John Gill Commentary Nehemiah 8:1

"And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the broad place that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which Jehovah had commanded to Israel." — Nehemiah 8:1 (ASV)

And all the people gathered themselves together as one man
into the street that was before the watergate
A large and commodious street for such a company of people, which led to the water gate, of which see (Nehemiah 3:26). Hither the people gathered with great unanimity, zeal, and affection.

and they spoke to Ezra the scribe ;
the same who is called Ezra the priest, and scribe of the law of God, and said to be a ready one, (Ezra 7:6Ezra 7:11Ezra 7:12), who came to Jerusalem thirteen years before this time; but very probably returned to Babylon again, and was lately come from there.

to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel ;
to observe what was commanded in it, and which he had ordered to be read, particularly every seventh year, at the feast of tabernacles, (Deuteronomy 31:10Deuteronomy 31:11), which was now drawing near, though this was not the precise time of reading it; from this some have thought this year was the sabbatical year; see (Nehemiah 5:11).