Albert Barnes Commentary Nehemiah 11:1

"And the princes of the people dwelt in Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the [other] cities." — Nehemiah 11:1 (ASV)

To bring one of ten - Artificial enlargements of capitals by forcible transfers of population to them were not unusual in ancient times. About 500 B.C., Syracuse became a great city in this way. Tradition ascribed the greatness of Rome, in part, to this cause.