Verse 3
3. Until the sun be hot That is, until broad day. An earlier opening of the gates might expose the city to a sudden surprise.
While they stand by While the guard specially set apart to watch the gates still occupy their stations, that is, before they withdraw from their posts for the night. This special guard were to stand by, or take their positions, early in the morning, before the gates were opened, and there they kept watch all day, and were not allowed to withdraw till the doors were shut and barred for the night.
Appoint watches of the inhabitants That is, night watches.
After the gates were closed and fastened it was still necessary to maintain a guard upon the walls. The inhabitants of Jerusalem, without reference to class or distinction, were required to do this. The great body of the people doubtless served, not all at once, but by some set arrangement by which each one took his turn, and served an appointed time.
Every one in his watch Every one had his well known watch-station.
Every one… his house The same arrangement also provided that every dwelling had a special guard.
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