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.
Ver. 1. As one man] See Ezra 3:1, and remember that Omne simile non est idem; this is a distinct history from that.
Into the street] Or, open place, the meeting place of the water gate. See Nehemiah 3:26. Right over against this gate was the court of the people, saith Lyra. See Ezra 10:9 .
And they spake unto Ezra the scribe] The people may, if need be, say to Archippus, Look to thy ministry, &c., Colossians 4:17. Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, all is theirs (the gifts and abilities of all good ministers), and they may call for them, 1 Corinthians 3:22 .
To bring the book of the law of Moses] Wherein he was no less able than apt to impart, 1 Timothy 3:2, διδακτικος. He knew that the best had need hear the law, he spiritum sessorem excutiant, that they might be kept within the bounds of obedience. Not the unruly colt only, but the horse that is broken, hath a bit and bridle also.