New Torrey's Topical Textbook: Rev. R. A. Torrey

Watchmen

• Soldiers generally acted as Mt. 27:65, 66
• Citizens sometimes acted as Neh. 7:3
• Were stationed
  • On watch towers 2 Ki. 9:17; Isa. 21:5
  • On the walls of cities Isa. 62:6
  • In the streets of cities Ps. 127:1
  • Around the temple in Jerusalem on special occasions 2 Ki. 11:6
• Paraded the streets at night to preserve order Song 3:3, 5:7
• In time of danger
  • Increased in number Jer. 51:12
  • Vigilant night and day Neh. 4:9; Isa. 21:8
  • Reported the approach of all strangers 2 Sam. 18:24-27; 2 Ki. 9:18-20; Isa. 21:6, 7, 9
  • Sounded an alarm at the approach of enemies Ezek. 33:2, 3
• Vigilance of, vain without God's protection Ps. 127:1
• Were relieved by turns Neh. 7:3
• Danger of sleeping on their posts, referred to Mt. 28:13, 14
• Neglecting to give warning punished with death Ezek. 33:6
• Often interrogated by passengers Isa. 21:11
• Illustrative
  • Of ministers Isa. 52:8, 62:6; Ezek. 3:17; Heb. 13:17
  • (Blind,) of careless ministers Isa. 56:10
  • (Looking for the morning,) of anxious waiting for God Ps. 130:5, 6