What is a Watchman?

A watchman is someone appointed to be vigilant and alert for potential dangers and to warn others. In the Bible, the role of a watchman is used both literally and metaphorically. This concept is especially prominent in the prophetic books of the Old Testament, where prophets like Ezekiel were appointed as "watchmen" for the house of Israel.

Have you ever wondered about what a “watchman” in the Bible is? Ever wondered what their purpose and responsibilities were? This is what we know about this calling that God put on the prophet Ezekiel: this powerful role goes far beyond standing on city walls. In ancient civilizations, watchmen kept communities safe from physical threats, but the Bible also uses the term to describe those called to spiritual vigilance as well. Prophets like Ezekiel were appointed as watchmen—charged with warning, guiding, and interceding for the people.

Ultimately, being the watchman for the city or the nation required vigilance, courage, and a commitment to the community’s spiritual well-being—a timely reminder for anyone seeking to guide others faithfully.

A Watchman’s Responsibilities

In ancient cities like Jerusalem, watchmen stood on city walls or in towers to watch for approaching enemies or other threats. Their primary duty was to sound the alarm, often with a trumpet, to warn the people of impending danger. The watchman's role required sharp eyesight, keen observation skills, and the ability to remain alert for extended periods. Their dedication and sense of responsibility were critical for the community's safety and well-being.

In addition to watching for physical threats coming upon a city, a biblical watchman’s core responsibilities also included staying alert to any spiritual dangers that might present themselves. This would include warning the people of moral pitfalls, interceding in prayer, and boldly proclaiming the Word of the Lord they had been given. This role came with deep accountability: if a watchman failed to deliver a warning, the consequences were serious (Ezekiel 33:6). In the New Testament, Jesus urges spiritual watchfulness, reminding His followers to remain ready and attentive (Mt. 24:42, Luke 21:36, Mark 13:33).

The Need for Modern-day Watchmen

In addition to literal watchmen stationed on city walls, a watchman's role is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual leaders and prophets. These spiritual watchmen have existed in every generation and have been responsible for guiding and warning God's people against apathy or compromising their faith. Modern-day watchmen are expected to be spiritually alert, to be keenly aware and cognizant of current events, to actively listen to the Holy Spirit, and then to communicate God's truth to His people. Another crucial facet of a watchman’s role is to warn of impending judgment, sin, or false teachings and encourage believers to hold tightly to their faith and beliefs. A final responsibility of a modern-day watchman is to intercede for the people they stand watch over and are accountable for.

In today’s society, it isn’t necessary to station a watchman on the city wall to watch for threats of invasion or attack. However, given the digital society and social changes that have taken place over the past several years, the need for spiritual watchmen has never been greater. The proliferation of information on the Internet and the potential to mislead or purposely deceive believers has made the role of watchman a critically important and necessary function in the Body of Christ. It is time for God-appointed watchmen to stand up and take their place on the spiritual wall of local fellowships and the nation at large. It is time for these watchmen to listen, to guide, to warn, and to intercede for the Church.

My Calling

I did not ask to become a watchman for my fellowship. But that calling was very real, and I have been serving as a watchman for over 25 years. Over the years I have sensed the move of the Holy Spirit within my spirit. I have heard the whispers of our Father and have been made aware of things years before they came into being. There have been things I have been commanded to share and things that could not be shared. Such is the function of a spiritual watchman.

During the past year, the Spirit of God has been weighing heavily upon my spirit, and his warnings and revelations have been far more frequent and far weightier than in the past. As a result, I have been more attentive, listening more carefully, watching fervently, and determined to be obedient to the instructions I am given. This blog will contain the messages that I have been given and instructed to share. As you read them, open your heart, mind, and spirit to God and listen to what he is saying to the Church today.

I realize that I am not the only watchman that God has placed on the wall for such a time as this. I am certain that Father has many men and women called to stand watch, to listen, to pray, and to share what the Holy Spirit is showing us. Please pray for me and my brothers and sisters as we strive to remain on the wall and obedient to all Father has called us to be.