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.
He read from it in the open area in front of the Water Gate from early morning until noon, reading to the men and women and everyone who was old enough to understand. All the people listened carefully to the Book of the Law.
The writer is describing how Ezra read God's Law aloud to a large, eager crowd for several hours, and everyone paid close attention.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Nehemiah, this verse describes a pivotal moment after the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, when the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership. Ezra, the scribe, publicly read from the Book of the Law to a large assembly of men, women, and those who could understand, gathered in the street before the Water Gate from morning until midday. This event highlighted a time of spiritual renewal, as the people sought to reconnect with God's instructions after years of displacement and neglect.
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