The Pulpit Commentary — Exodus — Volume 2 — Section 77

have war with Am:i.lek from generation to generation" (ver. 16). In this first defeat we have the type of all. III. JEHOVAH-J\,1ssr. Moses reared an altar in commemoration of the victory, and inscribed upon it the name-" Jehovah-Nissi "-" Jehovah, my banner" (ver. 15). This name inscribed upon the altar is at the same time a name of God. lt extracts and generalises the principle involved in the victory over Amalek, as a former name, "Jehovah-jireh" (Gen. x.x.ii. 14) extracted and generalised the principle involved in the interposition on Moriah; and as the words," 1 am Jehovah that healeth them" (eh. xv. 26), extracted and generalised the principle involved in the miracle at ~Iarah. The truth taught by the name is precious and consolatory. Jehovah is the Church's banner. His invisible presence goes with her in her conflicts. His help is certain. With him on her side, she is assured of Tictory. His name is her sure and all-sufficient trust. Learn 1. God's deeds reveal His name. The revelation of the Bible is a fact- revelation. 2. It is the Church's duty gratefully to remember the interpositions of God on her behalf. 3. It is her duty to seek to apprehend the principle of God's dealing3 with her, and to treasure up the knowledge for further use.-J. U. Vers.15, 16.-,lehovah-Ni.~si. The use of this name by the Church bespeaKs-1. Her militant condition. "The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to genera- tion." 2. The side on which she fights-" My banner." 3. The name round which she rallies-" Jehovah." "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Eph. vi. 5). 4. The confi- dence by which she is inspired. The inscription on a banner frequently sets forth the ground of confidence. "God and my right." 5. The certainty she has of victory.---J.O. Ver. 9.-"Thou hast given a banner unto them that fear thee. 1. THE ATTACK BY AHA.LEK. It was cowardly, malicious, merciless (cf. Deut. :xxv. 17; 1 Sam. xv. 2); not open, straightforward enmity; cutting off the feeble and the stragglers; a ntlture- Jike hostility; a type and sample of diabolical hatred. Notice the parallel between Israel's position with regard to Amalek and our position with regard to Satan and his emissaries. 1. Israel was passing through the wilderness. So God's people are passing through this world (Heh. xi. 14). The country through which the route lies is not claimed by those who use it. 2. Amalek considered the wilderness as their own. So Satan claims to be the prince of this world. In either case the authority is usurped. 3. Ame.lek took Israel at a disadvantage. No cause of enmity assigned, only apparently the right assumed for the stronger to prey upon the weaker. Satan, too, always endeavours to take us at a disadvantage. He did not attack Christ until "he was iUl hungered ; " he attacks us, also, when we are weakest. II. THE DEFENCE AND CONFLICT.-1. A chosen captain. Joshua-" Jehovah is ·nelp." Perhaps name changed from Hoshea at this time; shows, at any rate, whence the leadl!r derived his ability to lead. Our captain, " manifested to destroy the works of the devil." Had it not been for Satan's enmity, how should we have known the power of Christ? 2. Selected soldiers. Not all the people, but chosen from the people. All share the danger, but the defence may best be undertaken by a few, though, no doubt, these few are supported and encouraged by the general sympathy. In the war with Satan the brunt of the battle must fall on the selected soldiers-Dhrist chose :i.postles, and in every age the majority has been protected by representative champions. Satan must make more headway than he does, were it not that the weaker and more ignorant are sheltered from direct attack behiud the bulwarks raised by the stronger and the wiser. 3. An uplifted banner. Usually the colours go before the army; here the banner-God's rod-is upheld upon the mountain-(1) in full sight of all; (2) in a position of comparative security. Notice-I. This banner was a sign of God's helpful presence. 2. It was in full view of the fighters, and the fortune of the battle varied according as it was raised or lowered. Two things were necessary to ensure victory- (!) that the b,mner should be held up; (2) that the fighters should keep looking at it. In the fight with Satan the same principle applies. God's law, God's righteous purpose, must be upheld by the Prophet, supported on one hand by the priest, on the other by the noble; but, further, the fighters must keep it well in view, nothing less than the •assurance of its fixedness can nerve them so as to ensure victory. Ill. 'l'BE HE.MORIAL, 1. .A book. This victory a pledge of Amalek's final e:xtcr-  THE BOOK OF EXODUS. [rn. xvn. 8-10.