Nissi is derived from the Hebrew word nês - which refers to a flag or a banner; something lifted up to show where your allegiance lies. Throughout history, nations carried their flag high above them as they rode into battle. In modern times, athletes still parade their flags at the start of the Olympic Games. It's a way of saying, "This is whose team we're on; this is who we belong to." When Moses proclaimed, "The Lord is my banner," he was declaring that Yahweh was the One he had chosen to follow.
A different Hebrew word, degel, is also used throughout the Old Testament to mean flag or banner, and many believers are familiar with the love song that declares, "My loved one is mine and I am His; His banner over me is love." (Song of Songs 2: 4 and 16) When we belong to Yahweh, we belong to the universe's most incredible expression of love personified.
It's interesting that nês, beyond meaning banner, can also refer to something else that is lifted up on a pole. It's the word used in Numbers 21 when God told Moses to make a bronze snake and lift it up on a pole, so that the people could be forgiven and healed. Jesus later explained that He Himself would be lifted up so that mankind could have eternal life (John 3: 14 - 16)
Whenever we see football fans waving their flags and banners during a match, boldly declaring which team they follow, let's remember Yahweh Nissi - that He Himself is our banner; we should be equally bold and enthusiastic in following the One who is always loving and always victorious.
