Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the division of the night into watches was a common practice among the Israelites, reflecting both their cultural and military needs. The concept of dividing the night into watches is rooted in the necessity for vigilance and preparedness, especially in a society where threats from enemies or wild animals were ever-present. The division into three watches is particularly noted in the Old Testament and reflects an ancient understanding of timekeeping.Old Testament Context The division of the night into three watches is first alluded to in the Old Testament. The Hebrew term for "watch" is "mishmar," which signifies a guard or a period of time during which a watchman would be on duty. The practice of night watches is evident in several passages, although the specific division into three watches is not explicitly detailed in the Old Testament text. However, the concept is implied through various narratives and instructions regarding vigilance and protection. One of the clearest references to night watches is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 7:19 , it is recorded: "Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard." This passage suggests a division of the night into at least three parts, with the "middle watch" indicating a central period of time. Cultural and Military Significance The division of the night into watches served both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, it allowed for a systematic approach to guarding a city or camp, ensuring that watchmen were alert and rested. Each watch would typically last for a few hours, allowing for a rotation of duties. This system was crucial for maintaining security and readiness against potential threats. Symbolically, the watches of the night also held spiritual significance. The night was often seen as a time of danger and uncertainty, and the presence of watchmen served as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and reliance on God's protection. The psalmist reflects this sentiment in Psalm 130:6 : "My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning—more than watchmen wait for the morning." Transition to Four Watches By the time of the New Testament, the Jewish people had adopted the Roman system of dividing the night into four watches. This transition is evident in the Gospels, where references to the four watches are made. For example, in Mark 13:35 , Jesus instructs His disciples: "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." The shift from three to four watches reflects the influence of Roman occupation and the integration of Roman customs into Jewish life. Despite this change, the underlying principle of vigilance and readiness remained a central theme in both Jewish and early Christian thought. Conclusion The division of the night into three watches in ancient Israel highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in both physical and spiritual realms. This practice, deeply rooted in the cultural and religious life of the Israelites, underscores the timeless biblical theme of watchfulness and trust in God's providence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 2:19Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out your heart like water before the face of the LORD: lift up your hands toward him for the life of your young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 7:19 Exodus 14:24 Library The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ... The Nile and Egypt the Legendary History of Egypt St. Gregory the Great. A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian Demonstration vi. --Of Monks. A Traveler's Note-Book The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Another Wonderful Record of 25. Resources What is the witching hour, and is it in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened in the Garden of Gethsemane? | GotQuestions.org How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | 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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