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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comFausset Bible Dictionary: Watches of the Night
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The Jews reckoned three military watches: the "first" or beginning of the watches (), from sunset to ten o'clock; the second or "middle watch" was from ten until two o'clock (); the third, "the morning watch," from two to sunrise (; ). Afterward under the Romans they had four watches (): , "even, midnight, cockcrowing, and morning" (); ending respectively at 9 p.m., midnight, 3 a.m., and 6 a.m. (compare .) Watchmen patrolled the streets (; ; ).