MPV Commentary

Nehemiah Commits the Charge of Jerusalem to Hanani and His Colleagues

Nehemiah entrusted his brother Hanani with the responsibility for Jerusalem's governance, along with Hananiah, who was a trusted official known as "the ruler of the palace." This appointment was based on their ability, experience, and faithfulness. As relatives (Nehemiah 1:2), Nehemiah could rely on them to manage the city's affairs effectively.

Hananiah's piety was particularly noteworthy, and it was this quality that made him an ideal choice for such a critical role. His fear of God would help him resist any temptation to betray his trust or act unfaithfully, even in the face of potential danger.

Nehemiah instructed Hananiah to ensure that the city gates were not opened until the sun was high in the sky. In the East, it is customary for cities to open their gates at sunrise and close them at sunset. However, under these circumstances, Nehemiah wanted to delay opening the gates to allow the inhabitants more time to be aware of any suspicious activity by potential enemies.

To further enhance security, a group of people were appointed as sentinels, each responsible for guarding in front of their own home. This precaution was necessary given the city's size and the presence of enemy forces that might attempt to infiltrate Jerusalem under cover of darkness.

The city itself was quite large, with extensive walls built on old foundations. The houses stood apart from one another, often surrounded by gardens and orchards. Given the relatively small population at the time, the city's layout seemed even more sprawling than usual, with many homes constructed from simple materials such as wooden sheds or loose stones.