Keil & Delitzsch Lutheran @keilanddelitzsch

Neh 8:5 Ezra, standing on the raised platform, was above the assembled people (he was כּל־העם מעל). When he opened the book, it was “in the sight of all the people,” so that all could see his action; and “all the people stood up” (עמדוּ). It cannot be shown from the O.T.

John Gill Reformed Baptist @doctorgill

And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people),.... So plainly seen by them, and what he did, and the more easily heard, for which purpose the pulpit was made for him to stand in: and, when he opened it, all the people stood up; that they might the better hear the law read, as...

Geneva Bible Notes Reformed @genevanotes

And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: (d) So that his voice might be heard the better.