Nehemiah 7:2-3 That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man… I. THE DISTINGUISHING FEATURE OF HANANIAH'S CHARACTER. "He was a faithful man." If we suppose With some that Hananiah is the same as Shadrach mentioned in the Book of Daniel, we see how brightly this trait of his character shone forth in him in Babylon. "A faithful man" is perhaps the most distinguished commendation that can be passed upon any mortal. It refers to that attitude under which God Himself has been pleased to allow His people to regard Him. "God is faithful"; "the Lord is faithful"; and it is in the faithfulness of God that His people hope and confide. "A faithful man" — 1. Is one that can be depended on, who performs all his promises, executes all trusts confided to him, one who is punctual and unwavering in all his engagements, and whose uprightness and integrity are transparent to all. 2. He is one who has been made the recipient of a gracious and Divine principle that is — (1) Saving in its nature; (2) justifying in its character; (3) purifying in its results. 3. He is a godlike man (2 Peter 1:4). II. THE CONDUCT WHICH HANANIAH SHOWED — he "feared God." The fear of God is — 1. A reverential awe of the majesty of God. 2. An implanted principle (Jeremiah 32:40). 3. A governing principle — Obadiah (1 Kings 18:12, 13); Nehemiah (Nehemiah 5:15). III. THE DISTINGUISHED POSITION ASSIGNED TO HANANIAH. (Francis Wills.) Parallel Verses KJV: That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many. |
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