in En-rimmon, in Zorah, in Jarmuth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Nehemiah 11:29
What does Nehemiah 11:29 mean?
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Nehemiah 11:29
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Notice how this list subtly connects the ancient past to the present. Places like "En-rimmon" are described as possibly being two towns that merged, and "Zorah" and "Jarmuth" are linked to significant historical figures and events from Joshua's time. This isn't just a dry list of locations; it's a reminder that these people were repopulating a land rich with God's past dealings, weaving their return into the ongoing story of His faithfulness.
in En-rimmon, in Zorah, in Jarmuth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a detailed list of where people resettled after returning from exile. After the momentous decision to repopulate Jerusalem, the rest of the people cast lots to determine who would live in the capital versus the surrounding towns. This verse simply names three specific towns in Judah where families or groups found their new homes, continuing the census of the restored community.
Ever wondered where biblical figures lived? This verse lists ancient towns, but what does it tell us about God's people then and now?
Nehemiah 11 names specific towns where people settled after returning from exile. These aren't just random locations; they are places with history, some even mentioned in earlier Scripture.
Connected Histories
These specific locations ground the biblical narrative in real geography. They remind us that God's work unfolds in the tangible, everyday lives of His people, in the places they call home.
After years in exile, God's people were returning home. Where did they choose to live, and why does it matter?
Nehemiah 11 describes the resettlement of Jerusalem and the surrounding towns. While many returned to the ancient tribal lands, a significant decision was made: a portion of the people were chosen by lot to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the rest were spread out in other cities.
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A Deliberate Distribution
This wasn't just about finding housing; it was about rebuilding a nation and re-establishing their relationship with God in their land. The verse lists towns like En-rimmon, Zorah, and Jarmuth as places where families settled, each contributing to the larger tapestry of restored Israel.
The mention of these specific towns in Nehemiah's decree highlights the resettlement efforts in Judah after the Babylonian exile, grounding the restoration of community life in the ancestral lands assigned long before.
c. 1400 BC
Joshua's Conquest of Canaan
After the Exodus, Joshua led the Israelites in conquering the land of Canaan. Specific cities like Zorah and Jarmuth were captured during this period, with territories assigned to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of many Israelites. This event increased the prominence of the southern kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire destroyed Jerusalem and its temple, exiling the majority of the Jewish population. This marked a devastating end to the Davidic monarchy and the end of independent Judah.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
After the Babylonians were conquered by the Persians, Cyrus the Great issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's Commission to Rebuild Walls
King Artaxerxes I of Persia appointed Nehemiah as governor of Judah, tasking him with rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This period saw a major effort to restore the city and its infrastructure after the return from exile.
This passage lists cities in the territory of Judah, including Zorah (referred to as Zareah in Nehemiah), providing geographical context for the inhabitants mentioned in Nehemiah.
Joshua 15:35Jarmuth is also mentioned in Joshua's description of Judah's territory, showing its historical significance and inclusion within the allotted lands.
1 Chronicles 4:32This passage references En-rimmon (listed as Ain and Rimmon), connecting it to the descendants of Simeon, similar to how Nehemiah records the resettlement of various groups in these towns.
Nehemiah 11:1This verse sets the stage for the resettlement of Jerusalem and other cities, explaining the casting of lots to determine who would live in Jerusalem versus the country towns listed in verse 29.
cambridgeNehemiah 11:29: "And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,"
29 . En-rimmon ] In Joshua 15:32 we find this as two places, ‘Ain, and Rimmon;’ so also in Joshua 19:7 ; 1 Chronicles 4:32 . Zareah ] R.V. Zorah. Cf. Joshua 15:33 , ‘in the lowland … Zorah.’ Jarmuth ] Cf. Joshua 15:35 ; cf. Joshua 3:5 .
henryNehemiah 11:1-36: "And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities."
11:1-36 The distribution of the people. - In all ages, men have preferred their own ease and advantage to the public good. Even the professors of religion too commonly seek their own, and not the things of Christ. Few have had such attachment to holy things and holy places, as to renounce ple…
Notice how this list subtly connects the ancient past to the present. Places like "En-rimmon" are described as possibly being two towns that merged, and "Zorah" and "Jarmuth" are linked to significant historical figures and events from Joshua's time. This isn't just a dry list of locations; it's a reminder that these people were repopulating a land rich with God's past dealings, weaving their return into the ongoing story of His faithfulness.
This passage is part of a detailed list of where people resettled after returning from exile. After the momentous decision to repopulate Jerusalem, the rest of the people cast lots to determine who would live in the capital versus the surrounding towns. This verse simply names three specific towns in Judah where families or groups found their new homes, continuing the census of the restored community.
This passage is part of a detailed list of where people resettled after returning from exile. After the momentous decision to repopulate Jerusalem, the rest of the people cast lots to determine who would live in the capital versus the surrounding towns. This verse simply names three specific towns in Judah where families or groups found their new homes, continuing the census of the restored community.
"in En-rimmon, in Zorah, in Jarmuth," — Notice how this list subtly connects the ancient past to the present. Places like "En-rimmon" are described as possibly being two towns that merged, and "Zorah" and "Jarmuth" are linked to significan…
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Last reviewed October 2026