Topical Bible: Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen

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Topical Encyclopedia

In ancient biblical times, the protection of cities was a matter of utmost importance, particularly during the night when the threat of enemy attacks or other dangers was heightened. The role of watchmen was crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the inhabitants. These watchmen were stationed on city walls or towers, tasked with keeping a vigilant eye over the city and its surroundings.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several references to the role of watchmen in protecting cities. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet speaks of the watchmen's duty to remain alert and to sound the alarm if danger approaches: "I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest" (Isaiah 62:6). This verse highlights the continuous and tireless nature of the watchmen's work, emphasizing their responsibility to remain ever-watchful.

In Ezekiel, the role of the watchman is further elaborated as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance and responsibility: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me" (Ezekiel 3:17). Here, the watchman is not only a physical guardian but also a spiritual sentinel, tasked with warning the people of impending judgment or danger.

Historical Context

In the historical context of ancient Israel and surrounding regions, cities were often fortified with walls to protect against invasions and raids. The presence of watchmen was a common practice, as they served as the first line of defense. Their elevated positions on walls or towers allowed them to observe approaching threats from a distance, providing early warnings to the city's inhabitants and leaders.

The watchmen's duties extended beyond mere observation. They were responsible for sounding alarms, often using trumpets or other signaling devices, to alert the city of any approaching danger. This allowed the city's defenders to prepare and respond appropriately, whether by closing gates, readying weapons, or rallying troops.

Symbolic Significance

The concept of watchmen also carries symbolic significance in the Bible, representing spiritual alertness and readiness. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of watchfulness to instruct His followers to remain vigilant for His return: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13). This call to spiritual watchfulness underscores the importance of being prepared and attentive to the signs of the times.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his exhortation to the Thessalonians: "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Here, the metaphor of watchfulness is applied to the Christian life, urging believers to maintain spiritual alertness and moral integrity.

Conclusion

The role of watchmen in protecting cities at night is a vivid illustration of the need for vigilance and preparedness, both in the physical and spiritual realms. Through the biblical narrative, watchmen serve as guardians of safety and as symbols of spiritual readiness, reminding believers of their duty to remain alert and faithful in their walk with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 127:1
Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 5:7
The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 21:11
The burden of Dumah. He calls to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... forth from the guard-room, and the city was protected against surprise ... Let the other
cities go, if go they must; but as for ... At night, watchmen are most required ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a call to prayer and.htm

Fourth Commandment
... miles; but I walked it, and I slept that night with a ... in the republic ought to be
as thoroughly protected as the ... Already in many cities it is profaned openly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/fourth commandment.htm

The Memphite Empire
... of Pelusium on the north, protected almost completely ... as a shelter during the night
from mosquitos ... The Pharaohs often peopled their royal cities with prisoners ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... the surroundings of the cemeteries in our own great cities. ... watched at the four cardinal
points, and protected the body ... me, and I was in her hand day and night. ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be ...
the Lord shall bring again Zion' (Isaiah 52:8): yea, the watchmen of God's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Sin enervated the nation which should have protected it; while the immensity of
its ... The two cities Sion and Jerusalem, were such as sometimes set forth the two ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Such are sure to be protected from every enemy; to be guided by unerring counsel;
and what will crown all, to be beloved of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm