Nehemiah 8:1
And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
The gathering took place in Jerusalem in the broad street before the water gate, after the wall and gates had been rebuilt while much of the city still lay in ruins amid rough masonry and partially ruined buildings. The time was the seventh month, the divinely appointed Feast of Trumpets, kept after the return from exile, whereas during the captivity the observance had not been kept. Those assembled were the returned Jews, including people from the surrounding country, gathered together as one man in unity. They gathered as one after the return from exile to hear what they had requested.
The book they sought was the book of Moses' teaching which the Lord had commanded Israel, long lost sight of until it was found, centered on the Ten Commandments. At their own united request they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book and read it to them, which began a public reading with explanation so they could understand it. The returned people repented in asking for the reading, and Ezra read to them from the platform from morning until midday.
Ezra read from a raised wooden platform with other men standing behind him, holding the open book before the large assembly from morning until midday. When he blessed the Lord the people responded with amen, bowed their heads and worshiped, listening attentively, some raising hands or leaning forward. Hearing and having the law explained was a great privilege that confronted the people with their sins, the blessings lost through disobedience, and the national violation that had caused their scattering into captivity. It led them to repentance and return to the Lord, an outcome like that later expected from the preaching of John, and gave reason for joy and praise for mercy rather than lasting grief. Their united request and attention show the importance of making God's Word known, calling those who know its truths to work to extend that knowledge to neighbors and surrounding settlements.