A warrior stands on a wall. Behind him is a city with its citizens and people the warrior loves. Before him is the vastness of the outside world, a world of enemies and threats, both small and large.
With a weapon in his hand, he stays awake late into the night, keeping his eyes on the horizon and the shadows, ready to give the clarion call of any approaching evil.
It is a simple image, yet it is full of meaning and complexity.
For men and women today, we don’t stand on walls anymore. The image may not engender the same emotional urgency and sobriety as it did thousands of years ago, even a century ago.
But there are still threats. There are still enemies. And the Bible uses the image of the watchman on the wall to call us to join God in protecting those we are responsible for.
There may not be hordes of barbarians at our gates, but the threats today are just as real and perhaps more dangerous.
We still need watchmen on the wall.
What Is the Biblical Context of the Watchman on the Wall?
The biblical context of the watchman on the wall in Ezekiel 3:17 is found within the larger narrative of the prophet Ezekiel's call and commission to deliver God's messages to the people of Israel.
This metaphorical imagery of the watchman serves as a powerful and symbolic representation of Ezekiel's role as a spiritual guardian and messenger, with significant lessons for both the prophet and the broader audience.
In Ezekiel 3:17-21, God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman over the house of Israel, charging him with the responsibility to warn the people of their sinful ways and the impending consequences if they do not repent.
The watchman metaphor draws upon the ancient practice of placing sentinels on the walls of cities to sound alarms and alert inhabitants of approaching danger. Similarly, Ezekiel is tasked with sounding the spiritual alarm, calling the people to turn from their wickedness and return to God.
Ezekiel begins his prophetic ministry at the beginning of the tragic Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. Due to the sins of the people of Judah and Jerusalem, God had given the people over to a foreign king and nation, Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon.
Ezekiel is both a priest and prophet and speaks primarily to the captives in Babylon. Ezekiel’s name means “God strengthens” or “strengthened by God.”
Ezekiel’s ministry overlaps with the end of Jeremiah’s ministry and the beginning of Daniel.
In chapter 3, God declares the call of Ezekiel as a watchman over the house of Israel. God continues to explain what the call entails, primarily speaking the words Yahweh gives Ezekiel to say.
If Ezekiel doesn’t give the message of God, then the blood of further judgment on the wicked will be on the prophet’s hands. However, once Ezekiel gives the message, then the hearers are responsible for their own decision and response.
Ezekiel gives many warnings of destruction and messages of hope concerning God’s coming restoration, including one of the famous declarations of the coming New Covenant (Ezekiel 36:26).
Therefore, from this passage, the main role of a watchman is to give the prophetic Word of God to the people God sends Ezekiel to. At the same time, the idea of a watchman has several different levels from ancient history.
What Was the Ancient Role of a Watchman on the Wall?
In ancient times, the role of a watchman on the wall held great significance and was vital for the safety and security of cities and settlements.
The watchman served as a sentinel, stationed on high vantage points such as city walls or towers, to observe and alert the inhabitants of any approaching danger, whether it be enemy forces, natural disasters, or other potential threats.
The ancient role of a watchman on the wall encompassed several key responsibilities that contributed to the overall protection and well-being of the community.
The primary duty of a watchman was to function as an early warning system. Positioned at an elevated point, the watchman had a clear view of the surrounding landscape, including roads, approaching armies, and potential dangers.
By maintaining constant vigilance, the watchman could promptly identify and report any signs of impending trouble.
In the event of a threat, the watchman would sound alarms or signals to alert the city's inhabitants. This could involve blowing a trumpet, sounding a horn, or using other audible signals to warn the people of an imminent attack, allowing them to take defensive measures or seek refuge.
The watchman also played a crucial role in facilitating communication and coordination within the city. They would relay information about the nature and location of the threat to military commanders, leaders, and other relevant personnel, enabling them to make informed decisions and strategize a response.
One of the watchman's key objectives was to prevent surprise attacks. By maintaining a constant watch, they could detect enemy movements at a distance, giving the city's defenders valuable time to prepare and organize their defenses.
Beyond security concerns, watchmen also monitored trade and commerce activities. They would observe caravans, traders, and travelers approaching the city, ensuring that legitimate business transactions could take place while also keeping an eye out for any suspicious or potentially harmful activities.
Watchmen were not only concerned with military threats but also with natural disasters. They would be attuned to signs of approaching storms, fires, floods, or other calamities, allowing the city's inhabitants to take precautions or evacuate if necessary.
