Charles Ellicott Commentary Nehemiah 8:13

"And on the second day were gathered together the heads of fathers` [houses] of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to give attention to the words of the law." — Nehemiah 8:13 (ASV)

The chief of the fathers. —Not the vast multitude now, as the great feast was not yet.

Even to understand. — To consider, or give attention to: that is, to learn the full meaning of the almost forgotten festival. The dwelling in booths had fallen into disuse.