According to Nehemiah, some leaders lived in the special city of Jerusalem, and then they played a game like drawing straws to choose more people to live there, while the others stayed in different towns. They wanted to make sure that the holy city had enough people to take care of it and help it grow.
Nehemiah 11:1: And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.
Nehemiah 11:1 describes people willingly coming to live in Jerusalem to fulfill a communal duty, which can be seen as displaying a public act of service, whereas Matthew 6:1 cautions against performing acts for the sake of being seen by others.
Matthew 6:1: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. [alms: or, righteousness] [of your: or, with your]