John Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 7:4

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

Now the city was large and great, etc.] 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 f40, an Heathen writer, says the circumference of Jerusalem was fifty furlongs, which was more than six miles; but Josephus f41 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.

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