“And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.”
Read Ezra 7:6 . Hebrew, as one man .
“And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. that: Heb. that understood in hearing”
Which had age and discretion to understand.
“And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday , before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. from: Heb. from the light”
This declareth the great zeal, that the people had to hear the word of God.
“And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: sight: Heb. eyes”
To the intent that his voice might be the better heard.
“And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. the Tirshatha: or, the governor”
In considering their offences against the Law. Therefore the Levites do not reprove them for mourning, but assure them of God’s mercies forasmuch as they are repentant.
“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Rejoice in the Lord, and he will give you strength. That is, remember the poor.
“And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: by: Heb. by the hand of”
Cross references: : Lev. 23:24
“And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches , and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.”
Or, goodly branches, as Lev. 3:40 .
“So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.”
For their houses were made flat above, read Deut. 22:8 .
“And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.”
Which was almost a thousand years.