Topical Bible: Obedience: Hanani

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Topical Encyclopedia

Hanani is a lesser-known figure in the Old Testament, yet his role and actions provide a significant example of obedience to God. Hanani is mentioned in the context of the reign of Asa, king of Judah, and his account is found in the Second Book of Chronicles.

Hanani the Seer

Hanani is identified as a seer, a term used in the Old Testament to describe a prophet or one who receives divine revelations. His primary appearance is in 2 Chronicles 16:7-10, where he is sent by God to deliver a message to King Asa. Asa had relied on the king of Aram for military assistance instead of trusting in the Lord. Hanani's obedience to God is evident in his willingness to confront the king with a message of rebuke, despite the potential personal risk involved.

Biblical Account

In 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 , it is recorded: "At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: 'Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on, therefore, you will be at war.'"

Hanani's message underscores the importance of reliance on God and the consequences of disobedience. His words remind Asa of past victories granted by God when Asa had shown faith and reliance on divine power. Hanani's obedience to deliver this message, despite its unpopularity, highlights his commitment to God's truth.

Response and Consequences

King Asa's response to Hanani's message was one of anger and rejection. In 2 Chronicles 16:10 , it is noted: "Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison because of his rage over this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time." Asa's reaction demonstrates a hardened heart and a refusal to heed God's warning, leading to further consequences for his reign and the nation.

Legacy of Obedience

Hanani's obedience serves as a testament to the courage and faith required to speak God's truth, even in the face of opposition and personal risk. His actions remind believers of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the necessity of trusting in the Lord above all earthly powers. Hanani's legacy is one of steadfastness and dedication to God's will, providing a model for believers to emulate in their own lives.

Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 7:2
That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... No doubt Rehoboam's obedience saved him from sharing the fate of the other kings ...
Syrians instead of trusting to God; and threw the prophet Hanani into prison ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.htm

A Reformer's Schooling
... twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2. That Hanani, one of my ... the ample
space of His covenant, and ourselves within its terms, by loving obedience. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a reformers schooling.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... by the early part of 493, Chios, Lesbos, Tenedos, the cities of the Chersonnesus
and of Propontis"in short, all which yet held out"were reduced to obedience ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... xv.1-8), and Hanani under Asa (2 Ghron. xvi.7-10), Jahaziel (2 Ghron. xx.14-19),
and Eliezer, son of Dodavahu (2 Ghron. xx.37), in the time of Johoshaphat. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm