In the Aug. 1 Wt, in a secondary article on Numbers, the following paragraph appears:
"What were "the signs" around which the three-tribe divisions were to encamp in the wilderness?
The Bible does not give a description of what these signs were. However, they were not regarded
as sacred symbols or given religious significance." (pg 24)
The Watchtower is scared that these "signs" were , in fact, flags!
The Hebrew word "de'gel" is commonly translated as "banner". Jewish tradition,
the Talmud, the Targums and the Dead Sea Scrolls seem to strongly support the idea
that the Hebrews saw nothing wrong with identifying themselves, as tribe or nation,
by flags. (see Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Eccesiastical Literature
under "Flags" or "Standards"). Now, why did the Hebrews likely choose to use flags
rather than statues or icons attached to a pole? The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia
(vol 2 pg 66) tells us: "On the other hand, de'gel came to mean 'banner' at a comparatively
early period; it is probable that in view of the prohibition against graven images, the early
Israelites made use of banners as their standards".
So, the Hebrews likely used banners TO AVOID idolatry!
As to evidence that a flag is meant, "the proper root..."standard", "signal", or "banner"
is occasionally used for "sail", as in Isaiah 33:23." ( The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia
vol 5 pg 512). Even the Watchtower translates "de'gel" as "banner" as in Song of Solomon
2:4. In Isa. 59:19, in some translations, the verse may convey the idea of a "standard"
(a banner) being raised or driven by "the breath of the Lord", as any flag would be moved
by the wind.
In the end, an idol is only an idol because of the individual's viewpoint about it, and not
any particular ceremony.
Clearly, as this Watchtower shows, the Society is well aware of what facts it is hiding.
They're afraid their flock might find out - and undermine their enforced ( disfellowshippping)
opinion about flag salutes.
metatron