The 13 persons mentioned were probably the chief priests of the course (shift) which was at the time performing the temple service.

Pulpit of wood.—Literally, a tower of wood. Fourteen persons, however, were on what is afterwards called a platform, or s…

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had
made for the purpose
…

Sacrifices were to be offered only at the door of the temple; but praying and preaching were, and are, services of religion, as acceptably performe…