Nehemiah 13:25

Cursed them, i.e. caused them to be excommunicated and cast out of the society and privileges of God's people. This and the following punishments were justly inflicted upon them, because this transgression was contrary both to a very plain and express law of God, and also to their own late solemn covenants and promises, of which see Ezr 10 Ne 10:30. Smote certain of them, i.e. I caused to be beaten with stripes, according to the law, Deuteronomy 25:2, those whose faults were most aggravated by their quality or other circumstances; to whom he added this punishment over and besides the former. Plucked off their hair, or, shaved them. The hair was an ornament and ensign of liberty among the eastern nations; and baldness was a disgrace and token of slavery and sorrow. See Isaiah 3:24 Isaiah 15:2 Jeremiah 48:37 Ezekiel 29:18.