Because they denied themselves, and their own safety and profit, for the public good; for this city was the butt of all the malicious plots of their enemies; and for the present it was rather chargeable than beneficial to its inhabitants; whereas the country did more easily and certainly afford them supplies.
Related Commentaries of Nehemiah 11:2
Nehemiah 11:2
2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.