Habakkuk 2:1-3. I will stand at my watchpost; I will station myself on the rampart. I will look to see what [God] will say through me and what I will answer when I am reproved. 2 Then ADONAI answered me; he said, "Write down the vision clearly on tablets, so that even a runner can read it. 3 For the vision is meant for its appointed time; it speaks of the end, and it does not lie. It may take a while, but wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. 4 "Look at the proud: he is inwardly not upright; but the righteous will attain life through trusting faithfulness.
Watch post in Hebrew is mishmar {mish-mawr'} which means guard, guard post, act of guarding, observances. The root word of mish-mawr' is Shamar which is to keep, guard, observe. This is the same command God gave Adam in Gane‘den, Adam was to Shamar the Garden, not tend but watch, guard, preserve, and protect. This takes place in a strategic position, rampart is matsuwr {maw-tsoor'}, mound, ramp, siege works, entrenched. Habakkuk was entranced, laying siege to God.
Habakkuk defines two specific points for the modern Messianic Believer today in our times of trouble and tribulation:
Watchman also mish-mawr' guarded the cities and cities gates from watch stations built into the city walls. The Watchman was again, strategically situated so that he could monitor the approaches to the city and the city’s gates. If a threat appeared, he would sound the Shofar and the city would shut its gates and prepare for battle. The Same Watchman would announce the sunrise, the sunset, time to worship, gates open or shut, and even sound the victory call after an attack or battle. From their vantage point the Watchmen also watched the daily life and routines of the citizens. The watchmen could see most of the activity in the streets and markets. He was familiar with them, he knew the people, their work, their habits and their lifestyles. He would notice strangers who might be a danger, he could spot a thief or detect if someone was in danger and sound the alarm. The watchman’s strategic positioning at the city gate allowed them to observe and witness all business deals, real-estate transactions, and judgments rendered at the gate transacted by its elders and judges. Remember, Boaz, the kinsman redeemer and future husband of Ruth brought his kinsman redeemer proposal to the City Gate to be adjudicated by the city elders.
The safety, security, and well being of the city’s residents depended on the alertness and attentiveness of the watchman as he intently scans the horizon, into the blazing sun, into the darkness, onto the plains and mountain tops for the earliest possible glimpse of any enemy or approaching threat. It is critical that people be warned as soon as possible when danger looms. This is foundational for us as every individual, who calls upon the name of God through Yeshua are a watchman for yourself, family, congregation, and the Kingdom of God.
It is essential that you be at your post, laying siege, entrenched before God, alert, attentive, and responsive to what God is saying and open to His reprove. This is clearly in scripture. The word records several duties of watchman that we must be aware of, first is an individual level:
Ezekiel 3:18-21. If I say to a wicked person, 'You will certainly die'; and you fail to warn him, to speak and warn the wicked person to leave his wicked way and save his life; then that wicked person will die guilty; and I will hold you responsible for his death. 19 On the other hand, if you warn the wicked person, and he doesn't turn from his wickedness or his wicked way, then he will still die guilty; but you will have saved your own life. 20 Similarly, when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits wickedness, I will place a stumblingblock before him - he will die; because you failed to warn him, he will die in his sin; his righteous acts which he did will not be remembered; and I will hold you responsible for his death. 21 But if you warn the righteous person that a righteous person should not sin, and he doesn't sin; then he will certainly live, because he took the warning; and you too will have saved your life."
There is a warning here, there is a tendency to Judge in these situations. As a watchman you are only to point out and bring to someone’s attention a sin in their life. What they do with that knowledge is up to them and their own free will. If you don’t bring their sin to their attention, you will be held accountable.
The next duty is a national one, such as where we are at today.
Ezekiel 33:2-6. "Human being, speak to your people; say to them, 'Suppose I bring the sword on a country, and the people of that country take one of their men and appoint him their watchman. 3 Now if, upon seeing the sword coming against that country, he blows the shofar and warns the people; 4 then, if the sword comes and takes away someone who heard the sound of the shofar but paid no attention to it, the responsibility for that person's death will be his own - 5 he heard the shofar but paid no attention, so the responsibility for his death is his own; whereas if he had paid attention, he would have saved his life. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the shofar, so that the people are not warned; and then the sword comes and takes any one of them, that one is indeed taken away in his guilt, but I will hold the watchman responsible for his death.'
I’ve heard a comparison between Jonathan Cahn and Jeremiah! If you place the message that God has given Jonathan into context, he is a modern day watchman, he is sounding the warning as Ezekiel did, as Jeremiah did, as Isaiah did, so yes, a similarity exists. A key point is that it’s God's message, not Ezekiel's message, not Jonathan Cahn’s message, or any of the other biblical prophet's message. It is always God's message spoken through a human agent. The warning always comes from God to us in terminologies, semantics, and language that fit the topical situation. The message is purposed to bring people and nations to repentance (Jonah and Nineveh) and back to God.
The watchman is commanded to deliver a stern and sober message that has transcended the ages! It is given without embellishment or interpretation: Unless the individual, citizen, or nation acknowledges and confesses their sins, perform Teshuvah & turn back to God they will perish and or the nation will be also be destroyed.
Regardless of how the people or nations respond and react to the warning when they hear God’s message & warning the watchman has completed his job They are no longer responsible or accountable for how the message is received. Far too often people are afraid of offending someone or being politically incorrect if they speak up. If the watchman does not deliver the message, the watchman will be held responsible, accountable, and judged for the sin. The Message God gives the watchman encourages both individuals and nations to engage in a righteous, Godly lifestyle God desires His people to live. It must be God centered and focused:
Psalms 127:1. A song of ascents. By Shlomo: Unless ADONAI builds the house, its builders work in vain. Unless ADONAI guards the city, the guard keeps (sha’mar) watch in vain.
If God doesn’t build it, the watchman waste their time guarding it! The role of a watchman is not limited to issuing warnings and identifying sin, the watchman is also commissioned to proclaim the good news about salvation.
Isaiah 52:7-8. How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, proclaiming shalom, bringing good news of good things, announcing salvation and saying to Tziyon, "Your God is King!" 8 Listen! Your watchmen are raising their voices, shouting for joy together. For they will see, before their own eyes, ADONAI returning to Tziyon.
The watchmen will boldly, vocally hold vigil day and night for Jerusalem, the land of Israel, and the salvation of His people!
Isaiah 62:1-7. For Tziyon's sake I will not be silent, for Yerushalayim's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out brightly and her salvation like a blazing torch. 2 The nations will see your vindication and all kings your glory. Then you will be called by a new name which ADONAI himself will pronounce. 3 You will be a glorious crown in the hand of ADONAI, a royal diadem held by your God. 4 You will no longer be spoken of as 'Azuvah [Abandoned] or your land be spoken of as 'Sh'mamah [Desolate]; rather, you will be called Heftzi-Vah [My-Delight-Is-In-Her] and your land Be'ulah [Married]. For ADONAI delights in you, and your land will be married 5 as a young man marries a young woman, your sons will marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, your God will rejoice over you. 6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Yerushalayim; they will never fall silent, neither by day nor by night. You who call on ADONAI, give yourselves no rest; 7 and give him no rest till he restores Yerushalayim and makes it a praise on earth
The watchman acts as God’s secretary, reminding God of His promises and Appointed Times regarding Israel- These watchmen discern and understand the global significance of the “Good News” of Yeshua and the coming Kingdom of God. They know that God’s Kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That salvation is not just for Israel, but to all nations, that God desires not one soul be lost! The watchman prophetically sees and understands the reunification and salvation of all Israel, Jew and Gentile, into a single unified bride, not a divided, fractured Kingdom which is key in the restoration of all things spoken. The watchman’s message recorded again in
Acts 3:18-21. But this is how God fulfilled what he had announced in advance, when he spoke through all the prophets, namely, that his Messiah was to die. 19 "Therefore, repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be erased; 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord's presence; and he may send the Messiah appointed in advance for you, that is, Yeshua. 21 He has to remain in heaven until the time comes for restoring everything, as God said long ago, when he spoke through the holy prophets.
