This verse refers not to the watchmen who are set about Jerusalem in its towers to warn of approaching enemies, but to all the holy prophets who in times past have raised their voices to declare His coming, and, like watchmen, notify the people of Jerusalem of evil purposes when they first become known. Who, we may ask, were the first to see the King? The prophets whom Isaiah calls watchmen. The King had sent them as His emissaries to warn the city and to prepare it for things that were to come. They never slept. The words of King David were ever with them, "Except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen waketh in vain." When they behold His glorious appearance and hear His triumphant shout, they unite themselves in His joyful march, at the same time they bid everyone to join in the exultant cry, "Behold, the King! Our God reigneth!" They see eye to eye with Him; their united purpose is the Redemption of Zion. Their joy is serving the King; their gladness is praising Him. But, we may ask by way of interpolation, "How can we praise Him unless we do His will?"
Watchmen. The inspired teachers of God's children, the watchmen set out at night, are like keepers of sheep. They work for only one Master. They lead His flock to pleasant places; they guide them along the right paths to where the Good Shepherd awaits their coming. He knows them all, and calls them by name. He loves each one. Some have fallen by the way; some are lost; some are hunted by the wolf; others are hungry, helpless, and cold. All need His care. "Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord;...Behold I, even I, will both search My sheep, and seek them out.... I will strengthen the sick, and will bind up that which was broken.... I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be.... I will feed my flock.... "(See Ezekiel Chapter 34) Great comfort to ancient Judah was the promise of His coming. I will "seek them out," are the words of the Lord. We will rejoice with them because we are assured "He will find them, and will take them in His arms, and will carry them to His fold," and will rejoice with them, for, "Together they shall sing...when the Lord shall bring again Zion." (Isa. 52 v. 8) (The Targum renders it, "When He shall bring back His Shekinah (Spirit) to Zion." The Dead Sea Scroll ends the last line by adding, "in mercy.")