Watchpeople

 Jeremiah 51:12 ESV

 “Set up a standard against the walls of Babylon; make the watch strong; set up watchmen; prepare the ambushes; for the Lord has both planned and done what he spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.


I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about the Bible, but this verse has taught me something new. I thought of watchpeople as defensive, as in 'watching daily at Wisdom's gates'. I thought of watchpeople as purely like security guards or defenders of a fortified city.

This verse reveals to me that watchpeople can be offensive as well as defensive, like scouts to scout out the enemy. Babylon symbolises the enemies of God's people, who are symbolised by Israel. I'm reminded of Jesus's saying that he will build his church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

If I remember correctly, one of the key gates of the city of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate, has been reconstructed in the British Museum. Of course, the British Museum isn't the church of our Lord, but it just goes to illustrate that Jesus has built his church largely from Gentiles who are often at enmity with Israel, his rightful people. 

This verse also shows that we cannot oppose God's people and prevail in the end. We will get our comeuppance if we don't repent and renounce our opposition to God and his people. As Babylon was destroyed, so shall we be if we oppose God and his people. 

'Heavenly Father, help us to watch out for how we can help you storm the gates of hell and pluck sinners as brands from the burning. For your praise we ask this, amen'.

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