Watches of the Night The Jews reckoned three military watches: the "first" or beginning of the watches (Lamentations 2:19), from sunset to ten o'clock; the second or "middle watch" was from ten until two o'clock (Judges 7:19); the third, "the morning watch," from two to sunrise (Exodus 14:24; 1 Samuel 11:11). Afterward under the Romans they had four watches (Matthew 14:25): Luke 12:38, "even, midnight, cockcrowing, and morning" (Mark 13:35); ending respectively at 9 p.m., midnight, 3 a.m., and 6 a.m. (compare Acts 12:4.) Watchmen patrolled the streets (Song of Solomon 3:3; Song of Solomon 5:7; Psalms 127:1).