That Hanani, one of my brethren
Either in natural relation, ( Nehemiah 7:2 ) , or being a Jew of the same nation and religion; so Jarchi interprets it, one of my companions or acquaintance:
he and certain men of Judah;
who came from thence to Shushan on some account or another:
and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left
of the captivity;
who were returned from it to their own land; he inquired of their health and prosperity, in what circumstances they were, whether prosperous or adverse, whether they flourished, or were in distress:
and concerning Jerusalem;
whether it was rebuilt, the houses and walls of it, and in what condition it was.