King James Bible Dictionary

1. Heb. oth, a military standard, especially of a single tribe (Numbers 2:2). Each separate tribe had its own "sign" or "ensign."

2. Heb. nes, a lofty signal, as a column or high pole (Numbers 21:8, 9); a standard or signal or flag placed on high mountains to point out to the people a place of rendezvous on the irruption of an enemy (Isaiah 5:26; 11:12; 18:3; 62:10; Jeremiah 4:6, 21; Psalms 60:4). This was an occasional signal, and not a military standard. Elevation and conspicuity are implied in the word.

3. The Hebrew word degel denotes the standard given to each of the four divisions of the host of the Israelites at the Exodus (Numbers 1:52; 2:2; 10:14). In Song of Solomon 2:4 it is rendered "banner." We have no definite information as to the nature of these military standards. (See BANNER.)

General references
Psalms 74:4; Isaiah 5:26; Isaiah 11:10; Isaiah 11:12; Isaiah 18:3; Isaiah 30:17; Isaiah 31:9; Zech 9:16
Banner; Standard

(nes ; in the Authorized Version generally "ensign," sometimes "standard;" degel , "standard," with the exception of (Solomon 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, (Isaiah 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.

EN'SIGN, noun en'sine. [Latin insigne, insignia, from signum, a mark impressed, a sign.]

1. The flag or banner of a military band; a banner of colors; a standard; a figured cloth or piece of silk, attached to a staff, and usually with figures, colors or arms thereon, borne by an officer at the head of a company, troop or other band.

2. Any signal to assemble or to give notice.

He will lift up an ensign to the nations. Isaiah 5:26.

Ye shall be left as an ensign on a hill. Isaiah 30:17.

3. A badge; a mark of distinction, rank or office; as ensigns of power or virtue.

4. The officer who carries the flag or colors, being the lowest commissioned officer in a company of infantry.

5. Naval ensign is a large banner hoisted on a staff and carried over the poop or stern of a ship; used to distinguish ships of different nations, or to characterize different squadrons of the same navy.

EN'SIGN-BEARER, noun He that carries the flag; an ensign.

EN'SIGNCY, noun The rank, office or commission of an ensign.