John Trapp on Nehemiah 8:3

Verſe 3. And he read therein] As a Scribe, he wrote the Law and as a Prieſt, he read and expounded it. This was Chriſts own cuſtome, Luk. 4.16. and the Jews Acts 13, 15, 27. and 15.21. and is ſtill to this day: One leſſon is ever read, out of the Law in their publike meetings: and another out of the Prophets correſpondent to the former in argument. The Holy Scripture is called Mikre the Reading, ver. 9. of this chapter, becauſe it ought to be read to all: and the Word, as if all the uſe of our ears were to hear this Word.

From the morning untill mid-day] This was a great while; five or ſix houres together they ſpent in holy duties, whereas the moſt amongſt us think long of an hour: they ſit as it were in the Stocks whiles they are hearing the Word read or preached, and come out of the Church, when the tedious Sermon runneth ſomwhat beyond the glaſſe, like priſoners out of a gaol.

And the eares of all the people were attentive to the Book] Heb. Were to the Book of the Law: which phraſe importeth both their attention and affection to what they heard delivered. They drew up the ears of their ſouls to the ears of their bodies; and ſo one ſound pierced both. See the like Luk. 19.48. they hung upon Chriſts Holy lips, as loth to loſe any part of that precious language. The Jews at this day, though they give very great outward reſpect to their Torah or Book of the Law (carrying it about their Synagogue at the end of Service in proceſſion, and the like) yet for any ſhew of attention or elevation of ſpirit, I could never diſcern (ſaith one that had been much amongſt them) but they are as reverent in their Synagogues, as Grammar-boyes are at School, when their Maſter is abſent.