The watchmen understand the supernatural connection between Isaiah 62:6-7 and Acts 3. They work to hasten the return of Yeshua and the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth. They remind God of His word and promises that He will restore all things. No Rest in Isaiah 62:6 is domiy {dom-ee'} in the Hebrew, means quiet, peace, cessation, silence, pause, and rest. The Watchman gives God no quiet, no peace, no silence, no pause, no rest, they petition unceasingly, they press God until Jerusalem is established which is kuwn {koon} in the Hebrew which means erected, installed, secured, steadfast, firm, stable, prepared and directed as a praise on all the earth and Yeshua, God’s son returns for the bride and establishes the Kingdom of God here on the earth. Isaiah 62 and Acts 3 are talking about the same exact event.
Watchman are diligent, zealous, and unbiased by political correctness, political popularity, world opinion, news reports, hatred, or international political or military pressure. The watchman has insight, discernment of the world at the end of this age. The watchman sees the ominous, dark clouds of war and tribulation gathering on the horizon that though it appears frightful, it’s actually the end of HaSatan's reign as the author of all deceit and evil.
The watchman sounds the alarm against evil, they are the voice of absolute truth both in our society and all humanity. The watchman shouts the warning to all who are postured to hear God’s voice. The message is plain, simple, and uncomplicated: "Shema Israel Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad” God alone is sovereign, there are no others, and His Son is coming to judge and rule this world so repent and turn back to Him. All theologies, dogmas, religions, philosophies, humanism, existentialism, paganism, hellenism, secularism, gods, idols, and all other blockages erected by people to hide God’s absolute truth, power, and sovereignty will be torn down and destroyed. The Watchman does not tolerate evil or untruths. The watchman retains a personal responsibility in this area that defines the watchman:
Proverbs 4:23-27. Above everything else, guard your heart; for it is the source of life's consequences. 24 Keep crooked speech out of your mouth, banish deceit from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze on what lies in front of you. 26 Level the path for your feet, let all your ways be properly prepared; 27 then deviate neither right nor left; and keep your foot far from evil.
Guard here is the same exact word from Habakkuk 2:1- {mish-mawr'} which means guard, guard post, act of guarding, observances in order to keep from evil including speech and deceit while staying focused, walking a path of righteousness. This is done in love. There is an important reminder in the midst of our current crisis in Israel. Hate the sin but love the people. The demonic spirit of Islam is to be hated, the people are literally our family yet evil is not to be tolerated. This final shaking restores all things unto God, it brings us back to the Watchman of Habakkuk and Trust.
Acts 15:14-18. Shim'on has told in detail what God did when he first began to show his concern for taking from among the Goyim a people to bear his name. 15 And the words of the Prophets are in complete harmony with this for it is written, 16 '"After this, I will return; and I will rebuild the fallen tent of David. I will rebuild its ruins, I will restore it, 17 so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, that is, all the Goyim who have been called by my name," 18 says ADONAI, who is doing these things.' All this has been known for ages.
Shim’on is quoting from:
Amos 9:9-13. "For when I give the order, I will shake the house of Isra'el, there among all the Goyim, as one shakes with a sieve, letting no grain fall to the ground. 10 All the sinners among my people who say, 'Disaster will never overtake us or confront us,' will die by the sword. 11 "When that day comes, I will raise up the fallen sukkah of David. I will close up its gaps, raise up its ruins and rebuild it as it used to be, 12 so that Isra'el can possess what is left of Edom and of all the nations bearing my name," says ADONAI, who is doing this. 13 "The days will come," says ADONAI, "when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the one treading grapes the one sowing seed. Sweet wine will drip down the mountains, and all the hills will flow with it.
