And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God [one] fourth part of the day; and [another] fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
Ver. 3. And they stood up in their place] The people stood, for reverence' sake, to the word read. See Nehemiah 8:5. Or the ministers stood up in their pulpits, where they represent God himself as his ambassadors; and should therefore lay down all self-respects and aims at the pulpit door; and be fully of his mind, who said, I would not be found speaking or doing aught that I thought Christ would not approve of, if he were corporally present. (Ecolamp.)
And read in the book] Giving the sense of that they read; and applying it close to men's consciences. This was preaching indeed; for as every sound is not music, so neither is every pulpit discourse preaching. Cura pastoralis est ars artium et scientia scientiarum, saith one, It is a matter of great skill to divide the word aright. See Nehemiah 8:8 .
One fourth part of the day] i.e. For three hours: from nine o'clock to twelve. This warranteth our preaching fast sermons; though prayer be the chief business of such a day. See Jeremiah 36:6,7 .
And another fourth part] sc. From twelve to three: thus besides the ordinary morning and evening sacrifices, they divided the day between preaching and prayer, as those did, Acts 6:4. And as the priests of old taught Jacob God's judgments, and put incense before the Lord, Deuteronomy 33:10. The Jews at this day boast that they divide the day (even the working day) into three parts; the first, ad Tephillah, they spend in prayer; the second, ad Torah, in reading the law; the third, ad Malachah, in their worldly business. But you are not bound herein to believe them.
They confessed] Not without supplication for pardon, and power to do better.
And worshipped the Lord their God] Inwardly and outwardly, giving him his due glory, and resting upon him by a lively faith in the gracious promises; being fully persuaded of this, that, together with the forgiveness of sin, they should have those particular blessings which they sued for, so far as might stand with God's glory and the good of their souls.