This is how MySQL (since 3.23, I believe), will allow you to do LIMIT clauses (:
Code:
[LIMIT {[offset,] row_count | row_count OFFSET offset}]
That is, how you do it in a raw SQL query.
The cause of your confusion comes from the fact you are using Zend_Db_Select`s limit() method, which takes it`s arguments as ->limit($count, $offset).
So, technically both are correct. The latter being correct for ACTUAL SQL, and the former correct for Db_Select objects.
However, I HIGHLY recommend, if you are using Zend_Db_Select objects to build your queries, using the built in limitPage() method.
Its use is simple:
limitPage($pageNumber, $pageLength)
This saves you having to calculate your offset beforehand.