Ensign: 1. Heb. 'oth, a military standard, especially of a single tribe(Numbers 2:2) Each separate tribe had its own "sign" or "ensign."
2. 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; Psalms 60:4) This was an
occasional signal, and not a military standard. Elevation and
conspicuity are implied in the word.
3. 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
(The Song of Solomon 2:4) it is rendered "banner." We have
no definite information as to the nature of these military
standards.
(See BANNER)
