Lectionary Calendar
Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
the Third Week after Easter
Attention!
Partner with StudyLight.org as God uses us to make a difference for those displaced by Russia's war on Ukraine.
Click to donate today!

Bible Dictionaries
Watches of the Night

Fausset's Bible Dictionary

Search for…
or
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
Prev Entry
Washing
Next Entry
Water
Resource Toolbox
Additional Links

The Jews reckoned three military watches: the "first" or beginning of the watches (Lamentations 2:19), from sunset to ten o'clock; the second or "middle watch" was from ten until two o'clock (Judges 7:19); the third, "the morning watch," from two to sunrise (Exodus 14:24; 1 Samuel 11:11). Afterward under the Romans they had four watches (Matthew 14:25): Luke 12:38, "even, midnight, cockcrowing, and morning" (Mark 13:35); ending respectively at 9 p.m., midnight, 3 a.m., and 6 a.m. (compare Acts 12:4.) Watchmen patrolled the streets (Song of Solomon 3:3; Song of Solomon 5:7; Psalms 127:1).

Bibliography Information
Fausset, Andrew R. Entry for 'Watches of the Night'. Fausset's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​fbd/​w/watches-of-the-night.html. 1949.
adsFree icon
Ads FreeProfile