John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin , etc.] And such of the ten tribes that returned and dwelt among them: gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days ; the time fixed: which they were the more careful to observe, since it was enjoined by the authority of princes and elders, and the punishment in case of disobedience very severe: it was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month ; the month Chisleu, which answers to part of November and part of December, so that the twentieth day must be in the beginning of December; this was almost five months after Ezra came to Jerusalem: and all the people sat in the street of the house of God : the street which led to the temple, the east street, ( 2 Chronicles 29:4) though some think this was the court of the people, called a street, because it lay open, not yet walled in; and, according to Josephus f100 , it was in an upper room of the temple in which Ezra was, perhaps the same with the chamber of Johanan, ( Ezra 10:6), trembling because of this matter ; they were met about; some that were guilty, not knowing what punishment would be inflicted on them, and others that were not, yet dreaded the wrath of God, lest that should break out upon the whole congregation for it: and for the great rain ; which now fell, and which they interpreted as a token of the divine displeasure: for though it was in winter time, yet not with them a time of rain, for the former rain had fallen a month before; so that this being unusual and unexpected, they understood it as betokening evil to them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 6-14 - There is hope concerning people, when they are convinced, not only tha it is good to part with their sins, but that it is necessary; we mus do it, or we are undone. So rich is the mercy, and so plenteous the redemption of God, that there is hope for the vilest who hear the gospel, and are willing to accept of free salvation. When sinners mour for their sins, and tremble at the word of God, there is hope that the will forsake them. To affect others with godly sorrow or love to God we must ourselves be affected. It was carefully agreed how this affai should be carried on. That which is hastily resolved on seldom prove lasting.
Original Hebrew ויקבצו6908 כל3605 אנשׁי376 יהודה3063 ובנימן1144 ירושׁלם3389 לשׁלשׁת7969 הימים3117 הוא1931 חדשׁ2320 התשׁיעי8671 בעשׂרים6242 בחדשׁ2320 וישׁבו3427 כל3605 העם5971 ברחוב7339 בית1004 האלהים430 מרעידים7460 על5921 הדבר1697 ומהגשׁמים׃1653
