“Watchmen on the Tower,” Ensign, April 2016, 28–29
Watchmen on the Tower
“I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence.”
Watchmen
Watchmen were sentries stationed on a wall or in a tower in order to look out for and warn of dangers approaching from afar. They were employed to protect cities as well as vineyards, fields, or pastures.
Kinds of Towers
Towers in city walls were usually built at gates or in corners (see 2 Chronicles 26:9). Both gate and corner towers provided elevated positions from which to view approaching dangers and fend off enemy attacks (see 2 Chronicles 26:15).
Fortress or citadel towers were usually freestanding structures built on high ground or other strategic locations. They were sometimes large enough to be a final refuge for a whole city’s population when they were under attack (see Judges 9:46–52).
Towers in vineyards, fields, or pastures were small structures built to help protect crops and herds from thieves and animals (see 2 Chronicles 26:10; Isaiah 5:2; 27:3). Often, the lower level was a room where tools were stored.
Watchmen on the tower:
Have an elevated view. As God’s called and authorized servants, prophets are separated from the world, draw closer to Him, and are allowed to see things from a more heavenly perspective.
See things the rest cannot see. “A seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known” (Mosiah 8:17).
Are vigilant. Prophets have a solemn responsibility to warn us of coming dangers, and they will continue to do so regardless of public opinion or trends in society.
Warn of things while they are still far off. “A prophet denounces sin and foretells its consequences. He is a preacher of righteousness. On occasion, prophets may be inspired to foretell the future for the benefit of mankind” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Prophet,” lds.org/scriptures/gs).
Offer safety and protection. By heeding prophets’ warnings, we can find safety and avoid the calamities that may befall us, individually or collectively, if we do not obey.