Bible Question:
In Numbers 2, all tribes are assigned a standard (flag) to operate under. Where do I verify the Standards?? Judah Lion Reuben Man, Dan Eagle Ephraim Ox Thanks! Bill T. |
Bible Answer: Hi, Bill! I don't think that you will be able to find conclusive verification. The four cherubic forms and their association are based on tradition. I cannot find confirmation of this even in the Talmud. John Gill, known for his thorough knowledge of Jewish tradition and scholarship, writes, "Aben Ezra observes, and Abendana from him, that their ancients were used to say, that there was in the standard of Reuben the form of a man, on account of the mandrakes, Gen 30:14; and in the standard of Judah the form of a lion, because Jacob compared him to one, Gen 49:9; and in the standard of Ephraim the form of an ox, from the sense of those words, the firstling of his bullock, Deu 33:17; and in the standard of Dan the form of an eagle, so that they might be like the cherubim the prophet Ezekiel saw, Eze_1:10, which is not very likely, such images and representations not being very agreeable, yea, even detestable to the people of the Jews in later times, and can hardly be thought to be in use with their early ancestors." I hope that helps a bit. In Him, Doc |