Nehemiah’s brother, Hanani — whom we first encountered at Shushan the palace giving a report concerning Jerusalem to Nehemiah (Neh. 1:2) — and Hananiah, the ruler of the palace, were given charge over Jerusalem. I do not believe that this was a case of nepotism, but rather, these men were qualified. We already have some idea as to the character of Hanani from the first chapter, but to this we find added: “He was a faithful man, and feared God above many” (Neh. 7:2). The overseer is to be irreproachable, conducting his own house well; if he cannot care for his own house, then he is in no position to take care of the assembly (1 Tim. 3:2,5). Paul’s instruction to Titus likewise reflects the need for faithfulness: “a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God ... holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught” (Titus 1:7,9). Whether we ever find ourselves in a place of oversight or not, God desires that we are faithful with that which He has committed to our trust. Do we not desire to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”? Faithfulness in small things is rewarded: “thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things” (Matt. 25:21).
The names for these two men are most fitting. Hanani means “my grace” whereas Hananiah is “Jehovah is gracious.” One who knows not the grace of God in their own lives will be an overbearing taskmaster. Paul described his old self as “an insolent overbearing man” (1 Tim. 1:13 JND). As the Apostle, however, he wrote: “[we] have been gentle in the midst of you, as a nurse would cherish her own children.” (1 Thess. 2:7 JND). Let us once again remind ourselves of Peter’s instruction to the elders: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Pet. 5:2-3). In the history of Christendom, it quickly changed from “the flock of God” to “my flock,” and God’s heritage became “my heritage.” It should not surprise us that the word “clergy” derives from the Greek word for heritage, “kleros.” The clergy, a class ordained to perform pastoral or priestly duties, is not to be found in the New Testament. Although its roots may be found in Judaism, its implementation surely rests with the pride of man and his desire to be something. Of course, both are incompatible with Christianity and God’s order in the assembly.