Adam Clarke on Nehemiah 13:25

I contended with them - Proved the fact against these iniquitous fathers, in a legal assembly.

And cursed them - Denounced the judgments of God and the sentence of the law upon them.

Smote certain of them - Had them punished by whipping.

And plucked off their hair - Had them shaven, as a mark of the greatest ignominy.

And made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give - Caused them to bind themselves by an oath, that they would make no intermarriages with those who were not of the seed of Israel.