John Trapp on Nehemiah 5:13

Verſe 13. Alſo I ſhook my lap] By this rite (running into their ſenſes) this holy man runs with terrours into the eyes and hearts of all that ſhould perfidiouſly forſwear themſelves, by a direful denunciation of divine vengeance. In all lawful oaths there is an imprecation, though it be not alwayes expreſt, Gen. 14.23. Heb. 3.

So God caſt out every man from his houſe] See Zech. 5.4, 5. with the Note.

And from his labour] i. e. From his layings-up (the fruit of his labour) his lands and eſtate, got by a diligent hand. The Hebrew word ſignifieth labour even to laſſitude and fainting.

And all the Congregation ſaid, Amen] In token of hearty aſſent, and aſſurance.

And praiſed the Lord] There was a general joy, and many an humble, chearful and thankful heart lifted up to God for ſinne ſo redreſſed, and poor people relieved.

And the people did according to this promiſe] This was real thankfulneſſe. It is not the fumbling out of a few good words (as God I thank thee, praiſed be God, &c.) that will paſſe. Thanksdoing is the proof of Thanksgiving; and the good life of the thankful, is the life of thankfulneſſe. Offer unto God thankſgiving, and pay thy vowes unto the Moſt High, Pſal. 50.14.