May we all be Gods watchman in this hour!
Blessings and Shalom,
Rabbi Eric S Carlson
Watch post in Hebrew is mishmar {mish-mawr'} which means guard, guard post, act of guarding, observances. The root word of mish-mawr' is Shamar which is to keep, guard, observe. This is the same command God gave Adam in Gane‘den, Adam was to Shamar the Garden, not tend but watch, guard, preserve, and protect. This takes place in a strategic position, rampart is matsuwr {maw-tsoor'}, mound, ramp, siege works, entrenched. Habakkuk was entranced, laying siege to God.
Habakkuk defines two specific points for the modern Messianic Believer today in our times of trouble and tribulation:
- "The righteous attain life through Trust!
- “Standing your post as a watchman postures you to hear God!
Watchman also mish-mawr' guarded the cities and cities gates from watch stations built into the city walls. The Watchman was again, strategically situated so that he could monitor the approaches to the city and the city’s gates. If a threat appeared, he would sound the Shofar and the city would shut its gates and prepare for battle. The Same Watchman would announce the sunrise, the sunset, time to worship, gates open or shut, and even sound the victory call after an attack or battle. From their vantage point the Watchmen also watched the daily life and routines of the citizens. The watchmen could see most of the activity in the streets and markets. He was familiar with them, he knew the people, their work, their habits and their lifestyles. He would notice strangers who might be a danger, he could spot a thief or detect if someone was in danger and sound the alarm. The watchman’s strategic positioning at the city gate allowed them to observe and witness all business deals, real-estate transactions, and judgments rendered at the gate transacted by its elders and judges. Remember, Boaz, the kinsman redeemer and future husband of Ruth brought his kinsman redeemer proposal to the City Gate to be adjudicated by the city elders.
The safety, security, and well being of the city’s residents depended on the alertness and attentiveness of the watchman as he intently scans the horizon, into the blazing sun, into the darkness, onto the plains and mountain tops for the earliest possible glimpse of any enemy or approaching threat. It is critical that people be warned as soon as possible when danger looms. This is foundational for us as every individual, who calls upon the name of God through Yeshua are a watchman for yourself, family, congregation, and the Kingdom of God.
It is essential that you be at your post, laying siege, entrenched before God, alert, attentive, and responsive to what God is saying and open to His reprove. This is clearly in scripture. The word records several duties of watchman that we must be aware of, first is an individual level:
Ezekiel 3:18-21. If I say to a wicked person, 'You will certainly die'; and you fail to warn him, to speak and warn the wicked person to leave his wicked way and save his life; then that wicked person will die guilty; and I will hold you responsible for his death. 19 On the other hand, if you warn the wicked person, and he doesn't turn from his wickedness or his wicked way, then he will still die guilty; but you will have saved your own life. 20 Similarly, when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and commits wickedness, I will place a stumblingblock before him - he will die; because you failed to warn him, he will die in his sin; his righteous acts which he did will not be remembered; and I will hold you responsible for his death. 21 But if you warn the righteous person that a righteous person should not sin, and he doesn't sin; then he will certainly live, because he took the warning; and you too will have saved your life."
There is a warning here, there is a tendency to Judge in these situations. As a watchman you are only to point out and bring to someone’s attention a sin in their life. What they do with that knowledge is up to them and their own free will. If you don’t bring their sin to their attention, you will be held accountable.
The next duty is a national one, such as where we are at today.
Ezekiel 33:2-6. "Human being, speak to your people; say to them, 'Suppose I bring the sword on a country, and the people of that country take one of their men and appoint him their watchman. 3 Now if, upon seeing the sword coming against that country, he blows the shofar and warns the people; 4 then, if the sword comes and takes away someone who heard the sound of the shofar but paid no attention to it, the responsibility for that person's death will be his own - 5 he heard the shofar but paid no attention, so the responsibility for his death is his own; whereas if he had paid attention, he would have saved his life. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the shofar, so that the people are not warned; and then the sword comes and takes any one of them, that one is indeed taken away in his guilt, but I will hold the watchman responsible for his death.'
