Hanani חֲנָנִי
Nehemiah's brother, who reported on Jerusalem's condition.
Who is Hanani in the Bible?
Hanani was the brother of Nehemiah who played a crucial role in prompting the rebuilding of Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 1:2, Hanani arrived in Susa with other men from Judah and reported to Nehemiah about Jerusalem's desperate condition, describing its broken walls and burned gates. This report deeply moved Nehemiah to pray and fast, ultimately leading him to petition King Artaxerxes for permission to travel to Jerusalem and rebuild the city. After the walls were successfully reconstructed, Nehemiah appointed Hanani as one of the governors of Jerusalem alongside Hananiah, choosing him specifically because of his faithfulness and fear of God (Nehemiah 7:2). Hanani's significance lies in being the messenger whose report catalyzed one of the most important restoration projects in post-exile Jewish history.
Biography
Hanani, the brother of Nehemiah, is mentioned in Neh.1.2 and Neh.7.2. While Nehemiah was serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Susa, Hanani and some other men from Judah visited him. They brought a report about the dire situation in Jerusalem, with its walls broken down and gates burned. This news deeply troubled Nehemiah, leading him to pray and fast before God. Later, with the king's permission, Nehemiah traveled to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. After the completion of the wall, Nehemiah appointed Hanani, along with Hananiah, as the governors of Jerusalem (Neh.7.2). Nehemiah chose them because they were considered more faithful and God-fearing than others. As governors, they were responsible for overseeing the city's security and administration. Hanani's role in bringing the report to Nehemiah and his subsequent appointment as a governor highlights his trustworthiness and commitment to the well-being of Jerusalem and its people.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 2 verses
- Nehemiah 1:2
"Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah. So I questioned them about the remnant of the Jews who had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem."
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 7:2
"Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most."
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חֲנָנִי |