Jerusalem had become the point of danger.

All round the returned captives were enemies.

The Samaritans, the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, and a host of others were ready at any moment to pounce down upon the Jews.

In case of an attack from their united forces, what would be the mark at which all these enemies would aim?
What place would have to bear the whole force of the attack?
Jerusalem itself.

They would pass by Jericho, Bethel, and Anathoth, as places beneath their notice, but they would all make for Jerusalem.