The Lord Is My Banner

The first attempt at so-called "reality TV" in the United States was a show called "Survivor."  The creators wondered, "What would happen if 20 or so random strangers were placed on a remote island, stripped of all bare necessities, and forced to live together for 39 days? What will a person do to be the last standing survivor?" The larger question is who in their right mind would sign up for such an experiment? Tack on $1 million, and we see that some 300 participants have accepted the challenge in the course of the show's 21 seasons.

When participants first reach their destination, they're divided into two tribes.  Once assigned to a tribe, producer Jeff Probst give each tribe a set of buffs, which are distinct for each tribe and can be worn as a headband, tube top, bow tie, armband, or miniskirt, do-rag.  It serves as a mark of distinction, giving each player an identity and a sense of belonging. Immediately, an "us vs. them" mentality sets in and, with a matching flag, they march off to set up camp. Once the campsite is selected, the flag post is forcefully shoved into the sand, marking the territory of the tribe.  Wherever the tribe goes, the flag goes, too.  Headed to a challenge against the opposing tribe? Grab your flag. Headed to Tribal Council (where you go to vote someone off of your tribe after losing an immunity challenge)? Grab your flag. Those around the flag have an identity, a shared purpose and mission. It's akin to our modern-day gangs. Which hankie are you wearing?

This isn't a new concept. Long ago, armies carried a flag/banner when headed into war, signifying to the enemy, "We're coming for you." Stuck into the ground, it served as a rallying site for tribe members to gather, regroup, and plan their next move.

In Exodus 17, the Israelites found themselves battling the Amelekites. Verses 15-16 read: "And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner, saying, "A hand upon the throne of the LORD! The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."

Moses referred to the LORD as "Yahweh Nissi -- the LORD is my Banner." Moses knew the Israelites couldn't conquer the Amelekites in and of themselves; he knew they needed a higher power to be victorious. The Israelites may have had an actual flag, but that day, the LORD was their Banner. When Moses raised his hands heavenward toward their Banner, he was appealing to the God who'd brought them out of Egypt through the Sea of Reeds to fight for them and come to their rescue once again. Those on the side of this Banner -- those devoted to this mission -- came out victorious, while those identified by the opposing banner did not.  


The Banner of the Israelites went as far as to blot out any memory of the Amelekites. That's utter defeat.  Moses built an altar memorializing God's power and protection.  Wherever Israel went, other armies knew, "Those are the people who destroyed the Amelekites....Haven't seen them since. Those are the people with that Banner."