Nehemiah 1:2

That Hanani, one of my brethren, came.

We learn from chapter 7:2 that Hanani was the brother of Nehemiah. It is probable that Nehemiah had sent him on. tour to Judea,. distance of near one thousand miles by the route traveled, to learn of the state of the Jews there. In those days when there were no mails, personal report would be the only satisfactory way of information. Hanani, with certain other Jews, had returned to make their report. He asked them concerning the Jews who had "escaped" from exile in the land of the " Captivity " and concerning the present condition of Jerusalem. All who were still in Persia, the descendants of the captives carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, were called the "Captivity." For many hundred years after this their chief was styled "the Prince of the Captivity."