Original Word: דֶּגֶל
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: degel
Pronunciation: DEH-ghel
Phonetic Spelling: (deh'-gel)
KJV: banner, standard
NASB: standard, standards, banner
Word Origin: [from H1713 (דָּגַל - To look)]

1. a flag

banner, standard

From dagal; a flag -- banner, standard.

see HEBREW dagal

Word Origin
from dagal
Definition
a standard, banner
NASB Translation
banner (1), standard (10), standards (3).

[דֶּ֫גֶל] noun masculine^{Numbers 10:14} standard, banner (Assyrian diglu Dl^{HA 40 Pr 58}; compare also Di Numbers 2:2); construct דֶּגֶל Numbers 2:3 7t.; suffix דִּגְלוֺ Numbers 1:52 2t.; plural suffix דִּגְלֵיהֶם Numbers 2:17,31,34; — standard, particular of separate tribes of Israel מחנה יהודה ׳ד etc. Numbers 2:3,10,18,25; Numbers 10:14,18,22,25; compare also Numbers 1:52; Numbers 2:2 ("" אֹתֹת) Numbers 2:17; Numbers 2:31; Numbers 2:34 (all P.); figurative Songs 2:4 ודגלו עלי אהבה.

Introduction and General Concept

The noun דֶּגֶל (degel) denotes a standard or banner that is elevated and clearly visible, functioning as a rallying point for a defined group. Its fourteen appearances occur almost exclusively in the wilderness narratives of Numbers, with a single poetic use in Song of Songs 2:4. In each case the banner signifies ordered identity under divine authority.

Occurrences and Literary Context

Numbers 1:52; 2:2-34; and 10:14-25 locate דֶּגֶל within Israel’s encampment and marching formation. Four tribal groupings—Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, and Dan—each carry a degel, under which the three tribes assigned to that side of the Tabernacle assemble. The verb forms in Numbers 10 describe the ordered departure of these banners when the cloud lifts. The final occurrence, Song of Songs 2:4, lifts the term into the realm of covenant affection: “He has brought me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love”.

The Tribal Standards in the Wilderness

1. Judah’s standard on the east leads the nation (Numbers 2:3; 10:14).
2. Reuben’s standard on the south follows second (Numbers 2:10; 10:18).
3. Ephraim’s standard on the west marches third (Numbers 2:18; 10:22).
4. Dan’s standard on the north serves as the rear guard (Numbers 2:25; 10:25).

Each degel demarcates the assigned camp area and preserves battlefield order. The Tabernacle rests at the center, symbolizing that Israel’s unity is centered on the presence of the LORD rather than on the banners themselves.

Organizational and Spiritual Significance

The standards accomplish more than military efficiency. They preach:
• Identity – Every Israelite knows to whom he belongs.
• Discipline – Movement waits upon divine direction.
• Submission – Even the foremost tribe marches only when the cloud lifts.
• Worship – The encampment shapes a living sanctuary with banners oriented toward the Tabernacle, declaring God’s centrality.

The Banner of Love in Song of Songs

Song of Songs 2:4 transfers degel from martial to marital imagery. The king’s banner is no longer tribal insignia but “love,” portraying covenant intimacy and protection. The same word that marshaled armies now shelters the bride. In redemptive typology this anticipates Christ, who gathers His people under the banner of sacrificial love (John 13:34; Ephesians 5:25).

Prophetic and Messianic Resonances

Isaiah and other prophets often speak of a “banner” (נֵס, nes) raised for the nations; degel itself does not appear there, yet the idea developed in Numbers points toward a future rallying point for all peoples. The orderly tribes pre-figure the eschatological multitude in Revelation 7:9, standing before the throne, every tribe under the Lamb’s unifying banner.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Church Order: Congregational structure should reflect God-given order that promotes worship rather than mere administration.
• Corporate Identity: Believers rally under Christ’s cross—the ultimate degel—finding unity that transcends ethnicity or status.
• Spiritual Warfare: Just as the wilderness camps advanced only at God’s signal, the church engages battle only under the Spirit’s directive.
• Pastoral Care: Song of Songs 2:4 invites shepherds to hold high the banner of divine love so that the congregation experiences security and joy.

Key References

Numbers 1:52; Numbers 2:2-34; Numbers 10:14-25; Song of Songs 2:4

דִּגְל֖וֹ דִּגְל֤וֹ דֶּ֚גֶל דֶּ֛גֶל דֶּ֣גֶל דגל דגלו וְדִגְל֥וֹ ודגלו לְדִגְלֵיהֶֽם׃ לְדִגְלֵיהֶם֙ לדגליהם לדגליהם׃ de·ḡel Degel deḡel diḡ·lōw digLo diḡlōw lə·ḏiḡ·lê·hem ləḏiḡlêhem ledigleiHem vedigLo wə·ḏiḡ·lōw wəḏiḡlōwInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts