Neh 7:2

“That I gave my brother Hanani,.... Who first brought him the melancholy account of the state of Jerusalem, Neh 1:2, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace; the king's palace, in which the viceroy of the king of Persia dwelt, and now Nehemiah; to these two men he gave charge over Jerusalem; committed it to their care during his absence, who may be supposed now to return to Persia, as he had promised, Neh 2:6, for he was a faithful man; this is said of Hananiah, and given as a reason why such a trust was committed to him; Hanani's character was well known, and his journey from Jerusalem to Shushan was a full proof of his hearty concern for the interest of it: and feared God above many; Hananiah was exemplary in his fear of God, few were equal to him, and none exceeded him; or of many days, as Jarchi; of a long time he had feared the Lord, and served him many years.”

“My brother Hanani - This was the person who gave Nehemiah the account of the desolate state of the Jews, Neh 1:2. He is now made ruler of Jerusalem, probably because Nehemiah was about to return to the Persian court. And he found this man to be one in whom he could trust: 1. Because he was a faithful man - one who had a proper belief in God, his government, and his protection; and being devoted to the interests of his people, would be faithful in the discharge of his office. 2. Because he feared God above many - was the most religious person in the congregation; would govern according to the laws; would take care of the interests of pure religion; would not oppress, take bribes, nor abuse his authority; but act in all things as one who had the fear of God continually before his eyes. These are the proper qualifications of a governor.”

“House: “the citadel;” (Tigurin) “palace.” (Vatable) — The Septuagint retain the original, Beira, (Haydock) which signifies a palace, (Pagnin) concerning which Nehemias had spoken, chap. ii. 8. (Menochius) — But as it was not yet built, the house, being placed alone, more properly signifies the temple. We read of Zacharias and Jehiel, who occupied the same post (Calmet) as Hananias, 2 Paralipomenon xxxv. 8. (Haydock) He was next to Eliasib, the high priest. (Calmet)”