Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nehemiah doesn't just get a verbal agreement; he brings in the priests to administer an oath. This isn't just about legal validity, but about invoking God's name to ensure the promise isn't forgotten once the immediate pressure is off. The ancient Hebrew word for "promise" here also means "word," highlighting that Nehemiah sought a commitment to God's very standard of justice, not just a casual pledge.
Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After confronting the nobles and priests about their oppressive practices of seizing land and enslaving people for debt, Nehemiah demands restitution and an end to the unjust interest. They agree to restore what they took and cease all demands, but Nehemiah, wary of fleeting promises, calls for a solemn oath administered by the priests to ensure they keep their word.
After Nehemiah confronted them, the wealthy landowners agreed to make things right. But what exactly did they promise to restore?
The nobles, faced with Nehemiah's righteous anger and his appeal to their conscience, readily agreed to give back what they had unjustly taken.
A simple 'we promise' can be easily forgotten. Why did Nehemiah insist on an oath, and why were priests involved?
Nehemiah understood that a verbal promise, especially from those who had already exploited their neighbors, might not be enough. He needed a more binding commitment.
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Understand the original words
kohen · Hebrew Noun
The priestly class in Israel, set apart by God to minister in the tabernacle or temple, offer sacrifices, and teach the law to the people. They serve as mediators between God and the congregation.
shaba · Hebrew Verb
To take an oath or swear by God, calling upon Him as witness to the truth or validity of a promise, covenant, or statement. It signifies a solemn commitment that carries divine judgment if broken.
The oath taken here isn't just a promise; it's a public, religiously sanctioned commitment intended to permanently change oppressive practices and restore social harmony within the struggling community of Jerusalem.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem
Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, is granted permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls, facing significant opposition.
c. 445 BC
Economic crisis and social unrest
The people of Jerusalem are suffering from famine and heavy taxation, leading many to mortgage their lands and even their children to wealthy nobles for survival.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah confronts the nobles
Upon learning of the nobles' and officials' exploitation, Nehemiah expresses his anger and confronts them directly about their usurious practices.
c. 445 BC
Nobles pledge to restore possessions
Under Nehemiah's strong rebuke and the pressure of public opinion, the nobles and officials agree to return the lands, houses, and usury they had extorted.
c. 445 BC
Oath administered by priests
Nehemiah calls the priests to administer a solemn oath to the nobles, ensuring they would uphold their promise to restore what they had taken.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah gathers the people
Nehemiah convenes a great assembly to announce the nobles' agreement and the oath they took, reinforcing the commitment to justice and relief.
This passage directly addresses the prohibition of charging interest on loans to the poor, which is the core issue Nehemiah is confronting in chapter 5. It shows this principle was established law long before Nehemiah's time.
Leviticus 25:35-43This Levitical law provides context for how Israelites were to treat fellow countrymen who had fallen into debt, emphasizing compassion and prohibiting exploitation. It lays the groundwork for Nehemiah's call for restitution.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20This passage reiterates the prohibition against charging interest to a brother on loans, underscoring the seriousness with which God viewed this practice. It highlights why Nehemiah was so rightly angry.
Ezra 10:5This passage describes Ezra also administering an oath to the people to deal with their wrongdoing, mirroring Nehemiah's action of calling for an oath to ensure accountability and public commitment to reform.
Matthew 5:33-37Jesus teaches about oaths, stating one should let their 'yes' be 'yes' and 'no' be 'no.' This passage contrasts with Nehemiah's need for an oath, showing the ideal standard of trustworthiness the people should have strived for, and the societal distrust that necessitates such formal vows.
pooleNehemiah 5:12: "Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise."
We will restore them, to wit, the lands and houses. Will require nothing of them, for the hundredth part. I called the priests; either, 1. As delinquents in that kind; or rather as witnesses, that the oath being taken before the priests, who acted in God’s name and stead, the oat…
cambridgeNehemiah 5:12: "Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise."
12 . Nehemiah’s audience comply with his request. ‘We will restore’ refers to the fields, vineyards, oliveyards and houses seized in default of payment or as pledges; ‘will require nothing’ refers to the usury, i.e. the interest already due upon the sums borrowed. as thou sayest…
Nehemiah doesn't just get a verbal agreement; he brings in the priests to administer an oath. This isn't just about legal validity, but about invoking God's name to ensure the promise isn't forgotten once the immediate pressure is off. The ancient Hebrew word for "promise" here also means "word," highlighting that Nehemiah sought a commitment to God's very standard of justice, not just a casual pledge.
After confronting the nobles and priests about their oppressive practices of seizing land and enslaving people for debt, Nehemiah demands restitution and an end to the unjust interest. They agree to restore what they took and cease all demands, but Nehemiah, wary of fleeting promises, calls for a solemn oath administered by the priests to ensure they keep their word.
After confronting the nobles and priests about their oppressive practices of seizing land and enslaving people for debt, Nehemiah demands restitution and an end to the unjust interest. They agree to restore what they took and cease all demands, but Nehemiah, wary of fleeting promises, calls for a solemn oath administered by the priests to ensure they keep their word.
"Then they said, “We will restore these and require nothing from them. We will do as you say.” And I called the priests and made them swear to do as they had promised." — Nehemiah doesn't just get a verbal agreement; he brings in the priests to administer an oath. This isn't just about legal validity, but about invoking God's name to ensure the promise isn't forgotten…
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Last reviewed October 2026