Nehemiah 7:4
Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
Now the city was large and great,.... The circumference of it, all within the wall; for that was built on its old foundation, and enclosed as much ground as ever it did: Hecataeus {b}, an Heathen writer, says the circumference of Jerusalem was fifty furlongs, which was more than six miles; but Josephus {c} makes the circuit of it but thirty three furlongs or about six miles:
but the people were few therein; in comparison of the largeness of the place; for though there were 42,360 that came up at first with Zerubbabel, and many more with Ezra, yet a great number chose to settle in the towns and cities in the country, Jerusalem being in such a desolate condition:
and the houses were not builded; some were, but they were but few, many of them still lay in ruins.
{b} Apud Euseb. Praepar. par. Evangel. l. 9. c. 4. p. 408. & apud Joseph. contr. Apion, l. 1. c. 22.
{c} De Bell. Jud. l. 5. c. 4. sect. 3.