Topical Bible: Armies: Furnished With Standards

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, armies were often organized and identified by their standards, which were emblematic banners or flags representing different divisions or tribes within the military forces. These standards served not only as rallying points but also as symbols of identity and unity for the troops.

Old Testament Context

The concept of armies being furnished with standards is prominently seen in the organization of the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey. In the Book of Numbers, God commands Moses to arrange the tribes of Israel around the Tabernacle, each with its own standard:

"The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family" (Numbers 2:2).

Each tribe had its own standard, which helped maintain order and structure within the camp. The standards were likely adorned with symbols or colors that represented the individual tribes, facilitating easy identification and organization during both encampment and movement.

Military Significance

Standards played a crucial role in ancient warfare. They were used to direct troop movements and maintain communication across the battlefield. The presence of a standard was a source of morale for the soldiers, as it represented the presence and authority of their leaders and, in the case of Israel, the presence of God among them.

In the prophetic literature, the imagery of standards is often used to describe the gathering of nations for battle or the summoning of God's people. For instance, Isaiah speaks of a signal being raised for the nations:

"He lifts a banner for the distant nations; He whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Behold—how speedily and swiftly they come!" (Isaiah 5:26).

Symbolic and Spiritual Implications

Beyond their practical military function, standards held symbolic and spiritual significance. They were a visible representation of the tribe's identity and heritage. In a spiritual sense, the standards of Israel can be seen as a reflection of God's order and covenant with His people. The arrangement of the tribes around the Tabernacle, each under its standard, signified their collective identity as God's chosen people, united under His divine leadership.

The standards also served as a reminder of God's promises and protection. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, the standards were a constant visual reminder of their unique relationship with God and their calling to be a holy nation.

New Testament Reflection

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention military standards, the concept of spiritual warfare and the organization of God's people is evident. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often uses military imagery to describe the Christian life, urging believers to stand firm and be united in their faith:

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11).

In this spiritual context, the unity and identity symbolized by the ancient standards find their fulfillment in the unity of believers in Christ, who is the ultimate standard-bearer and leader of God's people.

Conclusion

The use of standards in biblical armies underscores the importance of identity, unity, and divine order among God's people. These standards were not only practical tools for military organization but also powerful symbols of the spiritual truths that defined the nation of Israel and continue to resonate with believers today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 6:4
You are beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 10:18
And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field, both soul and body: and they shall be as when a standard-bearer faints.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 4:21
How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Review of the Troops at Doriscus.
... head-quarters in the fortress, while his armies could be ... own officers and around
its own standards, the naval ... ships and the seamen had been furnished by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vi the review of.htm

Pontius Pilate
... It was customary for Roman armies to carry an ... of the emperor on their standards;
but previous ... wings, containing large rooms sumptuously furnished, and spacious ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/pontius pilate.htm

The Seventh Book
... to the body, its very life, setting up standards of living ... of Syria, whom
thirty-two kings and armies of like ... our misfortune in the last war furnished proof ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... The captives in the recent victories furnished the requisite ... the arms of the sovereign,
his standards, his treasure ... the care of commanding their armies; and as ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... It was Theban art for the most part which furnished the Phoenicians with their ... posts;
it was impossible, therefore, for them to think of raising armies fit to ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... to the general good, refused to adopt it, and as she alone furnished almost half ...
by attacking the Creeks directly in front, both fleets and armies facing one ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... founders of that nation of the Kalda which had, perhaps, already furnished Babylon
with ... year, refusing to leave it till he had annihilated its armies and rased ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Mystery
... by two wings of a great eagle furnished to her ... one, during a tumultuous conflict
of armies and people ... be inscribed on the shields, spears, and standards, and in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

The General Conference of 1840
... accused is a member, exact minutes of the charges, testimony, and decision of the
committee in the ease, and on the testimony thus furnished, the conference ...
/.../chapter 15 the general conference.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... The oral teaching which prevailed in the West furnished, no doubt, safe guidance
in doctrine, but could not supply reasons for the Faith. ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm