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:
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people),.... So plainly seen by them, and what he did, and the more easily heard, for which purpose the pulpit was…
Barnes' Notes
Stood up - The attitude of attention and respect. Compare the existing practice of the Christian Church at the reading of the Gospel for the day.
Adam Clarke
All the people stood up - This was out of respect to the sacred word: in imitation of this, when the gospel for the day is read in our churches, all the people stand up.
We have here an account of a solemn religious assembly, and the good work that was done in that assembly, to the honour of God and the edification of the church.
I. The time of it was the first day of…
Cambridge Bible
opened i.e. unrolled, cf. Luk 4:17.
above all the people i.e. raised above them in his pulpit.
all the people stood up We need not conclude from these words that they stood during the whole time that…