(1) В¶ Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed, (2) 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. (3) And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in his watch, and everyone to be over against his house. (4) Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
It is to be supposed that the holy city of Jerusalem, stood upon the very same ground as before its desolation. And though at present not peopled as heretofore with a multitude of inhabitants, yet looking for the accomplishment of God's promises, the same room as before was taken in. Zechariah 7:4-7. and Zechariah 8:3-6. By the appointment of Hanani and Hananiah to the government, it seems probable that Nehemiah was looking forward to his return to the court of Persia. This is the same Hanani which brought tidings to Nehemiah concerning Jerusalem, as mentioned in Nehemiah 1:2. The faithfulness of his partner Hanamah is honorably mentioned. May we not spiritualize the passage in reference to the faithful ministers of Christ, and remark, that if the security of Jerusalem, in its frontiers and gates, became so important, how much more should those who stand at the doors of the Lord's heritage use vigilance and circumspection, to see who are admitted, and that they are indeed of the true household of faith.