### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nêç**, represented by `{{H5251}}`, is a term for a **banner**, **standard**, or **signal**. Its meaning extends to a flag, a flagstaff, a sail, or figuratively, a token. This word appears **20 times** across **20 unique verses**, highlighting its role as a visible marker or rallying point in various biblical contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H5251}}` is used in several key ways. It serves as a military signal to gather armies for battle, as when a **banner** is lifted on a high mountain to summon forces [[Isaiah 13:2]] or a **standard** is set up as a call to war [[Jeremiah 51:27]]. It also functions as a divine signal for gathering God's people, as He promises to set up an **ensign** for the nations to assemble the outcasts of Israel [[Isaiah 11:12]]. In a more literal sense, it refers to the **pole** upon which Moses placed the brass serpent for the Israelites to look upon and live [[Numbers 21:9]], and it can also mean the **sail** of a ship [[Ezekiel 27:7]]. Finally, it can act as a token or warning, as when the fate of Korah’s company became a **sign** [[Numbers 26:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and context of a standard:
* `{{H5375}}` **nâsâʼ** (to lift, raise up): This verb is frequently paired with `{{H5251}}` to describe the action of raising a banner as a signal. God is shown to **lift up** an ensign to the nations [[Isaiah 5:26]] and to **set up** a standard to declare a message [[Jeremiah 50:2]].
* `{{H7782}}` **shôwphâr** (trumpet): Often used alongside the standard, the trumpet provides the audible component of a signal. Commands are given to set up a standard and blow the **trumpet** to gather nations for war [[Jeremiah 51:27]] or to warn of impending danger [[Jeremiah 4:21]].
* `{{H8328}}` **sheresh** (root): This word is linked to `{{H5251}}` in a significant messianic prophecy, where a **root** of Jesse will stand as an ensign for the people, becoming the ultimate gathering point [[Isaiah 11:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5251}}` is significant, representing God's direct intervention in human affairs.
* **Divine Summons:** The `nêç` is a tool God uses to gather His people from among the nations. He sets up His **standard** to the people, and they are brought back from exile [[Isaiah 49:22]], fulfilling His promise to assemble the dispersed of Judah [[Isaiah 11:12]].
* **Instrument of Judgment:** God lifts up a **banner** to call foreign armies to execute His judgment upon others [[Isaiah 13:2]] or to hiss for distant nations to come swiftly against His own people as a form of discipline [[Isaiah 5:26]].
* **Symbol of Salvation:** The **pole** in the wilderness serves as a powerful type of salvation. By looking upon the serpent on the pole, the Israelites were saved from death, illustrating a principle of looking to a divinely-appointed object for life [[Numbers 21:9]].
* **Messianic Banner:** The concept culminates in a person, the Messiah. Isaiah prophesies that the Root of Jesse will stand as an **ensign** for the people, and to him the Gentiles will seek [[Isaiah 11:10]], making Him the ultimate standard for all humanity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5251}}` evolves from a simple physical object to a profound theological symbol. It is a banner for war, a pole for healing, a sail for a ship, and a sign of warning. More importantly, it represents God’s power to gather, to judge, and to save, ultimately pointing to the Messiah as the one true **ensign** under whom all people will find their place.
TRV