Just out of curiosity, when it says "bound themselves under a course" (v.12) and "we have bound ourselves under a great curse" (v.14) is that similar to taking an oath? Or swearing?
This was copied from the noun section not verb section, because in this context it is used as a noun
CURSE, n.
1. Malediction; the expression of a wish of evil to another.
Shimei--who cured me with a grievous curse. 1 Kings 2.
2. Imprecation of evil.
They entered into a curse, and into an oath. Nehemiah 10.
3. Affliction; torment; great vexation.
I will make this city a curse to all nations. Jeremiah 26.
4. Condemnation; sentence of divine vengeance on sinners.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law. Galatians 3.
5. Denunciation of evil.
The priest shall write all these curses in a book. Numbers 5
Check out example 2 from Nehemiah- it says they entered into a curse, and into an oath,
The definition of curse seems generally bad, but if you read Nehemiah chapter two starting at verse 28 it seems like it was an oath to follow the law of the Lord, then I saw Galatians 3:10
Galatians 3:10, 13 (KJV) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Also conspiracy in v.13
CONSPIRACY, n. [L. See Conspire.]
1. A combination of men for an evil purpose; an agreement between two or more persons, to commit some crime in concert; particularly, a combination to commit treason, or excite sedition or insurrection against the government of a state; a plot; as a conspiracy against the life of a king; a conspiracy against the government.
More than forty had made this conspiracy. Acts 23.
I know that in context the definition of curse in acts 23, Nehemiah 2, and Galatians 3 are different definitions but it did seem relevant given the context of Nehemiah 2 and how it said they took an oath
Just something to think about...