John Gill Commentary Ezra 10:1

"Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there was gathered together unto him out of Israel a very great assembly of men and women and children; for the people wept very sore." — Ezra 10:1 (ASV)

Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping ,
&c.] Had confessed the sins of the people in prayer and supplication, with many tears:

and casting himself down before the house of God ;
in the outward court before the temple, his face turned towards it, where he lay prostrate:

there assembled to him out of Israel a very great congregation of men,
and women, and children ;
it was quickly spread abroad, both in Jerusalem and places adjacent, that such a great man, a commissioner from the king of Persia, and a priest of the Jews, was in the utmost distress, rending his garments, and plucking off his hair, and was crying and praying in a vehement manner; which brought a great concourse of people, who concluded some great sins were committed, and sore judgments were coming upon them:

for the people wept very sore ;
being affected with his confessions, cries, and tears, and fearing wrath would come upon them for their sins.