Nehemiah 1:2

2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came with some other men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had escaped and survived the captivity, and about Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 1:2 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 1:2

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.

Nehemiah 1:2 In-Context

1 These are the words of Nehemiah, Hacaliah's son. In the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the fortress city of Susa,

2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came with some other men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had escaped and survived the captivity, and about Jerusalem.

3 They told me, "Those in the province who survived the captivity are in great trouble and shame! The wall around Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire!"

4 When I heard this news, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

5 I said: “LORD God of heaven, great and awesome God, you are the one who keeps covenant and is truly faithful to those who love you and keep your commandments.