Watchman (צֹפֶה ṣōfeh)

Watchman (צֹפֶה ṣōfeh), this word is a participle of the verb ṣāfāh, which means “to wake up”, “to be attentive to” (so that nothing bad happens), “to look out”, “to keep watch”, “to watch”, “to guard”. The active participle צֹפֶה (ṣōfeh) is often used in the Bible to describe the activities performed by a “patrol” who takes a position on the platform and watches the area, watching for the approach of an enemy or a messenger. Another activity of the “patrols” was to raise the alarm in a dangerous situation, for example by blowing a horn (shofar).
In today’s first reading (Ez 33:7-9), God tells the prophet Ezekiel that he has made him a “watchman” (צֹפֶהṣōfeh) “to the house of Israel, therefore, having heard the word from My mouth, you shall announce it to them from Me.” Ezekiel’s task as a prophet was also to warn the wicked ones to turn from their way and turn back, and thus be saved from death.
Today’s Gospel also speaks of words of admonition (Mt 18:15-20). The Lord Jesus instructs his disciples: “f your brother has sinned against you, go and correct him, between you and him alone.” A disciple of Jesus is to act as a “watchman” towards others, warning against the dangers of his brother. Reprimand, as we see, in this context is not “getting back at” the person doing me harm, but warning him against evil. The authority that the Lord Jesus gives to his disciples to decide our human affairs, to “bind them”, is a protective function, such as that of a patrol, a watchman who vigilantly watches for threats and warns us against them. This great power of the guardian is expressed in prayer. Christians praying together have the power to make Jesus present in their midst and hence receive everything from God. The only condition is the “unanimous supplication.”