### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **degel**, represented by `{{H1714}}`, refers to a **flag, banner, standard**. It appears 14 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible. The term is primarily used in a military and organizational context, signifying a major division of the Israelite camp and the physical standard that identified it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1714}}` is central to the divine organization of Israel in the wilderness. The LORD commanded that every man of the children of Israel should pitch by his own **standard** ([[Numbers 2:2]], [[Numbers 1:52]]). These standards organized the tribes into four main camps, each positioned cardinally around the tabernacle of the congregation. For example, the **standard** of the camp of Judah was on the east side [[Numbers 2:3]], Reuben's was on the south [[Numbers 2:10]], Ephraim's was on the west [[Numbers 2:18]], and Dan's was on the north [[Numbers 2:25]]. This arrangement also dictated their marching order when they set forward [[Numbers 10:14]]. In a figurative sense, the word is used to describe a different kind of declaration: "his **banner** over me was love" [[Song of Solomon 2:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the function of the **standard**:
* `{{H226}}` **'owth** (a signal; mark, (en-) sign, token): This word is used alongside **degel** to describe the identifying markers for each family. The people were to pitch by their standard, "with the **ensign** of their father's house" [[Numbers 2:2]].
* `{{H4264}}` **machaneh** (an encampment; army, camp, host, tents): This word is frequently paired with **degel** to describe the major tribal groupings, as seen in the recurring phrase "the standard of the **camp**" [[Numbers 2:3]].
* `{{H2583}}` **chanah** (to pitch atent; gen. to encamp): This verb describes the action of setting up camp in the divinely appointed order. The children of Israel were commanded to **pitch** their tents, every man by his own camp and standard [[Numbers 1:52]].
* `{{H5265}}` **nasa'** (start on a journey; march, set forward): This verb describes the movement of the camps in their designated order. The Israelites "pitched by their standards, and so they **set forward**" [[Numbers 2:34]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1714}}` is revealed through its usage in the life of Israel.
* **Divine Order:** The meticulous arrangement of the Israelite camp around their standards was not a human invention but a direct command from the LORD to Moses [[Numbers 2:34]]. This demonstrates God's nature as a God of order and purpose for His people.
* **Corporate Identity:** The standards served as rallying points that defined the identity of each major tribal division. They were linked to the "house of their fathers" ([[Numbers 2:2]], [[Numbers 2:34]]), reinforcing that Israel's national identity was built upon distinct family and tribal lines under God's authority.
* **God's Centrality:** The entire arrangement of the camps, each under its own **standard**, was oriented around the tabernacle of the congregation [[Numbers 2:2]]. This physical layout constantly reminded Israel that the presence of the LORD was the center of their national and spiritual life.
* **Symbol of Love and Protection:** In Song of Solomon, the concept is transformed into a powerful metaphor. The **banner** is not one of war or tribal division, but a declaration of divine affection and protection, as a beloved declares "his **banner** over me was love" [[Song of Solomon 2:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1714}}` **degel** is a term that signifies much more than a simple flag. In its primary context, it represents the God-given order, identity, and unity of the Israelite tribes as they encamped and journeyed around the presence of the LORD. Its use evolves from a concrete, organizational marker into a beautiful, figurative symbol of God's tender and protective love for His people.
TRV