Matthew Poole and continuators on Nehemiah 8:5

5 And Ezra opened the book in the fight of all the people (for he was above all the people) and when he opened it, all the people stood up .

Either in reverence to Gods Word: of which, see Num. 11. 32. Iudg. 3. 20. Or that they might hear his words the more distinctly: or rather, because they observed that Ezra composed himself to prayer or thanksgiving; which is here generally declared, but doubtless was more particularly, and largely expressed in that assembly, as appears by their answering Amen, amen, to his prayer.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span]