Banner: 1. The flag borne by each separate tribe, of a smaller form.
Probably it bore on it the name of the tribe to which it
belonged, or some distinguishing device
(Numbers 2:2,34)2. A lofty signal-flag, not carried about, but stationary. It was
usually erected on a mountain or other lofty place. As soon as
it was seen the war-trumpets were blown
(Psalms 60:4; Isaiah 5:26; 11:12)
(Isaiah 13:2; 18:3; 30:17; Jeremiah 4:6; 21:1; Ezekiel 27:7)
3. A "sign of fire"
(Jeremiah 6:1) was sometimes used as a signal. The
banners and ensigns of the Roman army had idolatrous images upon
them, and hence they are called the "abomination of desolation"
(q.v.). The principal Roman standard, however, was an eagle. See
(Matthew 24:28; Luke 17:37) where the Jewish nation is compared to a dead
body, which the eagles gather together to devour. God's setting
up or giving a banner
(Psalms 20:5; 60:4; The Song of Solomon 2:4) imports his presence
and protection and aid extended to his people.
(See ENSEIGN)
