John Trapp on Nehemiah 8:2

Verſe 2. And Ezra the Prieſt brought the Law] The Commandement (he knew well) was a Lamp, and the Law a light; and reproofs of inſtruction the way of life, Prov. 6.23. The Greeks call the Law [non-Latin text not transcribed] quaſi [non-Latin text not transcribed],Plato in Cratylo. the ſtanding mind of God. And if Demoſthenes could ſay of mens Lawes, that they were the invention of God; If Xenophon could ſay of the Perſian Lawes, that they kept the people, even from coveting any wickedneſſe: If Cicero durſt ſay of the Roman Lawes, [non-Latin text not transcribed]. that they far excelled and exceeded all the learned Libraries of the Philoſophers, both in weight and worth: How much more may all this, and more be ſaid of this perfect Law of God, the book whereof was here brought forth by Ezra, and read and expounded in the eares of all the people?

Before the Congregation, both of Men and Women] Heb. from Man to Woman; for ſouls have no ſexes: and in Chriſt there is no difference, Gal. 4.28. The Jewes at this day little regard their Women; not ſuffering them to come within their Synagogue. And the Turkiſh Women never go to their Moſchees; neither is there any heed taken or reckoning made of their Religion at all.The Papiſts. ſay, a that Diſtaffe is fitter for a woman then a Bible.

And all that could hear with underſtanding] i.e. Children alſo, that were of any grouth. Little Pitchers have ears, and little children will underſtand much, if well principled.

Ʋpon the firſt day of the ſeventh moneth] A moneth of more ſolemnities then any other: this firſt day was a double holy-day, Levit. 23.24. See Deut. 31.11.