Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the division of time, particularly during the night, was organized into segments known as "watches." This system was primarily used for military and security purposes, allowing for the effective guarding of cities, camps, and other important locations. The concept of watches is frequently mentioned in the Bible, reflecting its significance in the daily life and spiritual symbolism of the ancient Israelites and early Christians.Old Testament Context The division of the night into watches is first seen in the Old Testament, where it is implied in various narratives and laws. Although the specific terminology of "watches" is not always used, the practice of dividing the night for guard duty is evident. For example, in the account of Gideon, the Midianite camp is attacked during the "middle watch" (Judges 7:19), indicating a structured division of time during the night. The Hebrew night was traditionally divided into three watches. The first watch began at sunset and lasted until around 10 PM, the second watch continued until approximately 2 AM, and the third watch concluded at sunrise. This tripartite division is suggested in Lamentations 2:19 , where the prophet calls for prayer "in the beginning of the watches." New Testament Context By the time of the New Testament, the influence of Roman culture had introduced a four-watch system, which was widely adopted in Jewish society. This Roman division of the night is reflected in the Gospels. Jesus refers to the four watches in Mark 13:35 , saying, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will come—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning." The four watches were as follows: 1. Evening Watch: 6 PM to 9 PM 2. Midnight Watch: 9 PM to 12 AM 3. Cock-crowing Watch: 12 AM to 3 AM 4. Morning Watch: 3 AM to 6 AM This division is also evident in the account of Jesus walking on the water, which occurred during the "fourth watch of the night" (Matthew 14:25). Spiritual Significance The division of time into watches held not only practical but also spiritual significance. The watches were times for vigilance, prayer, and readiness. The Psalms often reflect this spiritual discipline, as seen in Psalm 63:6 , where David meditates on God "through the watches of the night." The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to remain spiritually alert. Jesus' exhortation to "keep watch" (Mark 13:35) serves as a metaphor for spiritual preparedness and anticipation of His return. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 , encouraging Christians to "stay awake and be sober." In summary, the division of time into watches was a practical system for organizing the night, deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of biblical times. It served as a reminder of the need for vigilance, both in physical and spiritual realms, and continues to inspire believers to remain watchful and prayerful. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 14:24And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked to the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 11:11 Matthew 14:25 Mark 6:48 Library On Eternity His Origenism. Mrs. Hsi's Second Gift The Ascent of the Body The Prophet --His Youth and his Call. Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ... Chapter xxxviii An Advance Step in the Royal Programme Waiting and Singing A Consecrated Ministry Resources Does the Bible say anything about the possibility of time travel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.org What is the time of Jacob's trouble? | GotQuestions.org Time: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Time in Prophetic Language, Means a Prophetic Year, or 360 Natural Time: All Events of, Predetermined by God Time: All God's Purposes Fulfilled in Due Time Time: Computed by Hours, After the Captivity Time: Daniel's Reckoning of Time, and Times, and Half Times Time: Division of, Into Watches Time: Epochs of Before the Flood Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Accession of Kings Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Building of the Temple Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Nativity of the Patriarchs During the Patriarchal Age Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Captivity Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Exodus from Egypt Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Jubilee Time: One Day is Like One-Thousand Years Time: Part of a Period of, Usually Counted As the Whole Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Accepted Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Ancient Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Evil Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Healing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Need Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Reformation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Refreshing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Restitution of all Things Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Temptation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Trouble Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Visitation Time: Shortness of Man's Portion of Time: should be Spent in Fear of God Time: The Duration of the World Time: The Heavenly Bodies, Appointed As a Means for Computing Time: The Measure of the Continuance of Anything Time: The Sun-Dial Early Invented for Pointing Out Related Terms |
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