Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the role of a watchman was crucial, especially during periods of danger and uncertainty. Watchmen were stationed on city walls, towers, or other strategic locations to keep vigil over the horizon for any signs of approaching threats. Their primary duty was to alert the inhabitants of impending danger, allowing the community to prepare and respond appropriately. The increase in the number of watchmen during times of danger reflects the heightened need for vigilance and preparedness.Biblical Context and Duties The concept of the watchman is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Ezekiel 33:6, the prophet Ezekiel is appointed as a watchman for the house of Israel: "But if the watchman sees the sword coming and fails to blow the trumpet to warn the people, and the sword comes and takes away a life, then that one is taken away in his iniquity, but I will hold the watchman accountable for his blood" . This passage underscores the grave responsibility of the watchman to warn the people of impending danger. Watchmen were not only responsible for physical safety but also for spiritual vigilance. Isaiah 62:6-7 highlights the spiritual dimension of their role: "On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, and give Him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth" . Here, watchmen are depicted as intercessors, persistently calling upon God to fulfill His promises. Increase in Number During Times of Danger The increase in the number of watchmen during perilous times is a practical response to the heightened threat level. In Nehemiah 4:9, as the Israelites faced opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, they took proactive measures: "So we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat" . The community's response to danger was to bolster their defenses by increasing the number of watchmen, ensuring constant vigilance. This principle is echoed in 2 Kings 9:17-20, where multiple watchmen are stationed to observe the approach of Jehu: "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?"'" . The presence of multiple watchmen allowed for a swift and coordinated response to the approaching force. Symbolic and Prophetic Significance The role of the watchman also carries symbolic and prophetic significance. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of watchfulness to exhort His followers to remain spiritually alert. In Mark 13:33-37, He warns, "Be on your guard and stay alert! For you do not know when the appointed time will come" . The call to watchfulness is a call to spiritual readiness, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance in anticipation of Christ's return. The increase in the number of watchmen during times of danger serves as a metaphor for the church's responsibility to remain vigilant in a world fraught with spiritual and moral challenges. As the early church faced persecution and false teachings, the apostles and elders acted as spiritual watchmen, safeguarding the flock and ensuring the purity of the gospel message. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of watchmen underscores the importance of vigilance, both physically and spiritually. In times of danger, the increase in the number of watchmen reflects a community's commitment to protection and preparedness. This principle remains relevant for believers today, as they are called to be watchful and discerning in their spiritual journey, ever ready to respond to the challenges and opportunities that arise. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 51:12Set up the standard on the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD has both devised and done that which he spoke against the inhabitants of Babylon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Warning Rejected. A Warning Rejected The Two Effects of the Gospel The Life of Mr. John Welch. The Two Guards, Praying and Watching Notes From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to ... Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism Introduction to Oration ii. Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Resources What does the Bible say about daydreaming? Is it wrong to daydream? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about law enforcement / the police? | GotQuestions.org Miscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org Watchmen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Watchmen in Time of Danger: Increase in Number Watchmen in Time of Danger: Reported the Approach of all Strangers Watchmen in Time of Danger: Sounded an Alarm at the Approach of Enemies Watchmen in Time of Danger: Vigilant Night and Day Watchmen were Relieved by Turns Watchmen were Stationed in the Streets of Cities Watchmen were Stationed: Around the Temple in Jerusalem on Special Occasions Watchmen were Stationed: On the Walls of Cities Watchmen were Stationed: On Watch Towers Watchmen: (Blind) of Careless Ministers Watchmen: (Looking for the Morning) of Anxious Waiting for God Watchmen: Citizens Sometimes Acted As Watchmen: Danger of Sleeping on Their Posts, Referred To Watchmen: Neglecting to Give Warning Punished With Death Watchmen: Often Interrogated by Passengers Watchmen: Paraded the Streets at Night to Preserve Order Watchmen: Soldiers Generally Acted As Watchmen: Vigilance of, Vain Without God's Protection Related Terms |
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