I’ve heard a comparison between Jonathan Cahn and Jeremiah! If you place the message that God has given Jonathan into context, he is a modern day watchman, he is sounding the warning as Ezekiel did, as Jeremiah did, as Isaiah did, so yes, a similarity exists. A key point is that it’s God's message, not Ezekiel's message, not Jonathan Cahn’s message, or any of the other biblical prophet's message. It is always God's message spoken through a human agent. The warning always comes from God to us in terminologies, semantics, and language that fit the topical situation. The message is purposed to bring people and nations to repentance (Jonah and Nineveh) and back to God.
The watchman is commanded to deliver a stern and sober message that has transcended the ages! It is given without embellishment or interpretation: Unless the individual, citizen, or nation acknowledges and confesses their sins, perform Teshuvah & turn back to God they will perish and or the nation will be also be destroyed.
Regardless of how the people or nations respond and react to the warning when they hear God’s message & warning the watchman has completed his job They are no longer responsible or accountable for how the message is received. Far too often people are afraid of offending someone or being politically incorrect if they speak up. If the watchman does not deliver the message, the watchman will be held responsible, accountable, and judged for the sin. The Message God gives the watchman encourages both individuals and nations to engage in a righteous, Godly lifestyle God desires His people to live. It must be God centered and focused:
Psalms 127:1. A song of ascents. By Shlomo: Unless ADONAI builds the house, its builders work in vain. Unless ADONAI guards the city, the guard keeps (sha’mar) watch in vain.
If God doesn’t build it, the watchman waste their time guarding it! The role of a watchman is not limited to issuing warnings and identifying sin, the watchman is also commissioned to proclaim the good news about salvation.
Isaiah 52:7-8. How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, proclaiming shalom, bringing good news of good things, announcing salvation and saying to Tziyon, "Your God is King!" 8 Listen! Your watchmen are raising their voices, shouting for joy together. For they will see, before their own eyes, ADONAI returning to Tziyon.
The watchmen will boldly, vocally hold vigil day and night for Jerusalem, the land of Israel, and the salvation of His people!
Isaiah 62:1-7. For Tziyon's sake I will not be silent, for Yerushalayim's sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out brightly and her salvation like a blazing torch. 2 The nations will see your vindication and all kings your glory. Then you will be called by a new name which ADONAI himself will pronounce. 3 You will be a glorious crown in the hand of ADONAI, a royal diadem held by your God. 4 You will no longer be spoken of as 'Azuvah [Abandoned] or your land be spoken of as 'Sh'mamah [Desolate]; rather, you will be called Heftzi-Vah [My-Delight-Is-In-Her] and your land Be'ulah [Married]. For ADONAI delights in you, and your land will be married 5 as a young man marries a young woman, your sons will marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride, your God will rejoice over you. 6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, Yerushalayim; they will never fall silent, neither by day nor by night. You who call on ADONAI, give yourselves no rest; 7 and give him no rest till he restores Yerushalayim and makes it a praise on earth
The watchman acts as God’s secretary, reminding God of His promises and Appointed Times regarding Israel- These watchmen discern and understand the global significance of the “Good News” of Yeshua and the coming Kingdom of God. They know that God’s Kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. That salvation is not just for Israel, but to all nations, that God desires not one soul be lost! The watchman prophetically sees and understands the reunification and salvation of all Israel, Jew and Gentile, into a single unified bride, not a divided, fractured Kingdom which is key in the restoration of all things spoken. The watchman’s message recorded again in
Acts 3:18-21. But this is how God fulfilled what he had announced in advance, when he spoke through all the prophets, namely, that his Messiah was to die. 19 "Therefore, repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be erased; 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord's presence; and he may send the Messiah appointed in advance for you, that is, Yeshua. 21 He has to remain in heaven until the time comes for restoring everything, as God said long ago, when he spoke through the holy prophets.
