This is the great assembly
that Nehemiah had congregated against the nobles and officials (Nehemiah 5:7), many of whom were victims of oppression. They heard the pledge from the mouths of their oppressors (also before the priests) and witnessed Nehemiah’s action of shaking out his robe.
13 I also shook out the fold of my garment and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not keep this promise. So may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the assembly said “Amen” and praised the LORD. And the people did as they had promised.