Exodus 17:15

Authorized King James Version

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah-nissi:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּ֥בֶן
built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#2
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
And Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#3
מִזְבֵּ֑חַ
an altar
an altar
#4
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
and called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#5
שְׁמ֖וֹ
the name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#6
יְהוָ֥ה׀
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#7
נִסִּֽי׃
a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the period of Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1440-1400 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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