Nehemiah 1:2

2 one of my brothers, Hanani, arrived with some men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had survived 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, son of Hacaliah: During the month of Chislev, in Artaxerxes' twentieth year as king, while I was in the fortress at Susa,

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

3 They told me, "Those who survived captivity are in the province. They are enduring serious troubles and being insulted. The wall of Jerusalem has been broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire."

4 When I heard this, I sat down and cried. I mourned for days. I continued to fast and pray to the God of heaven.

5 I said, "LORD God of heaven, great and awe-inspiring God, you faithfully keep your promise and show mercy to those who love you and obey your commandments.