The pronouns them
and they
refer to the nobles and officials who had just publicly uttered the words of Nehemiah 5:12. Though all the people had heard the officials’ promises, Nehemiah knew the human heart to be so self-centred that carrying out the pledge was much harder than making it, even with countless witnesses. That might be particularly true for the powerful; who could pursue them if they chose to renege on their promises? By making them swear (an oath) before God (Deuteronomy 6:13; via his ambassadors, the priests), Nehemiah presses on these officials that they will have to contend with the omniscient Searcher of hearts, who will certainly punish if they break their pledge (Deuteronomy 23:21).
12 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.