What does Ezra 10:9 mean?

So all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered in Jerusalem within three days. It was the twentieth day of the ninth month. Everyone sat in the square in front of God's house, shivering because of the cold and because they were scared about what was happening. Ezra 10:9 - Modern Text Bible

(The people gather in the winter, anxious and uncomfortable, knowing something big and difficult is about to be decided.)