John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 8:5
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people) ,.... So plainly seen by them, and what he did, and the more easily heard, for which purpose the pulpit was made for him to stand in: and, when he opened it, all the people stood up ; that they might the better hear the law read, as well as in honour and reverence of it; the Jews say F13 T. Bab. Megillah, fol. 21. 1. , that from the times of Moses to Rabban Gamaliel, they learned the law only... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Nehemiah 8:1-8
We have here an account of a solemn religious assembly, and the good work that was done in that assembly, to the honour of God and the edification of the church. I. The time of it was the first day of the seventh month, Neh. 8:2. That was the day of the feast of trumpets, which is called a sabbath, and on which they were to have a holy convocation, Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1. But that was not all: it was one that day that the altar was set up, and they began to offer their burnt-offerings after... read more