Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the night was divided into distinct periods known as "watches." These watches were segments of time during which sentinels or guards would keep watch, ensuring the safety and security of a city or camp. The concept of dividing the night into watches is rooted in both practical and spiritual significance, as it provided structure for vigilance and prayer.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the division of the night into watches is less explicitly detailed, but the practice is implied in various passages. The Hebrew tradition typically divided the night into three watches. This is suggested in several scriptural references, such as in the book of Judges, where Gideon and his men attacked the Midianite camp "at the beginning of the middle watch" (Judges 7:19). This indicates a division of the night into at least three parts. 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 system divided the night into four watches, each lasting approximately three hours. The watches were as follows: 1. First Watch (Evening Watch): From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM 2. Second Watch (Midnight Watch): From 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM 3. Third Watch (Cockcrow Watch): From 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM 4. Fourth Watch (Morning Watch): From 3:00 AM to 6:00 AM The New Testament provides several references to these watches. For instance, in Mark 13:35, Jesus warns His disciples to stay alert, as they 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" . This passage reflects the four-watch division. Spiritual Significance The division of the night into watches held spiritual importance for the people of Israel and early Christians. It was during these quiet and often solitary hours that individuals would engage in prayer and meditation. The Psalms frequently mention the practice of seeking God during the night. Psalm 119:148 states, "My eyes anticipate the watches of night, that I may meditate on Your word" . The night watches were also times of heightened spiritual vigilance. In the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as praying during the night, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He urged His disciples to watch and pray (Matthew 26:38-41). This underscores the importance of spiritual readiness and the need to be alert to the movements of God and the schemes of the enemy. Practical Implications The division of the night into watches had practical implications for the security of communities. Sentinels were assigned to each watch to guard against potential threats, whether from invading forces or other dangers. This system ensured that there was always someone awake and alert, ready to respond to any situation that might arise. In summary, the division of the night into watches is a practice deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, serving both practical and spiritual purposes. It reflects a disciplined approach to vigilance, prayer, and readiness, themes that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 Judges 7:19 1 Samuel 11:11 Nehemiah 12:9 Psalm 63:6 Psalm 119:148 Lamentations 2:19 Matthew 14:25 Luke 12:38 Library November 16. "Watch Therefore, for Ye Know Neither the Day" (Matt. ... The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ... The Second Coming of Christ. On Creation Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud Early Days To the Disciples - Two Events and their Moral. The Creation of Moving Creatures. Egypt Resources Why do some churches have a Sunday night/evening service? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a “dark night of the soul”? | GotQuestions.org Why do some churches have a Wednesday night service? | GotQuestions.org Night: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Night: Continued Until Sunrise Night: Divided Into Four Watches by the Romans Night: Eastern Fishermen Continued Their Employment During Night: Eastern Shepherds Watched Over Their Flocks During Night: Favourable to the Purposes of the Wicked Night: Frequently: Accompanied by Heavy Dew Night: Frequently: Cold and Frosty Night: Frequently: Exceeding Dark Night: General Scriptures Concerning Night: God Frequently: Executed his Judgments In Night: God Frequently: Revealed his Will In Night: God Frequently: Visited his People In Night: Originally Divided Into Three Watches Night: Regular Succession of Established by Covenant Night: Regular Succession of Ordained for the Glory of God Night: Seasons of Severe Calamities Night: Seasons of Spiritual Desertion Night: The Darkness First Called Night: The Heavenly Bodies Designed to Separate Day From Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Prayer Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Sorrow and Humiliation Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Allow Malefactors to Hang During Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Keep the Wages of Servants During Night: The Jews: Often Kept Lamps Burning During Night: The Moon and Stars Designed to Rule and Give Light By Night: Unsuitable for Travelling Night: Wearisome to the Afflicted Night: Wild Beasts Go Forth in Search of Prey During Related Terms Yesterday-night (1 Occurrence) |
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