With the wall’s construction completed, it would be logical to continue the account of a dedication festival; however, we need to read a series of episodes before we encounter this festival in chapter 12. Surrounded by its crenellated wall, the city remains devoid of houses and residents. Thus, Nehemiah faces a new task: to repopulate the city. However, it appears that the capital was not appealing, perhaps due to insecurity or insufficient economic conditions, unless one worked for the Temple. Even then, most of them resided on their property or in neighboring towns.