### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼashmurâh**, represented by `{{H821}}`, defines a **night watch**. Derived from the primitive root `{{H8104}}` meaning to guard or protect, it appears **7 times** in **7 unique verses**. This term specifically refers to a division of the night, a period for keeping watch, whether for military vigilance or personal reflection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H821}}` marks pivotal moments occurring during the night. It is used to designate the specific timing of military actions, such as Gideon’s attack "in the beginning of the middle **watch**" [[Judges 7:19]] and Saul’s assault during the "morning **watch**" [[1 Samuel 11:11]]. The Lord Himself acts during the "morning **watch**" to trouble the Egyptian army [[Exodus 14:24]]. Beyond warfare, the term signifies periods of deep spiritual activity, including meditating on God [[Psalms 63:6]] and His word [[Psalms 119:148]]. It is also used metaphorically to illustrate the brevity of time in God's sight, where a thousand years is like "a **watch** in the night" [[Psalms 90:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of a night watch:
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar**: As the root of `{{H821}}`, this word means to **guard, protect, or watch**. It underscores the core idea of vigilance, whether it is a watchman guarding a city [[Psalms 127:1]] or an individual taking heed of God's word [[Psalms 119:9]].
* `{{H3915}}` **layil**: This word for **night** is the setting in which a watch `{{H821}}` takes place. Scripture presents the night as a time for both adversity and deep meditation [[Joshua 1:8]], a context shared with the watches.
* `{{H1242}}` **bôqer**: Meaning **morning**, this word often specifies the "morning **watch**" [[Exodus 14:24]] as the final watch of the night. It is associated with God's lovingkindness and faithfulness [[Psalms 92:2]].
* `{{H7218}}` **rôʼsh**: Translated as **beginning** or head, this term marks the start of a watch, as seen in the phrase "in the **beginning** of the watches" [[Lamentations 2:19]], signaling a call to urgent prayer.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H821}}` is tied to its use as a designated time for divine and human action.
* **Divine Timing:** The "morning **watch**" is presented as a time when God intervenes decisively in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereignty over historical events [[Exodus 14:24]].
* **Spiritual Devotion:** The "night **watches**" are portrayed as a special time for intimate communion with God, set apart for meditating on His character [[Psalms 63:6]] and His word [[Psalms 119:148]].
* **God's Eternality:** By comparing a thousand years to a mere **watch** in the night, Scripture uses this term to contrast human temporal limitations with God's infinite and eternal nature [[Psalms 90:4]].
* **Fervent Prayer:** In moments of great suffering, the "beginning of the **watches**" is the appointed time to pour out one's heart to the Lord, highlighting the night as an opportunity for desperate and heartfelt prayer [[Lamentations 2:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H821}}` is more than a simple unit of time. It functions as a framework for understanding key moments of vigilance, divine intervention, and profound spiritual intimacy. From a military sentry's shift to a psalmist's deep meditation, the **watch** is a recurring biblical motif that marks a specific time set apart for critical action and devotion, reminding believers of God's timely work and the importance of being spiritually alert.
TRV