Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "watches of the night" is rooted in the ancient practice of dividing the nighttime into specific periods for the purpose of maintaining vigilance and prayer. This division is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites and early Christians.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the night was typically divided into three watches. This division is seen in several passages, such as in the account of Gideon. Judges 7:19 states, "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." Here, the "middle watch" suggests a division of the night into three parts, each lasting approximately four hours. The practice of night watches was not only for military purposes but also for religious observance. Psalm 63:6 reflects a personal devotion during the night: "When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night." This indicates a time for meditation and prayer, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance. New Testament Context By the time of the New Testament, the Roman influence had introduced a four-watch system, each lasting about three hours. This is evident in the Gospel accounts. For instance, in Mark 13:35, Jesus warns His disciples, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will come—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or at dawn." These four periods correspond to the Roman watches: evening (6-9 PM), midnight (9 PM-12 AM), the rooster crowing (12-3 AM), and dawn (3-6 AM). The New Testament also emphasizes the spiritual significance of the watches. In Luke 12:38, Jesus says, "Even if he comes in the second or third watch and finds them alert, those servants will be blessed." This highlights the importance of being spiritually prepared and vigilant at all times, reflecting a readiness for the Lord's return. Spiritual Significance The watches of the night hold deep spiritual significance, symbolizing a time for prayer, reflection, and readiness. In Lamentations 2:19, the prophet urges, "Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord." This call to prayer during the night watches underscores the importance of seeking God with earnestness and devotion. The practice of observing night watches can also be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life, which requires constant vigilance and readiness for the return of Christ. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, urging believers, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober." In summary, the watches of the night in biblical times served both practical and spiritual purposes, providing a framework for military readiness and religious devotion. They remind believers of the importance of vigilance, prayer, and preparedness in their walk with God. Smith's Bible Dictionary Watches of NightThe Jews, like the Greeks and Romans, divided the night into military watches instead of hours, each watch representing the period for which sentinels or pickets remained on duty. The proper Jewish reckoning recognized only three such watches, entitled the first or "beginning of the watches," (Lamentations 2:19) the middle watch, (Judges 7:19) and the morning watch. (Exodus 14:24; 1 Samuel 11:11) These would last respectively from sunset to 10 P.M.; from 10 P.M. to 2 A.M.; and from 2 A.M. to sunrise. After the establishment of the Roman supremacy, the number of watches was increased to four, which were described either according to their numerical order, as in the case of the "fourth watch," (Matthew 14:25) or by the terms "even," "midnight," "cock-crowing" and "morning." (Mark 13:35) These terminated respectively at 9 P.M., midnight, 3 A.M. and 6 A.M. Strong's Hebrew 821. ashmoreth -- a watch... a watch NASB Word Usage watch (4), watches (3). watch. Or bashmuwrah {ash-moo-raw'}; or -ashmoreth {ash-mo'-reth}; (feminine) from shamar; a night watch -- watch ... /hebrew/821.htm - 6k Library LM Breviary. Night-Watches. November 16. "Watch Therefore, for Ye Know Neither the Day" (Matt. ... Watch-Night Service A Night Thought. Conflict. Night and Day (Preached at the Chapel Royal) God who Always Watches Over his People The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud A Night on the Lake Resources What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org What are watchmen in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Watches: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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