Charles Ellicott Commentary Nehemiah 8:3

"And he read therein before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were [attentive] unto the book of the law." — Nehemiah 8:3 (ASV)

From the morning. — From daylight. The Book of the Law must have been a comprehensive one. Out of it Ezra and his companions read hour after hour, selecting appropriate passages.

And the ears of all the people ... unto the book. — A general statement; the detail now follows.