Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a patrol, while not explicitly named as such, can be understood through various scriptural accounts that describe activities akin to patrolling. These activities often involved vigilance, protection, and the maintenance of order, particularly in military and community contexts.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several instances where patrol-like activities are evident. In the book of Nehemiah, for example, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls required constant vigilance against potential threats. Nehemiah 4:9 states, "So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night." This passage highlights the necessity of maintaining a watchful presence to protect the community from adversaries. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 18:24-27, we see a form of patrol in the watchmen stationed to observe and report on approaching individuals. "Now David was sitting between the two gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. The watchman called out and told the king. 'If he is alone,' the king replied, 'he must have good news.' And the runner came closer and closer." This narrative underscores the role of watchmen in providing early warnings and maintaining security. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of vigilance and readiness is emphasized, though not directly related to military patrols. Jesus' teachings often included parables that encouraged watchfulness. In Matthew 24:42 , Jesus instructs, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come." This call to spiritual vigilance can be likened to the readiness and alertness required of a patrol. Additionally, the Roman military presence in Judea during the New Testament era involved patrols to maintain order and enforce Roman law. While the Bible does not provide detailed accounts of these patrols, the presence of Roman soldiers, as seen in the Gospels and Acts, suggests a structured system of oversight and control. Symbolic and Spiritual Implications Beyond the literal sense, the idea of a patrol carries symbolic and spiritual implications in Scripture. Believers are often called to be vigilant in their faith, guarding against spiritual threats. 1 Peter 5:8 warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This exhortation to be watchful mirrors the protective and alert nature of a patrol. In summary, while the term "patrol" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture in various forms of vigilance, protection, and readiness, both in physical and spiritual contexts. These themes underscore the importance of being watchful and prepared, whether in guarding a city or safeguarding one's faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To go the rounds along a chain of sentinels; to traverse a police district or beat.2. (v.) t To go the rounds of, as a sentry, guard, or policeman; as, to patrol a frontier; to patrol a beat. 3. (n.) A going of the rounds along the chain of sentinels and between the posts, by a guard, usually consisting of three or four men, to insure greater security from attacks on the outposts. 4. (n.) A movement, by a small body of troops beyond the line of outposts, to explore the country and gain intelligence of the enemy's whereabouts. 5. (n.) The guard or men who go the rounds for observation; a detachment whose duty it is to patrol. 6. (v. i.) Any perambulation of a particular line or district to guard it; also, the men thus guarding; as, a customs patrol; a fire patrol. Strong's Hebrew 1980. halak -- to go, come, walk... following (1), following* (5), follows* (1), get (1), get away (2), get rid (1), go (426), go and walk (1), go at once (1), go my way (1), go to patrol (1), go ... /hebrew/1980.htm - 8k Library The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple General Literature Sources. The Outbreak at Benares. The Apostles' Creed. Prohibition of Sacrifices, of Mystic Rites, Combats of Gladiators ... Laws. Sources. Of the Tunics of the Egyptians. The Canons of the 318 Holy Fathers Assembled in the City of Nice ... Thesaurus Patrol (2 Occurrences)... or beat. 2. (v.) t To go the rounds of, as a sentry, guard, or policeman; as, to patrol a frontier; to patrol a beat. 3. (n.) A ... /p/patrol.htm - 7k Patroclus Patrolled (2 Occurrences) Olives (30 Occurrences) Malchiel (3 Occurrences) Resources Crash and Turn | GotQuestions.orgWhich of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? | GotQuestions.org Patrol: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Patrol (2 Occurrences)Zechariah 1:10 Zechariah 6:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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