Nehemiah 7:2

my brother Hanani cf. Nehemiah 1:2.

Hananiah the ruler of the palace R.V. Hananiah the governor of the castle. On the castle or -Bira" see Nehemiah 2:8. The -governor of the castle" would be an official of great importance, being probably in command of troops for the purpose of keeping order in the city. -He" refers to Hananiah. Possibly Nehemiah's appointment of two officers to the command of the city corresponds with the mention of the two men in Nehemiah 3:9; Nehemiah 3:12, who were -rulers of half the district of Jerusalem."

a faithful man, and feared God cf. Exodus 18:21, -able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating unjust gain." The Hebrew is noticeable; not absolutely -a man of truth," but -such as only a man of truth is."

above many i.e. more than most. LXX. παρὰ πολλούς. Vulg. -plus cæteris." The phrase which only occurs here in the O.T. has a very lifelike ring.