Matthew Poole and continuators on Nehemiah 7:3

3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened, until the son be hot ; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them, and appoint watches of the Inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house .

i. e. Till it be clear and broad day; when Enemies approaching may be discovered, and the people of the City will be ready for the defence in case of an assault.

i. e. The watches appointed to that end, as is manifest from the following words

i. e. Every one in his turn, keeping watch with others in that watchingplace which is next to his house.