Standard Bearer

Standard bearer

(נֹסֵס, noses, one pining away, Isa 10:18; but מַתנוֹסֵס, "lifted up as an ensign," Zec 9:16). As the Hebrews had banners of various kinds, SEE STANDARD, they must of course have had persons specially designed to carry them, although particular mention of such does not occur in the Bible. Among the ancient Egyptians the post of standard bearer was at all times one of the greatest importance. He was an officer, and a man of approved valor, and in the Egyptian army he was sometimes distinguished by a peculiar badge suspended from his neck, which consisted of two lions, the emblems of courage, and other devices (Wilkinson, Anc. Egypt. 1, 342). Among the ancient Assyrians standard bearers enjoyed a like distinguished rank, as is evident from their prominence on the sculptures (Bonomi, Nineveh, p, 224 sq.). SEE ARMOR BEARER.

⇒See also the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.