gap. What a privilege it is.
March 15th, 2010 - 7:11 am
I was drifting while reading then you asked “Are you following all of this?? ” I laughed then woke up. It is very cool to think about God and the way He is our banner. The old childerns song “His banner over me is love” came to mind. God’s banner points the way but also protects. It is wonderful how Moses watched over the tribes. When he couldn’t watch and pray any longer two came along side of him and helped him. I love God’s word and the encouragment it is to our lives today. When our church prays the battle against satan is a winnig battle. God loves us and protects us today that will keep me awake and praying.