Scripture References
The ancestry of gatekeepers
GATEKEEPERS
Levite temple servants, responsible for protecting the palace and the
temple from those who would desecrate it or steal its treasures. City
gatekeepers also existed.
1Ch 9:17-22 See also 1Ch 26:1-13; Ezr 2:42; Ne 7:45
The special status of gatekeepers
Ezr 7:24 See also Ezr 2:70; Ne 7:73; Ne 12:47; Ne 13:5
The functions of gatekeepers
1Ch 9:23-27 See also 2Ch 8:14; Ne 11:19
Examples of gatekeepers
2Ch 35:15 See also 1Ch 15:16-18; 1Ch 16:37-38; 1Ch 23:3-5; 1Ch
26:14-19; Ne 10:28-29,39; Ne 12:25,45
City gatekeepers
2Ki 7:10-11 See also Ne 7:1-3
GATE
A point of entry to a walled city or walled-off area, such as the
temple. It was a place where business was transacted and where
justice and punishment were dispensed. It is used figuratively of
the entry to death and also of the starting-point of the Christian
life.
The purpose of gates as defended points of entry
GUARD
A watchman, sentinel or bodyguard for a king or ruler. The word
is also used metaphorically.
Bodyguards for kings
1Sa 22:14 See also 1Sa 26:14-15; 1Sa 28:2; 2Sa 16:6; 2Sa 23:23
pp 1Ch 11:25; 1Ki 1:8,10; 2Ki 11:7-8; 2Ch 12:11
Guards at the tomb of Jesus Christ
Mt 27:65-66 See also Mt 28:4
Other examples of human guards
Ne 4:9,23; Lk 22:4 See also Ge 37:36; 2Ki 25:11 pp Jer 39:9; Jer
51:12; Mt 27:54; Lk 2:8; Lk 11:21; Lk 22:52,63; Ac 4:1; Ac
12:4,6,10,19; Ac 16:23; Ac 22:20; Ac 23:35; Ac 24:23; Ac 28:16;
Php 1:13
Angelic guards
Ps 91:11-12 See also Ge 3:24; 1Co 4:15
The Lord guards his people himself
Dt 32:9-11; Ps 97:10 See also Ge 28:15; 1Sa 2:9; 2Sa 22:31 pp
Ps 18:30; Ps 1:6; Ps 121:3-8; Pr 2:7-8; Pr 30:5; Isa 27:3; Isa 31:5;
Isa 52:12; Isa 58:8
WATCHMAN
A person stationed on the highest part of a city wall to warn inhabitants of an approaching enemy or messenger; also a person who kept watch over pastures, vineyards and sheep. The OT prophets were spiritual watchmen, warning the people of Israel of God’s judgment. Watchmen stationed on the highest part of a city wall To warn inhabitants of an approaching enemy
2Ki 9:17 See also 1Sa 14:16; 2Sa 13:34; Ps 127:1;
Ps 130:6; SS 3:3; SS 5:7; Jer 51:12 To give notice of approaching messengers 2Sa 18:24-27 See also 2Ki 9:18,20; Isa 21:6,8; Isa 52:8
Watchmen stationed on towers in pastures and vineyards to guard against thieves 2Ch 26:10; Isa 27:3; Mic 4:8
Watchmen stationed on hills Jer 31:6 This was to give notice of the various phases of the moon in order to fix the times for the most important festivals.
Watchmen who guarded sheep Jn 10:3 The OT prophets were spiritual watchmen warning the people of Israel of God’s judgment Jer 6:17 See also Isa 21:11-12; Isa 56:10; Isa 62:6; Eze 3:17; Eze 33:2,6-7; Hos 9:8; Hab 2:1
TOWERS
Tall structures, normally constructed of brick or stone. They were chiefly used for observation of the surrounding countryside in order to warn of the approach of enemies or robbers.
Examples of watchtowers Isa 32:14 See also Jdg 8:17; Jdg 9:51-52; 1Ch 27:25; 2Ch 14:7; 2Ch 26:9-10,15; 2Ch 32:5; Ne 3:25-27
DECREES - A DECREE IS A MANDATE OF A KING, ONE WHO SPEAKS WITH THE AUTHORITY THE LORD HAS GRANTED. BE SURE YOU ARE MAKING YOUR DECREE FROM THE DELEGATED AUTHORITY OF THE ETERNAL GOD, SPEAKING WORDS HE HAS GIVEN YOU AND COMMITTED THEM TO YOUR SPIRIT. Job 22:28 28
You will pronounce something to be, and He will make it so; light will break out across all of your paths. LEVITICUS 18:4 From here on out, you will live by My commands and honor My decrees and live your lives according to them alone. I am the Eternal One, your God. DECLARATIONS- IS A PROPHETIC UTTERANCE FROM YOUR SPIRIT DURING A TIME OF WORSHIP, INTERCESSION, OR PRAYER