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Standard

דֶּגֶל/STAN-derd/

“Banner”

Summary

Ensigns and banners used by Israel's tribes for camping and marching, and in warfare as rallying signals.

☩Tribal Standards

Each of Israel's twelve tribes had its own standard for camping and marching, serving as rallying signals. The tribes encamped with three on each side of the tabernacle: Judah on the east, Reuben on the south, Ephraim on the west, and Dan on the north. According to rabbinic tradition, Judah's standard resembled a lion, Reuben's a man, Ephraim's an ox, and Dan's an eagle—the same four faces appearing on the living creatures in Ezekiel's vision.

Key verses:Numbers 1:52Numbers 2:2Psalm 20:5Song of Solomon 6:4, 10

☩Origins and Forms

Standards originated with the Egyptians, who used figures of animals on spears. The Israelites likely adopted the concept during their time in Egypt. The Assyrians used poles with balls and flags, or divine figures over bulls drawing a bow. Some standards were fixed on chariots as too heavy to carry.

Key verses:Jeremiah 4:21

☩Military and Prophetic Use

Standards directed troops to defensive cities and called attention to news: 'Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon.' Figuratively, God is Israel's standard: 'When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.' For the Christian, Christ is the only standard, and His banner is love.

Key verses:Jeremiah 4:6Jeremiah 50:2Jeremiah 51:12Isaiah 49:22Isaiah 59:19Isaiah 62:10

Related Verses24 mentions

Numbers· 13 verses

1:522:22:32:102:17

Jeremiah· 5 verses

4:64:2150:251:1251:27

Isaiah· 3 verses

49:2259:1962:10

Song of Solomon· 2 verses

6:46:10

See Also

Armies
Armies
L'Adoration des Mages (Bartsch 6), GDUT8611
Beacon
Mosaic Tribes
Ensign

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Standard," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.George Morrish, "Standard," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  3. 3.George Morrish, "Standard," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  4. 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Standard," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  5. 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Standard," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  6. 6.John McClintock and James Strong, "Standard," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  7. 7.John McClintock and James Strong, "Standard," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  8. 8.George Morrish, "Standard," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).