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Ensign
        (nes; in the Authorized Version generally "ensign," sometimes "standard;" degel, "standard," with the exception of So 2:4 "banner;" oth, "ensign"). This distinction between these three Hebrew terms is sufficiently marked by their respective uses. Nes is a signal, and not a military standard. It is an occasional signal, which was exhibited on the top of a pole from a bare mountain-top, Isa 13:2; 18:3 degel a military standard for a large division of an army; and oth the same for a small one. Neither of them, however, expresses the idea which "standard" conveys to our minds, viz. a flag. The standards in use among the Hebrews probably resembled those of the Egyptians and Assyrians --a figure or device of some kind elevated on a pole; usually a sacred emblem, such as an animal, a boat, or the king's name.


Bibliography Information
Smith, William, Dr "Meaning and Definition for 'ensign' in Smiths Bible Dictionary".
bible-history.com - Smith's; 1901.

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