The people cast lots and 1 of 10 are to volunteer to live in the city (still having military duties) whilst the remainder repopulate the surrounding areas ( possession of the land theme).

[7] Jerusalem, as the provincial capital, already had a sizeable number of population, but mostly of the ruling class, close to leadership positions.

Anglican commentator H. E. Ryle refers to a suggestion that the rulers or princes, before Nehemiah took the matter in hand, had resided in the country.

[9] The people who would move to Jerusalem were determined by casting lots, one each out of groups of ten family representatives.

[10] Among the cities resettled by the returning populations are mentioned Qiryat-arba, Zorah, Jarmuth, Zanoah, Adullam, and Lachish.

[21] Based on Joshua 21, the Levites was not given land as inheritance, for 'their portion was the Lord and the honor of his service', but they were given a share of specific towns among the various tribes of Israel.