Recently, the Watchtower has published an article on the flag
salute issue that is misleading and deceptive ("Salvation
Belongs to Jehovah"). I will attempt to expose why this is so.
First, the article contains statements concerning the Hebrews
possible use of flags (pg.21):
"The ancient Israelites did have 'signs', or standards, around
which their three-tribe divisions gathered while in the
wilderness.(Numbers 2:1,2) Commenting on the Hebrew words
denoting such standards, McClintock and Strong's Cyclopedia
says: "Neither of them, however, expresses the idea which
'standard' conveys to our minds, viz. a flag."
No page number is offered, I cannot find any such statement
in the work cited. Additionally, McClintock's Cyclopedia
offers other favorable quotes on the Hebrews possible use
of flags such as "Flag [subject heading] is represented
generally in Heb. by .. de'gel, such being those borne by the
Israelitish camp during their march through the wilderness.
Each tribe had a banner of this description."
Under the heading "Standard", this same work says "de'gel
prop. the banner: while nes was prop. the staff: but the
terms are used somewhat indiscriminately.... Most modern
expositors seem to incline to the opinion that the ensigns
[of the Hebrews] were flags, distinguished by their colors,
or by the name of the tribe to which each belonged". (pg.984)
Thus, the work they cited finds no particular fault with
Israelite use of flags. Jewish tradition is clear from
the Talmud that such banners were used with different colors
and symbols.
The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible Vol.5
pg. 512 states "The proper root Heb. ... 'standard', 'signal'
or 'banner' is occasionally used for 'sail' in Isaiah 33:23"
Finally, the New International Dictionary of Old Testament
Theology and Exegesis Vol.1 pg.919 says "In peacetime
banners were used in the organization of large crowds. In the
Israelite wilderness camp, upright poles with a banner
identified the space where each of the twelve tribes was to
rendezvous."
Now, why would Israelites use flags instead of standards
mounted on a pole? The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia Vol.2
pg66 says "It is probable that in view of the prohibition
against graven images(Ex.20:4) the early Israelites made
use of banners as their standards."
Thus, flags may have been used to AVOID IDOLATRY!
Secondly, the Watchtower states "Israel's standards were
not viewed as sacred, nor were any ceremonies associated
with their use."
This is false on two counts. When bitten by snakes, the
Israelites were commanded to construct a standard of
a copper serpent attached to a pole. They would then
go to the standard and gaze at it and be healed. (Num.21).
As to banners being 'sacred', please consider: The banners
would be treated carefully - preserved for repeated use.
An enemy's capture of such a ensign would likely be a
tribal disgrace, such as loss of a national symbol like
the ark of the covenant (1 Sam. 4:22). Most importantly,
these objects were used on battlefields where men bled
and died - and had to defend the man chosen to carry the
tribal banner, who had his hands occupied!
Saying that such banners were not 'sacred' is like saying
you can dive into pool without getting wet!
Third, unlike the Apostle Paul, who carefully appealed
to individual consciences in matters involving the appearance
of possible idolatry(Ro.14), the Watchtower offers blunt, dogmatic
rules: [during the national anthem] "In such cases,
Christians remain seated" and [marching in parades]
"...true Christians conscientiously decline" (pg.24).
No need to use your own conscience, they have decided
for you.
Lastly, what really is the flag salute? It is a ritual
oath or affirmation of loyalty , no different from those
found in the Bible. If putting your hand over your heart
disturbs you, try putting it underneath the 'upper thigh'
of a patriarch when pledging! (Gen.24:9 or Gen.47:29-31).
Would a Witness refuse to pledge to pay taxes, obey the
laws, or speak well of their country? Allegiance is simply
a synonym for "loyalty". Would they refuse to be "loyal"?
Are Jehovah's Witnesses prohibited from swearing an oath
of citizenship or affirming loyalty in getting a passport?
(answer according to the Watchtower, No - How would Gilead
students leave the country?)
Do 'worldly' people worship the state? The majority of
Americans do not vote. Many cheat on their taxes, think
Congress is full of crooks and call the President a
moron. Do they seem to be worshipping the nation to you?
Properly, idolatry depends on the attitude of the person involved.
The Watchtower makes no distinctions between modern democracies
and ancient kingdoms that 'sacrificed to the Emperor's genius'.
Jesus counseled that one should "remove the rafter from your own
eye" before finding fault with your brother - advice they would do
well to consider in view of the sometimes idolatrous attitude they
display towards their own 'earthly organization' and its commands that
ignore "do not go beyond the things that are written" 1 Cor. 4:6
metatron