When he opened it, all the people stood up Either in reverence to God's word, or that they might hear his words more distinctly. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God He blessed him as the great God, superior to all other powers whatsoever; and gave honour to him by praising his perfections, and praying for his favour. And all the people answered, Amen! Amen! In token of their concurrence with him, both in the praises and prayers. With lifting up their hands In token that their desire was toward God, and all their expectation from him. And they bowed their heads In token of their reverence for him, and subjection to him. Thus must we adore and address ourselves to God, when we are going to read or hear his word, as those that see him in his word very great and very good.
Related Commentaries of Nehemiah 8:5
Nehemiah 8:5-6
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sightb of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.