In biblical times, the role of a guardsman was significant in both military and civil contexts. Guardsmen were responsible for the protection of individuals, properties, and sacred spaces. Their duties often included standing watch, maintaining order, and ensuring the safety of those they were assigned to protect.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, guardsmen are frequently mentioned in relation to the protection of kings and sacred sites. For instance, the guardsmen of King David and King Solomon played crucial roles in the security of the monarchy. In 2 Samuel 23:23, Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, is described as being "more honored than the Thirty, but he did not attain to the Three. And David appointed him over his guard." This highlights the importance of the guardsman in the royal hierarchy.

The temple guards, known as the "keepers of the threshold," were responsible for the security of the temple. In 2 Kings 11:5-7, Jehoiada the priest commands the captains of the guards to protect the young King Joash: "This is what you are to do: a third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath are to guard the king’s house, a third are to be at the Sur Gate, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, guardsmen are often associated with Roman authority. The Roman guards played a pivotal role in the events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 27:65-66, Pilate instructs the chief priests and Pharisees regarding the tomb of Jesus: "You have a guard; go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." They went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

The presence of guards at the tomb is further emphasized in Matthew 28:4, where it is recorded that "the guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men" upon witnessing the angel of the Lord. This account underscores the power of divine intervention over human authority.

Symbolic and Spiritual Implications

The role of a guardsman in the Bible also carries symbolic and spiritual implications. Guardsmen are often seen as protectors of what is sacred and valuable. In a spiritual sense, believers are called to be vigilant and guard their hearts against sin and temptation. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life."

Furthermore, the concept of spiritual warfare in the New Testament encourages believers to be like guardsmen, standing firm in faith and equipped with the armor of God. Ephesians 6:11 exhorts, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes."

Conclusion

The role of guardsmen in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing duties of protection, vigilance, and service. Whether in the context of ancient Israel or the Roman Empire, guardsmen were integral to maintaining order and safeguarding what was deemed precious. Their presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the protection of both physical and spiritual treasures.1. (n.) One who guards; a guard.

2. (n.) A member, either officer or private, of any military body called Guards.

4688. spekoulator -- a scout, by ext. an executioner
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: spekoulator Phonetic Spelling:
(spek-oo-lat'-ore) Short Definition: a body-guardsman, an executioner Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4688.htm - 6k

1187. dexiolabos -- probably a spearman or slinger
... spearman. From dexios and lambano; a guardsman (as if taking the right) or
light-armed soldier -- spearman. see GREEK dexios. see GREEK lambano. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1187.htm - 6k

2876. tabbach -- cook, guardsman
... 2875, 2876. tabbach. 2877 . cook, guardsman. Transliteration: tabbach
Phonetic Spelling: (tab-bawkh') Short Definition: bodyguard. ...
/hebrew/2876.htm - 6k

2877. tabbach -- guardsman
... 2876, 2877. tabbach. 2878 . guardsman. Transliteration: tabbach Phonetic
Spelling: (tab-bawkh') Short Definition: bodyguard. Word ...
/hebrew/2877.htm - 6k

3746. Kari -- bodyguard of Jehoash
... captains, Cherethites. Perhaps an abridged plural of kar in the sense of leader
(of the flock); a life-guardsman -- captains, Cherethites (from the margin). ...
/hebrew/3746.htm - 6k

3774. Kerethi -- the foreign bodyguard of King David
... Probably from karath in the sense of executioner; a Kerethite or life-guardsman
(compare tabbach) (only collectively in the singular as plural) -- Cherethims ...
/hebrew/3774.htm - 6k

The Clergyman and the Prayer Book.
... How shall I speak of it as I would? "The Prayer Book isn't inspired, I know," said
an old coast-guardsman some years ago to a friend of mine, "but, sure and ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter ix the clergyman and.htm

To Domnus, Bishop of Antioch.
... For one of the holy monks has written to some one that he has received letters both
from the very illustrious guardsman and the very glorious ex-magister ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cx to domnus bishop of.htm

The Apostle's Position and Circumstances
... Sometimes a long stream of visitors would flow in, and for a whole day perhaps the
two would scarcely exchange a word; the Guardsman would only watch and listen ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter iii the apostles position.htm

The Ethics of Elfland
... It happened that I had that emotion. When one is fond of anything one addresses
it by diminutives, even if it is an elephant or a life-guardsman. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/iv the ethics of elfland.htm

On the Educational Value of the Natural History Sciences.
... from the latter only as a veteran may differ from a raw recruit: and its methods
differ from those of common sense only so far as the guardsman's cut and ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/v on the educational value.htm

Nearness to God the Key to Life's Puzzle
... I remember a story about a coast-guardsman that was flung over the cliffs once,
and when they picked up his dead body, all under the nails was full of chalk ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/nearness to god the key.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... guard. [3196] The maiden hath withdrawn to await the result with her mother.
The guardsman has left the banqueting-hall. Out into ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

Guardsman (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Guardsman (1 Occurrence). Mark 6:27 and immediately the
king having sent a guardsman, did command his head to be brought, (YLT). ...
/g/guardsman.htm - 6k

Guard's (1 Occurrence)

/g/guard's.htm - 6k

Guardsmen (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Guardsman. Multi-Version Concordance
Guardsmen (2 Occurrences). Song of Songs 5:7 The keepers ...
/g/guardsmen.htm - 7k

Carites (2 Occurrences)
... CARITES. kar'-i-tez (kari), ("one ready," "life-guardsman"): A body of troops mentioned
in 2 Kings 11:4, 19 (the King James Version "captains"). ...
/c/carites.htm - 7k

Guardsman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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