Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "standard" often carries a figurative meaning, symbolizing a rallying point, a banner, or a sign of God's presence and guidance. The concept of a standard is deeply rooted in the cultural and military practices of ancient Israel, where banners or standards were used to organize tribes, signal movements, and represent the presence of God among His people.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for standard is often translated as "banner" or "ensign." One of the most notable uses of this term is found in the context of the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey.
Numbers 2:2 states, "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." Here, the standard served as a symbol of identity and order, ensuring that each tribe knew its place around the central presence of God in the Tabernacle.
The standard also appears in prophetic literature, where it takes on a more symbolic role. In
Isaiah 11:10 , the prophet speaks of a future hope: "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious." This passage uses the imagery of a standard to represent the Messiah, who will draw all nations to Himself, serving as a beacon of hope and salvation.
New Testament ApplicationWhile the New Testament does not frequently use the term "standard" in the same military or tribal sense, the concept is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The idea of a standard as a rallying point is reflected in the call to follow Christ. In
John 12:32 , Jesus declares, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." Here, the crucifixion of Christ is portrayed as a standard, drawing people to the salvation offered through His sacrifice.
The apostle Paul also alludes to the concept of a standard in his exhortations to the early church. In
Philippians 3:14 , he writes, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." The imagery of pressing toward a goal can be seen as pursuing the standard of Christlikeness, which serves as the ultimate aim for believers.
Theological SignificanceThe figurative use of "standard" in the Bible underscores the importance of identity, unity, and divine guidance. It serves as a reminder of God's presence among His people and His call for them to rally around His purposes. In a spiritual sense, the standard represents the call to holiness and the pursuit of God's kingdom, urging believers to align themselves with His will and to stand firm in their faith.
Throughout Scripture, the standard is a powerful symbol of God's covenant relationship with His people, His promise of redemption, and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. As such, it remains a central theme in the life of the church, calling believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling and to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel.
Nave's Topical Index
Isaiah 49:22Thus said the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up my hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
Nave's Topical IndexIsaiah 62:10
Go through, go through the gates; prepare you the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.
Nave's Topical Index
Jeremiah 4:6
Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Christ Teaches that Faith must Prove Itself by Works. (Matt. xxv....
... of special value to these acts inconsistent with thestandard set up... in the "throne,"
the "right hand," the "left hand," &c., afigurative drapery, attending...
Sin is Spiritual Slavery
... The term "spiritual" is too often taken to mean unreal, fanciful,figurative.... Hence
he employs material objects as the ultimatestandard, by which he measures...
The First General Epistle of Peter
... part due to the fact that we have no generally recognizedstandard of comparison...
the contents of the Epistle, is now generally given afigurative interpretation...
Disciples of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers.
... behavior of its professors; and all as forming a completestandard of Christian...
Revelation of Jesus Christ to John, in Patmos, as afigurative and prospective...
Messiah's Easy Yoke
... From hence the yoke is afigurative expression to denote servitude... of service of
their own devising, but by accepting His revealed will, as thestandard and rule...
The Consolation
... Then their legalfigurative constitution would cease, the shadows give place to
the... judgments of mankind, around us, but from the unerringstandard of Scripture...
Paul's Reasons for Temperance
... light to which he had likened it, and is backing up hisfigurative statement as
to... wise heed to our walk is not enough, unless we have a surestandard by which...
The Third Kingdom
... of prophecy was silent in their land, when the Forerunner raised hisstandard in
the... It is a canon of interpretation, says Alford, that "afigurative sense of...
Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ.
... make good sense; and that in every case where the language isfigurative, we must...
look at and examine these three views by the only rule andstandard, the BIBLE...
Language of the New Testament. 1 in the Character of the Original...
... through the medium of language conformed to the classicstandard of propriety.... saints
(for Christians), edification and to edify in afigurative sense, apostle...
Resources
What is the Revised Standard Version (RSV)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian Standard Bible (CSB)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)? | GotQuestions.orgStandard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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