Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
Having given an account of the principal persons that dwelt in Jerusalem (a larger account of whom he had before, Ch1 9:2, etc.), Nehemiah, in these verses, gives us some account of the other cities, in which dwelt the residue of Israel, Neh 11:20. It was requisite that Jerusalem should be replenished, yet not so as to drain the country.
Commenting on Nehemiah 11:20-36
THEIR NAMES. (Neh. 11:3-36) the chief of the province--that is, Judea. Nehemiah speaks of it, as it then was, a small appendix of the Persian empire. in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities--The returned exiles, who had come from Babylon, repaired generally, and by a natural impulse, to the lands and cities throughout the country which had been anciently assigned them.
Commenting on Nehemiah 11:3-36
Lod, and Ono - These towns were built by the sons of Elpaal, Ch1 8:12. The valley of craftsmen - See Ch1 4:14. Probably this latter town was built in this valley.