In biblical terminology, the concept of "ward" or "guard" is often associated with protection, vigilance, and the responsibility of keeping watch over something or someone. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both physical and spiritual dimensions of safeguarding.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "guard" or "ward" is "shamar," which means to keep, watch, or preserve. This term is frequently used in the context of God's commandments and the duty of the Israelites to observe them diligently. For example, in Deuteronomy 4:9 , it is written, "Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live."

The role of a guard is also evident in the Levitical duties concerning the tabernacle and later the temple. The Levites were appointed to guard the sanctuary, ensuring that it remained holy and undefiled (Numbers 3:38). This duty was not merely a physical task but a spiritual responsibility, symbolizing the protection of God's presence among His people.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the Greek word "phylassō" is often used to denote guarding or keeping watch. This term is applied in various contexts, including the guarding of one's heart and mind against sin and temptation. In Philippians 4:7 , the Apostle Paul writes, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The concept of spiritual vigilance is further emphasized by Jesus' exhortation to His disciples to "watch and pray" so that they may not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41). This highlights the necessity of spiritual alertness and the active role believers must take in guarding their faith.

Guardianship and Stewardship

The idea of ward or guard extends to the notion of stewardship, where individuals are entrusted with the care and management of what God has given them. This includes not only material possessions but also spiritual gifts and responsibilities. In 1 Timothy 6:20 , Paul instructs Timothy, "O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called 'knowledge.'"

Divine Protection

Ultimately, the Bible assures believers of God's protective role as the ultimate guardian. Psalm 121:7-8 declares, "The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore." This divine guardianship provides comfort and assurance, reminding believers that while they are called to be vigilant, their ultimate security rests in God's sovereign care.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of ward or guard encompasses both human responsibility and divine protection. It calls for vigilance, obedience, and stewardship, while also offering the assurance of God's unfailing watchfulness over His people.Ward or Guard

To put "in ward" was to place under guard, or in confinement, Genesis 40:3; Le 24:12. Ward also seems to mean a guard-room, Nehemiah 12:25; Isaiah 21:8, and the guards themselves, Acts 12:10, or any small band, 1 Chronicles 25:8; 26:16.

5438. phulake -- a guarding, guard, watch
... From phulasso; a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively ...
literally or figuratively -- cage, hold, (im-)prison(-ment), ward, watch. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5438.htm - 7k4307. mattara -- a guard, ward, prison, target, mark
... a guard, ward, prison, target, mark. Transliteration: mattara or mattarah Phonetic
Spelling: (mat-taw-raw') Short Definition: guardhouse. ...
/hebrew/4307.htm - 6k

4929. mishmar -- place of confinement, jail, prison, guard, watch ...
... 1). diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch. From shamar; a guard
(the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (fig.); also ...
/hebrew/4929.htm - 6k

4931. mishmereth -- a guard, watch, charge, function
... allegiance (1), charge (27), duties (15), duty (2), guard post (2), guard* (1),
guards (2 ... charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinance, safeguard, ward, watch. ...
/hebrew/4931.htm - 6k

6488. peqiduth -- oversight
... Word Origin from paqad Definition oversight NASB Word Usage guard (1). ward. From
paqiyd; supervision -- ward. see HEBREW paqiyd. 6487, 6488. peqiduth. 6489 ...
/hebrew/6488.htm - 6k

1004. bayith -- a house
... 1), dungeon* (2), faced inward (1), family (2), family* (1), guard* (1), hall ... contain,
hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place ...
/hebrew/1004.htm - 7k

Whether an Angel is Appointed to Guard a Man from his Birth?
... vide A, 4) that "each soul has an angel appointed to guard it from ... bring them to
salvation: efficacious, nevertheless, they are, inasmuch as they ward off many ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether an angel is appointed.htm

The Gospel was Preached to Jews and Gentiles in Hades.
... show that the Lord preached [3265] the Gospel to those that perished in the flood,
or rather had been chained, and to those kept "in ward and guard"? ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the gospel was preached.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert M'Ward.
... The noise of this sermon quickly flew abroad, and Mr. M'Ward was brought
to Edinburgh under a guard, and imprisoned. Very soon after ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 8.htm

Goodness in a Dungeon
... And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the
prison, the place where Joseph was bound. And the captain ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/goodness in a dungeon.htm

Chapter xl
... under guard" "not just cast into prison""guard," mishmar from shamar, "to guard."
By a ... he asked these eunuchs of Pharaoh which were with him in ward in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xl.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the
prison, the place where Joseph was bound. And the captain ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

A Thanksgiving to God, for his House
... house, whose humble roof Is weather-proof; Under the spars of which I lie Both soft
and dry; Where thou, my chamber for to ward, Hast set a guard Of harmless ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a thanksgiving to god for.htm

A Thanksgiving to God for his House
... Both soft, and dry; Where Thou my chamber for to ward. Hast set a Guard.
Of harmless thoughts, to watch and keep. Me, while I sleep. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/xciv a thanksgiving to god.htm

Why Without, Then, Art Thou Staying?
... Angel hosts keep watch and ward At thy side and are thy guard; Lest in journeys
aught should hurt thee, By the way their arms support thee. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/why without then art thou.htm

Great Saint Joseph! Son of David
... Son of David, Foster father of our Lord, Spouse of Mary ever Virgin, Keeping o'er
them watch and ward! In the stable thou didst guard them With a father's ...
/.../the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/no 93 great saint joseph.htm

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