The sense of watches in this context is “spies” or even “lies in ambush for” (see K-B); New International Version “lie in wait for,” and New Jerusalem Bible “keeps a close eye on.” The LORD protects the righteous man and does not abandon him to his power (literally “into his hand”), nor does he let him be condemned when he is brought to trial, on the supposition, of course, that he is not guilty of any crime.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .