C. F. Keil and Franz Delitzsch on Nehemiah 8:3

Neh 8:3

Ezra read out of the law “from the light (i.e., from early morning) till mid-day;” therefore for about six hours. Not, however, as is obvious from the more particular description Neh 8:4-8, without cessation, but in such wise that the reading went on alternately with instructive lectures on the law from the Levites. “And the ears of all the people were directed to the law,” i.e., the people listened attentively. המּבינים must be understood according to לשׁמע מבין כּל of Neh 8:2. In Neh 8:4-8 the proceedings at this reading are more nearly described.