Ensign
Easton’s Bible Dictionary
- Heb. 'oth, a military standard, especially of a single tribe (Numbers 2:2). Each separate tribe had its own "sign" or "ensign."
- Heb. nes, a lofty signal, as a column or high pole (Numbers 21:8,9); a standard or signal or flag placed on high mountains to point out to the people a place of rendezvous on the irruption of an enemy (Isaiah 5:26; 11:12; 18:3; 62:10; Jeremiah 4:6,21; Psalm 60:4). This was an occasional signal, and not a military standard. Elevation and conspicuity are implied in the word.
- The Hebrew word degel denotes the standard given to each of the four divisions of the host of the Israelites at the Exodus (Numbers 1:52; 2:2; 10:14). In Song of Solomon 2:4 it is rendered "banner." We have no definite information as to the nature of these military standards. (See BANNER.)