Bible Dictionaries
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 .)

    Bibliography Information
    Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Ensign'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​e/ensign.html. 1897.