Hanani is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, known primarily for his role as a prophet and for his familial connection to Nehemiah. His name, meaning "gracious" or "favored" in Hebrew, reflects the divine favor and responsibility associated with his prophetic ministry.

1. Hanani the Seer

Hanani is first introduced in the context of the reign of King Asa of Judah. He is referred to as a "seer," a term used in the Old Testament to describe a prophet who receives divine revelations. In 2 Chronicles 16:7-10, Hanani delivers a message of rebuke to King Asa. The Berean Standard Bible records:

"At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: 'Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.'"

This passage highlights Hanani's role as a courageous prophet who confronts the king with a divine message, emphasizing the importance of reliance on God rather than foreign alliances. Asa's response to Hanani's rebuke was one of anger, leading to the prophet's imprisonment, demonstrating the often perilous position of prophets who spoke truth to power.

2. Hanani, Brother of Nehemiah

Another notable mention of Hanani is found in the Book of Nehemiah. Hanani is identified as the brother of Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia and the central figure in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. In Nehemiah 1:2-3 , Hanani brings a report to Nehemiah about the dire state of Jerusalem:

"Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, 'The remnant in the province who survived the exile are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.'"

This report from Hanani serves as the catalyst for Nehemiah's mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a significant event in Jewish history that underscores themes of restoration and faithfulness to God's covenant.

3. Hanani's Legacy

The accounts of Hanani in the Bible, though brief, illustrate the critical role of prophets in guiding and correcting the leaders of Israel and Judah. Hanani's interactions with Asa and his connection to Nehemiah highlight the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of deviating from His commands. His legacy is one of boldness in delivering God's truth and contributing to the spiritual and physical restoration of the Jewish people.Hana'ni (11 Occurrences)

1 Kings 16:1
And the word of the LORD came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasa, saying:
(See RSV)

1 Kings 16:7
And moreover by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasa, and against his house, both because of all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, to provoke Him with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam, and because he smote him.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 25:4
Of Heman: the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, Mahazioth;
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1 Chronicles 25:25
For the eighteenth to Hanani, his sons and his brethren, twelve;
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2 Chronicles 16:7
And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him: 'Because thou hast relied on the king of Aram, and hast not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Aram escaped out of thy hand.
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 19:2
And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat: 'Shouldest thou help the wicked, and love them that hate the LORD? for this thing wrath is upon thee from before the LORD.
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2 Chronicles 20:34
Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the words of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is inserted in the book of the kings of Israel.
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Ezra 10:20
And of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah.
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Nehemiah 1:2
that Hanani, one of my brethren, came out of Judah, he and certain men; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, that were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
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Nehemiah 7:2
that I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, charge over Jerusalem; for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
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Nehemiah 12:36
and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them;
(See RSV)

Hana'ni (11 Occurrences)
Hana'ni. Hanani, Hana'ni. Hananiah . Multi-Version Concordance Hana'ni
(11 Occurrences). 1 Kings 16:1 And the word of the LORD came ...
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Hanani (11 Occurrences)

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Hananiah (28 Occurrences)

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