in the fourth watch i. e. early in the morning. Cp. "Et jam quarta canit venturam buccina lucem," Propert. iv. 4. 63. At this time the Jews had adopted the Greek and Roman custom of four night watches. Formerly they divided the night into three watches, or rather according to Lightfoot (Hor. Heb.) the Romans and Jews alike recognised four watches, but with the Jews the fourth watch was regarded as morning, and was not included in the three watches of "deep night." The four watches are named (Mark 13:35) 1 Even; 2 Midnight; 3 Cockcrowing; 4 Morning. St John states that they had rowed 25 or 30 furlongs.

Jesus went unto them Mark adds "He would have passed by them."

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising