THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
In a spiritual context, the construction of the Church's walls represents the calling of new nations to the faith and the correction of those who have strayed. It is essential to establish the doors of sound doctrine to prevent the ancient adversary, who prowls like a roaring lion (1 Pet. 5:8), from infiltrating the congregation of believers. Gatekeepers, singers, and Levites should be designated to safeguard this entrance, all of whom symbolize the holy teachers. The gatekeepers, entrusted with the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19), are tasked with allowing the humble and worthy to enter while barring the proud and wicked, declaring to them, "You have no part and lot in this, for your heart is not right before God" (Acts 8:21).
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The singers are those who, with devout voices, proclaim the beauty of the heavenly homeland to their listeners, while the Levites remain ever watchful concerning the worship of God. Nehemiah commanded that the gates of Jerusalem not be opened until the sun warms, signifying the necessity of vigilance throughout the night. During the cover of darkness, enemies might invade, or residents might inadvertently fall into their grasp, leading to their capture or demise. Likewise, during this present age, the guardians of souls must exercise prudent diligence to prevent the devil from leading the righteous astray and introducing discord among the faithful, thereby ensnaring and destroying some. When the Sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2) rises and the light of eternal joy shines forth, there will be no need for restraint, as foes will be unable to assail or tempt the faithful, destined as they are for eternal condemnation alongside their leader. Thus, in the Revelation of the coming glory of the holy city, John affirms: "Its gates shall not be shut by day; and there shall be no night therein" (Rev. 21:25).
The guardians of souls must be chosen carefully, not from among the newly converted or the general populace, but from those who have been liberated by God's grace from the struggles of sin, established in the tranquil vision of heavenly things, and who can echo the apostle’s words, "Our dwelling is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20). It is appropriately noted that each was appointed to his own watch, ensuring that with their eventual departure from this world, others would be ready to step in and shepherd the faithful. This continuity is vital, as the fear of night should not lead to a scarcity of watchful guardians over the peace of the holy Church (Song 3:8), for the prophetic promise to this Church—that "Instead of thy fathers, there shall be thy sons" (Psalms 44:17)—will endure until the end of time. Furthermore, it wisely emphasizes that "everyone shall stand opposite his own house." The guarding of the holy Church is most effectively carried out when each individual cares for the faithful as a whole, while also being especially diligent in caring for those entrusted to them by God's design.