Hanani
“God has shown grace to me; or abbreviation of Hananiah”
Summary
Hanani, meaning "God has shown grace," was the name of at least six men including a prophet who rebuked King Asa and likely the father of the prophet Jehu, and Nehemiah's brother who brought news from Jerusalem.
☩The Prophet Who Rebuked Asa
Hanani the prophet was sent to rebuke King Asa for his lack of faith in subsidizing the king of Syria against Baasha, when he should have trusted God for victory over both enemies. For this bold message, he was threatened with a troubled remainder of his reign. Enraged at the prophet's boldness, Asa seized and imprisoned Hanani—showing how hardened hearts reject divine correction. This Hanani is probably the same person as the father of the prophet Jehu, who denounced both King Baasha and King Jehoshaphat.
☩Nehemiah's Brother
Hanani, apparently Nehemiah's brother, traveled from Jerusalem to Shushan (Susa) bringing word of the miserable condition of the returned Jewish exiles, which led to Nehemiah's mission. After returning to Judea with Nehemiah, Hanani and one Hananiah were appointed to oversee the gates of Jerusalem, ensuring they were properly opened and closed—a critical responsibility during those dangerous times.
☩Other Men Named Hanani
Other men bearing this name include: a son of Heman who supervised the eighteenth division of Levitical musicians under David; a priest who had married a foreign wife and put her away during Ezra's reforms; and a priest and musician in Nehemiah's time.
Related Verses11 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Hanani," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Hanani," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Hanani," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Hanani," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).