In biblical contexts, the term "guard" refers to individuals or groups assigned to protect, watch over, or maintain order in various situations. Guards appear in both the Old and New Testaments, serving roles that range from protecting sacred spaces to ensuring the security of individuals and enforcing the law.

Old Testament References

1. Temple Guards: In the Old Testament, the Levites were often assigned as guards for the tabernacle and later the temple. Their duties included protecting the sacred spaces and ensuring that only authorized individuals could enter. In 1 Chronicles 9:19, the sons of Korah are mentioned as gatekeepers, responsible for guarding the thresholds of the tent, as their ancestors had guarded the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD.

2. Royal Guards: Kings of Israel and Judah employed guards for their personal protection and to maintain order within the palace. In 2 Kings 11:4-12, Jehoiada the priest orchestrates a coup to protect the young king Joash, using the royal guard to secure the temple and the king's safety.

3. Military Guards: Guards were also part of the military structure, tasked with protecting cities and important locations. Nehemiah 4:9 describes how, during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, guards were set up day and night to protect against potential attacks.

New Testament References

1. The Guard at Jesus' Tomb: One of the most notable mentions of guards in the New Testament is the Roman guard placed at the tomb of Jesus. After Jesus' crucifixion, the chief priests and Pharisees requested Pilate to secure the tomb to prevent His disciples from stealing the body and claiming resurrection. Matthew 27:65-66 states, "You have a guard," Pilate said. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.

2. Paul's Imprisonment: The Apostle Paul frequently encountered guards during his imprisonments. In Acts 12:6, when Peter was imprisoned, he was guarded by four squads of soldiers. Similarly, in Acts 28:16, upon arriving in Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.

3. The Philippian Jailer: In Acts 16:23-24, Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi, and a jailer was assigned to guard them. This account highlights the role of guards in maintaining order within prisons and the transformative power of the Gospel, as the jailer and his household eventually came to faith in Christ.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

The concept of a guard in the Bible often carries symbolic and theological significance. Guards can represent divine protection, as seen in Psalm 91:11 , "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." This verse underscores the belief in God's providential care and protection over His people.

Moreover, the presence of guards at Jesus' tomb and their inability to prevent His resurrection serves as a powerful testament to the divine authority and victory of Christ over death. The guards' role in this narrative highlights the futility of human efforts to thwart God's redemptive plan.

In summary, guards in the Bible serve various practical and symbolic roles, from protecting sacred spaces and individuals to illustrating deeper spiritual truths about God's protection and the fulfillment of His purposes.