Nehemiah 1:2

That Hanani, one of my brethren ,.... Either in natural relation, Nehemiah 7:2 , or being a Jew of the same nation and religion; so Jarchi interprets it, one of my companions or acquaintance:

he and certain men of Judah ; who came from thence to Shushan on some account or another:

and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity ; who were returned from it to their own land; he inquired of their health and prosperity, in what circumstances they were, whether prosperous or adverse, whether they flourished, or were in distress:

and concerning Jerusalem ; whether it was rebuilt, the houses and walls of it, and in what condition it was.