Nehemiah 8:5, commentary and pictures

Ezra stood on a raised wooden platform above all the people in Jerusalem, in a broad street among ruined buildings, and opened the Book of the Law of Moses in full view so the whole assembly, including a large gathering of men watching attentively, could see. The gathering took place at the Feast of Trumpets after the return from captivity, with people present from the surrounding country. Having repented of their sins they asked to hear the Scriptures read publicly, and the reading lasted from morning until midday. When Ezra opened the book, all the people stood up, an act of reverence for God's word. After Ezra blessed God, the people responded with amen, bowed their heads, and worshiped.

Because the people's Hebrew had become corrupted through intermarriage with other nations, the law was read distinctly and its meaning made clear in the language they understood. Those who were enlightened explained the word to the many who were ignorant. The public reading was treated as a great privilege and a holy, joyful occasion, and the raised platform with the prominent people standing on it gave dignity to the reading. Hearing and understanding God's requirements brought the people's sins, the consequences of disobedience, and the blessings of obedience to mind. That hearing led them to penitence and gratitude for God's mercy.

The public reading was the Lord's appointment, but by the time of Christ the priests were teaching human commandments and the people had become ignorant of God's word. John expected a public reading of the law like the one in Ezra's day to lead to deep repentance and a return to the Lord.