Hanani חֲנָנִי
A seer who prophesied during the reign of Asa.
Who is Hanani in the Bible?
Hanani was a seer and prophet who served during the reigns of Kings Asa and Jehoshaphat of Judah. He first appears in 1 Kings 16:1 delivering God's judgment against King Baasha of Israel, but is best known for confronting King Asa when the king relied on the king of Aram rather than trusting in the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:7). When Asa imprisoned him for this rebuke, Hanani's prophecy proved true as the king later suffered from a severe foot disease (2 Chronicles 16:12). Hanani's son, Jehu, also became a prophet and continued his father's ministry of holding Judah's kings accountable to God's standards (2 Chronicles 19:2). Through his bold proclamations despite personal persecution, Hanani exemplified the courage required of faithful prophets who must challenge even kings when they turn away from God.
Biography
Hanani was a seer who prophesied during the reigns of King Asa and King Jehoshaphat of Judah. He first appears in 1Ki.16.1, where he delivered a message from God to King Baasha of Israel, warning him of judgment for his evil deeds. Later, during the reign of King Asa of Judah, Hanani rebuked the king for relying on the king of Aram instead of trusting in the Lord (2Ch.16.7). As a result, Asa became angry and imprisoned Hanani. Despite this, Hanani's prophecy came true, and Asa suffered from a severe foot disease in his old age (2Ch.16.12). Hanani is also mentioned in connection with King Jehoshaphat, Asa's son. After Jehoshaphat formed an alliance with King Ahab of Israel, Hanani's son, Jehu, prophesied against Jehoshaphat (2Ch.19.2). The account of Jehoshaphat's reign, including his accomplishments and the events during his time, was recorded in the annals of Hanani the seer (2Ch.20.34). Hanani's prophetic ministry spanned multiple generations, and his messages focused on the importance of trusting in God and the consequences of disobedience.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books1 Kings 2 verses
- 1 Kings 16:1
"Then the word of the LORD came to Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha, saying:"
- 1 Kings 16:7
"Moreover, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Jehu son of Hanani against Baasha and his house, because of all the evil he had done in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger with the work of his hands and becoming like the house of Jeroboam, and also because..."
2 Chronicles 3 verses
- 2 Chronicles 16:7
"At that time Hanani the seer came to King Asa of Judah and told him, “Because you have relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand."
- 2 Chronicles 19:2
"Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you."
- 2 Chronicles 20:34
"As for the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from beginning to end, they are indeed written in the Chronicles of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חֲנָנִי |