Zorah
Zorah is a town in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah. It is historically significant as the birthplace of Samson, one of the judges of Israel (Judges 13:2). The town's inclusion in the list of resettled areas underscores the continuity of Israel's heritage and the importance of reclaiming ancestral lands. Zorah's location on the border of Philistine territory made it a site of frequent conflict, symbolizing the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and their neighbors. The resettlement of Zorah represents a reclaiming of identity and divine promise, as the Israelites reestablish their presence in historically significant locations.

Jarmuth
Jarmuth is another town in the Shephelah region, known for its fortified status and historical significance. It was one of the cities that joined the coalition against Joshua during the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 10:3). The mention of Jarmuth in Nehemiah's account of resettlement reflects the restoration of cities that were once part of Israel's conquest and settlement under Joshua. This connection to the past serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. The rebuilding and repopulation of Jarmuth signify a renewal of covenantal blessings and the reestablishment of God's people in their promised inheritance.

Nehemiah 11:29 begins by stating, “in En-rimmon”. The returned Judeans physically moved back into this village, fulfilling God’s promise of restoration after exile.

• Joshua 15:32 first lists En-rimmon among Judah’s towns, demonstrating that Nehemiah is reconnecting the people to their ancient inheritance.

• 1 Chronicles 4:32 notes it again centuries earlier, confirming the continuity of Israel’s record; the same village still exists because Scripture records literal history.

• Zechariah 14:10 foretells Judah’s terrain being inhabited from “Geba to Rimmon,” and Nehemiah 11:29 documents the beginning of that occupation.

Key truth: God’s Word is historically accurate—these geographic details are not filler; they anchor the returnees in a real place, proving God keeps covenant promises in concrete, locatable ways.

Next, the verse lists “Zorah.”

• Joshua 15:33 places Zorah in the Shephelah (foothills) of Judah, while Joshua 19:41 also places it in Dan’s allotment, showing how tribal borders overlapped yet were respected.

• Judges 13:2 identifies Zorah as Samson’s hometown, reminding readers of God’s past deliverances. Now, restored Judeans occupy the same site, testifying that the God who once raised a judge there is still faithful.

• 2 Chronicles 11:10 includes Zorah among Rehoboam’s fortified cities; its reuse in Nehemiah signals strategic rebuilding.

Key truth: Repopulating Zorah re-establishes a line of spiritual heritage. The settlers aren’t starting over in abstract hope; they inherit tangible evidence of God’s previous victories.

Finally, Nehemiah 11:29 names “Jarmuth.”

• Joshua 10:3 recounts Jarmuth’s king joining the Amorite coalition against Joshua, and Joshua 12:11 lists that king’s defeat. The site itself bears witness that God’s people triumphed and now possess the land.

• Joshua 15:35 counts Jarmuth among Judah’s lowland towns; Nehemiah’s generation inhabits what Joshua’s generation conquered, a literal fulfillment across the centuries.

• Joshua 21:29 later assigns Jarmuth to the Levites (as “Ramoth”), showing its spiritual function. Re-settling it in Nehemiah’s day revives worship and teaching in the region.

Key truth: Occupation of Jarmuth proves that God’s victories are not temporary. What He conquers He keeps, handing it to obedient generations who walk in the same covenant.

Nehemiah 11:29 is more than a short list of towns—it is a compact testimony that God’s promises stand in actual soil and stone. By naming En-rimmon, Zorah, and Jarmuth, Scripture shows:

• The exiles literally returned to their ancestral boundaries.

• God’s past acts (Samson’s deliverance, Joshua’s conquest) remain relevant because the physical settings endure.

• Every geographic detail confirms the Bible’s reliability and underscores God’s unwavering commitment to restore His people fully.