In biblical times, sentries played a crucial role in the defense and security of cities, military camps, and important locations. These watchmen were tasked with the responsibility of keeping vigilant watch, warning of impending danger, and ensuring the safety of those within their charge. The role of a sentry is frequently mentioned in the Bible, highlighting its importance in both physical and spiritual contexts.

Old Testament References

The concept of sentries is evident throughout the Old Testament, where cities were often fortified with walls and gates, necessitating the presence of watchmen. In 2 Kings 9:17, we read, "Now the watchman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came and said, 'I see a company.' And Joram said, 'Take a horseman and send him to meet them and let him say, ‘Is it peace?’'" . This passage illustrates the role of the sentry in identifying approaching individuals and determining their intentions.

In Isaiah 21:6, the prophet is instructed, "For this is what the Lord says to me: 'Go, post a lookout and have him report what he sees.'" . Here, the sentry serves as a prophetic figure, symbolizing vigilance and the need to be alert to divine messages and warnings.

Spiritual Symbolism

Beyond their physical duties, sentries in the Bible often symbolize spiritual watchfulness. Ezekiel 33:7 states, "As for you, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from Me." . In this context, the prophet Ezekiel is appointed as a spiritual sentry, responsible for warning the people of Israel about their sins and the consequences of disobedience to God.

The role of a spiritual sentry is further emphasized in the New Testament. In Mark 13:34-37, Jesus uses the imagery of a watchman to exhort His followers to remain vigilant: "It is like a man going on a journey, who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to everyone: Keep watch!" .

Practical Implications

The presence of sentries in biblical narratives underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the life of believers. Just as physical sentries were essential for the protection of ancient cities, spiritual watchfulness is vital for safeguarding one's faith and community. The Bible encourages believers to be alert, discerning, and ready to respond to both physical and spiritual challenges.

In summary, sentries in the Bible serve as both literal and metaphorical guardians, tasked with the protection and warning of others. Their role is a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and readiness in the face of potential threats, both seen and unseen.8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve
... 2), preserve (5), preserved (3), preserves (6), protect (4), protects (1), regard
(3), regards (2), remains (1), reserved (1), secured (1), sentries (1), spare ...
/hebrew/8104.htm - 7k

Missed Ends
... Then I saw that along the edge there were sentries set at intervals. But the intervals
were far too great; there were wide, unguarded gaps between. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter vi missed ends.htm

The Young Titus
... Dumb and callous as beasts to the blows and commands of the sentries there mounted,
the citizens clambered up on the fortifications and, with their chins on ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter ix the young titus.htm

The False Prophet
... Dozens anticipated that course and skirting through short ways clambered up on the
fortifications and clung there though menaced by the sentries until Seraiah ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xix the false prophet.htm

Whom to Obey, --Annas or Angel?
... One sees the astonished underlings coming up to the prison, and finding all in order,
the sentries patrolling, the doors fast (so the angel had shut them as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/whom to obeyannas or angel.htm

The Prince Returns
... A little later, after a parley with the Roman sentries and again with the sentries
at the Gate of Hippicus, the Maccabee was admitted to the Holy City. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xii the prince returns.htm

Port of Spain
... and flowering trees, and beyond them on the right the Roman Catholic Cathedral,
a stately building, with Palmistes standing as tall sentries round; soon you go ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iv port of spain.htm

The Faithful Servant
... So here, through the terrible days of the siege, old Momus at times desperate and
savage, at others piteously suppliant, wore on the sentries' peace of mind ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxi the faithful servant.htm

Plus Ultra Vs. Ne Plus Ultra.
... early coins of that country, in order to give prominence to this idea, were indented
with a picture of the pillars of Hercules, the two great sentries on each ...
/.../iii plus ultra vs ne plus.htm

The Same Night which Saw the Red Glare of the Burning Monastery ...
... for the spies of the Vatican were on guard outside the Sovrani Palace, and one priest
after another "relieved the watch" in the fashion of military sentries. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxvi the same night which.htm

The Best Strengthening Medicine
... keep watch on the walls. There are warriors on the field of conflict,
and sentries in the box of patience. Both in doing and in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the best strengthening medicine.htm

Sentries (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sentries (4 Occurrences). Acts 5:23 "We found
the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before ...
/s/sentries.htm - 7k

Sentest (5 Occurrences)

/s/sentest.htm - 7k

Sentry (1 Occurrence)

/s/sentry.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus