Credit: Red_flag_waving.svg: Wereon; derivative work: Dove (talk)
License: Public Domain
Credit URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org...
Comments: A stylized representation of a dodgerblue flag.
Credit: Codrin.B / Wikimedia Commons
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Credit URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org...
Comments: Draconarius - Roman Cavalry Reenactment - Roman Festival at Augusta Raurica - August 2013. The draconarius was a type of signifer who bore a cavalry standard known as a draco in the Roman army.
Credit: Wolfgang Sauber
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Credit URL: https://commons.wikimedia.org...
Comments: Petronell (Lower Austria). Roman Museum: Vexillum of the Ala I Thracum Victrix (replica). The vexillum was a flag-like object used as a military standard by units in the Ancient Roman army.
From Easton: Banner (1.) The flag or banner of the larger kind, serving for three tribes marching together. These standards, of which there were four, were worked with embroidery and beautifully ornamented (Numbers 1:52; Numbers 2:2, Numbers 2:3, Numbers 2:10, Numbers 2:18, Numbers 2:25; Song of Solomon 2:4; Song of Solomon 6:4, Song of Solomon 6:10).
(2.) The flag borne by each separate tribe, of a smaller form. Probably it bore on it the name of the tribe to which it belonged, or some distinguishing device (Numbers 2:2, Numbers 2:34).
(3.) A lofty signal-flag, not carried about, but stationary. It was usually erected on a mountain or other lofty place. As soon as it was See n the war-trumpets were blown (Psalms 60:4; Isaiah 5:26; Isaiah 11:12; Isaiah 13:2; Isaiah 18:3; Isaiah 30:17; Jeremiah 4:6 Jeremiah 4:21; Ezekiel 27:7).
(4.) A "sign of fire" (Jeremiah 6:1) was sometimes used as a signal.
The banners and ensigns of the Roman army had idolatrous images upon them, and hence they are called the "abomination of desolation" (q.v.). The principal Roman standard, however, was an eagle. (See Matthew 24:28; Luke 17:37, where the Jewish nation is compared to a dead body, which the eagles gather together to devour.)
God's setting up or giving a banner (Psalms 20:5; Psalms 60:4; Song of Solomon 2:4) imports his presence and protection and aid extended to his people.
