Description and usage
The platform was a large raised surface on which someone stood to address a crowd of people. The one described in 2CH 6:13 was made of bronze, and was 2.5 meters (8 feet) square and 1.5 meters (5 feet) high. These dimensions may serve as an approximate model for all of the references above, although the others may have been made of stone (as in the illustration) or wood.
Translation
Many cultures are familiar with a special place or structure from which a person addresses an assembled crowd.
The Hebrew word migdal in NEH 8:4 literally means “tower.” RSV “pulpit” sounds anachronistic, even though the structure upon which Ezra stood fulfilled a purpose similar to that of a modern pulpit in some Christian traditions. NJB “dais” is accurate but obscure for most English speakers. “Platform” (GNT) or “high platform” (CEV, NCV) is good. The same rendering should be used at 1ES 9:42.