The watchmen understand the supernatural connection between Isaiah 62:6-7 and Acts 3. They work to hasten the return of Yeshua and the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth. They remind God of His word and promises that He will restore all things. No Rest in Isaiah 62:6 is domiy {dom-ee'} in the Hebrew, means quiet, peace, cessation, silence, pause, and rest. The Watchman gives God no quiet, no peace, no silence, no pause, no rest, they petition unceasingly, they press God until Jerusalem is established which is kuwn {koon} in the Hebrew which means erected, installed, secured, steadfast, firm, stable, prepared and directed as a praise on all the earth and Yeshua, God’s son returns for the bride and establishes the Kingdom of God here on the earth. Isaiah 62 and Acts 3 are talking about the same exact event.
Watchman are diligent, zealous, and unbiased by political correctness, political popularity, world opinion, news reports, hatred, or international political or military pressure. The watchman has insight, discernment of the world at the end of this age. The watchman sees the ominous, dark clouds of war and tribulation gathering on the horizon that though it appears frightful, it’s actually the end of HaSatan's reign as the author of all deceit and evil.
The watchman sounds the alarm against evil, they are the voice of absolute truth both in our society and all humanity. The watchman shouts the warning to all who are postured to hear God’s voice. The message is plain, simple, and uncomplicated: "Shema Israel Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad” God alone is sovereign, there are no others, and His Son is coming to judge and rule this world so repent and turn back to Him. All theologies, dogmas, religions, philosophies, humanism, existentialism, paganism, hellenism, secularism, gods, idols, and all other blockages erected by people to hide God’s absolute truth, power, and sovereignty will be torn down and destroyed. The Watchman does not tolerate evil or untruths. The watchman retains a personal responsibility in this area that defines the watchman:
Proverbs 4:23-27. Above everything else, guard your heart; for it is the source of life's consequences. 24 Keep crooked speech out of your mouth, banish deceit from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze on what lies in front of you. 26 Level the path for your feet, let all your ways be properly prepared; 27 then deviate neither right nor left; and keep your foot far from evil.
Guard here is the same exact word from Habakkuk 2:1- {mish-mawr'} which means guard, guard post, act of guarding, observances in order to keep from evil including speech and deceit while staying focused, walking a path of righteousness. This is done in love. There is an important reminder in the midst of our current crisis in Israel. Hate the sin but love the people. The demonic spirit of Islam is to be hated, the people are literally our family yet evil is not to be tolerated. This final shaking restores all things unto God, it brings us back to the Watchman of Habakkuk and Trust.
Acts 15:14-18. Shim'on has told in detail what God did when he first began to show his concern for taking from among the Goyim a people to bear his name. 15 And the words of the Prophets are in complete harmony with this for it is written, 16 '"After this, I will return; and I will rebuild the fallen tent of David. I will rebuild its ruins, I will restore it, 17 so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, that is, all the Goyim who have been called by my name," 18 says ADONAI, who is doing these things.' All this has been known for ages.
Shim’on is quoting from:
Amos 9:9-13. "For when I give the order, I will shake the house of Isra'el, there among all the Goyim, as one shakes with a sieve, letting no grain fall to the ground. 10 All the sinners among my people who say, 'Disaster will never overtake us or confront us,' will die by the sword. 11 "When that day comes, I will raise up the fallen sukkah of David. I will close up its gaps, raise up its ruins and rebuild it as it used to be, 12 so that Isra'el can possess what is left of Edom and of all the nations bearing my name," says ADONAI, who is doing this. 13 "The days will come," says ADONAI, "when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the one treading grapes the one sowing seed. Sweet wine will drip down the mountains, and all the hills will flow with it.
May we all be Gods watchman in this hour!
Blessings and Shalom,
Rabbi Eric S Carlson
Posted in August 2025
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