Albert Barnes Commentary Nehemiah 5:13

"Also I shook out my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that performeth not this promise; even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the assembly said, Amen, and praised Jehovah. And the people did according to this promise." — Nehemiah 5:13 (ASV)

I shook my lap - Compare the marginal references. The term “lap” refers to a fold in the garment at the chest, which could be used as a pocket. Compare Isaiah 49:22 (see margin).