479. City Watchmen
• 1 min. read • grade level: 11
There were not only watchmen stationed on the walls to guard against the approach of enemies (see note on 2 Samuel 18:2626And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings. (2 Samuel 18:26), #283), but there were others whose duty it was to patrol the streets of the city and preserve order. See Psalm 127:11<<A Song of degrees for Solomon.>> Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (Psalm 127:1); Song of Solomon 3:33The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? (Song of Solomon 3:3). There are such in Oriental cities today, and they challenge all persons found abroad after certain hours of the night, arresting those that are not able to give a good account of themselves, and sometimes subjecting them to rough treatment.