The presence of watchmen on the walls served as a symbol of the city's authority and preparedness. It conveyed the message that the city was vigilant and ready to defend itself against any potential aggression.
The role of a watchman on the wall was physically demanding and required constant attention, especially during times of heightened tension or conflict. Watchmen were chosen for their sharp eyesight, keen observation skills, and ability to remain alert for extended periods.
Their dedication to their duty often required long shifts and a deep sense of responsibility for the safety and welfare of the community they served.
What Bible Verses Mention a Watchman on the Wall?
Besides Ezekiel 3:17 (and also Ezekiel 33:7), several Bible verses mention the concept of a watchman on the wall, utilizing this imagery to convey important spiritual and moral lessons. The role of a watchman serves as a metaphor for vigilance, responsibility, and spiritual alertness.
“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence” (Isaiah 62:6).
In this verse, the watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem are tasked with diligently proclaiming and reminding the people of the Lord's presence and promises. It emphasizes the responsibility of spiritual leaders to remain vocal and unwavering in their commitment to God.
“I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint” (Habakkuk 2:1).
Habakkuk speaks of positioning himself as a watchman to receive guidance and insights from God. It underscores the posture of waiting, listening, and seeking divine direction.
“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” (Solomon 5:7).
While not a direct reference to a watchman on a wall, this verse metaphorically uses the imagery of watchmen to portray a search for a loved one. The watchmen symbolize those who diligently seek and guard the beloved.
“Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said We will not hearken” (Jeremiah 6:17).
This verse illustrates the role of watchmen as messengers sounding the alarm. It reflects the people's choice to ignore the warnings, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).
While not directly about watchmen on walls, this verse is spoken by Jesus and conveys the importance of spiritual watchfulness and readiness for His return. It aligns with the concept of watchmen remaining vigilant and prepared.
“It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch” (Mark 13:34).
In this parable, Jesus uses the imagery of a watchman at the door to emphasize the need for his followers to remain watchful and faithful in carrying out their responsibilities.
What Can Christians Today Learn from Being a Watchman on the Wall?
Being a watchman on the wall, as depicted in various Bible verses, holds valuable lessons for Christians today.
1. Vigilance and alertness. Just as a watchman on the wall is vigilant and alert to potential threats, we are called to remain spiritually vigilant and watchful.
The world is filled with various influences, temptations, and challenges that can divert our focus from God.
Being a watchman reminds us to stay awake and attentive, guarding our hearts and minds against anything that could compromise our faith.
2. Responsibility for others. A watchman has a responsibility to warn and protect others. Likewise, Christians have a responsibility to care for and nurture fellow believers.
This includes encouraging one another, offering support, and sharing the truth of God's Word. Being a watchman teaches us to look out for the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. Proclamation of truth. Watchmen announce impending danger, and Christians are called to proclaim the truth of the gospel, including the imminent return of Jesus.
In addition, we can prophetically warn of coming attacks of our spiritual enemy and the dangers of ideas that come against the knowledge of God, just as a watchman’s trumpet warns the city.
4. Discernment and discipleship. A watchman must discern between genuine threats and false alarms. Similarly, Christians need discernment to distinguish between sound doctrine and deceptive teachings.
By cultivating discernment, we can navigate the complexities of the spiritual landscape and make wise choices in the pursuit of truth and growth.
5. Prayer and intercession. A watchman’s role involves prayerful observation. Christians can learn the importance of intercessory prayer — lifting up concerns, needs, and people to God.
Just as a watchman petitions for the safety of the city, we must intercede on behalf of our communities, nations, and the world, seeking God's guidance, protection, and mercy.
6. Preparedness for Christ’s return. The watchman's readiness for potential threats mirrors the Christian's readiness for the return of Christ.
Just as a watchman remains prepared at all times, we are called to live in anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming. This means cultivating a deep relationship with God, faithfully serving, and being ready to meet Him at any moment.
7. Servant leadership. The watchman’s role requires selflessness and service to the community. Christians can apply this principle to their lives by embracing servant leadership — putting others' needs before their own, serving with humility, and demonstrating Christ's love through their actions.
In a rapidly changing and often tumultuous world, the concept of being a watchman on the wall offers Christians a timeless blueprint for living out their faith.
It reminds believers to remain vigilant, watchful, and dedicated to their spiritual journey. Let us all, men and women, take up the charge for courageous intercession with our Father.
Peace.
For further reading:
What Is the Significance of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel?
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