Nehemiah 1:2 Meaning and Explanation
“That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Nehemiah's kinsman Hanani arrives from Judah, and Nehemiah eagerly asks after the surviving exiles and the city of Jerusalem.
What Does Nehemiah 1:2 Mean?
Hanani is called "one of my brethren," a fellow Judean and likely a blood relative. He has come from the land with news. Nehemiah questions him about two things he holds dear: the people who survived the exile and returned, and the city of Jerusalem itself. His first instinct is to seek news, not of trade or politics, but of God's people and God's city.
The questions a person asks reveal the heart's true treasure. Though comfortable in the king's service, Nehemiah's longing reaches toward a distant, struggling community he had perhaps never seen. Love for God's people stirs concern even across great distance, and a faithful heart keeps watch over what God loves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nehemiah 1:2
What does Nehemiah 1:2 mean?
Nehemiah's kinsman Hanani arrives from Judah, and Nehemiah eagerly asks after the surviving exiles and the city of Jerusalem.