On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
Ver. 1. On that day] That great fast day, Nehemiah 9:1,2, &c. Or, after Nehemiah's return from the court of Persia, Nehemiah 13:6, so the most expound it.
They read in the book of Moses] viz. In Deuteronomy 23:3, called by the Rabbis Sepher tochechoth, the book of rebukes, or of instructions, upon conviction.
And therein was found written] Perquam durum est (so it might seem to Ammonites and Moabites), sed ita lex scripta est, The law was perpetual and indispensable; a sign of great wrath.
That the Ammonite and the Moabite] Lot's by-blows and the Church's constant enemies.
Into the congregation of God] i.e. Assemblies of God's people, whether sacred or civil, unless proselyted.