Who was Hanan in the Bible?

Hanan was one of King David's mighty warriors, specifically identified as the son of Maacah. He is listed among David's elite fighting men in 1 Chronicles 11:43.

Why is Hanan mentioned in the Bible?

Hanan is mentioned to highlight the loyalty and bravery of the men who supported David's kingdom. His inclusion in the list of mighty warriors signifies his significant contribution to establishing and defending David's reign.

What do we know about Hanan's life and family?

The Bible records that Hanan was the son of Maacah, but no specific events from his life are detailed. His primary significance is his status as a recognized warrior in David's army, as noted in 1 Chronicles 11:43.

Hanan

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Hanan, the son of Maacah, was one of King David's mighty warriors.

Hanan

Biography

Hanan son of Maacah was one of King David's elite warriors, listed among the renowned "Thirty", a corps of exceptional fighters who supported David's campaigns and cemented his kingdom (1 Chronicles 11:43). His father Maacah may indicate a connection to the Aramean region of Maacah, northeast of the Sea of Galilee, suggesting Hanan may have been a foreigner by heritage who pledged loyalty to David, consistent with the notably diverse composition of David's mighty men. Although no individual exploit is recorded for Hanan himself, membership in David's Thirty was an honor reserved for warriors of proven valor and steadfast loyalty. His name, meaning "gracious" or "favored," appears in the broader catalog of those who helped transform David from a fugitive chieftain into the unifier of Israel.

Significance

Hanan son of Maacah illustrates the remarkable breadth of David's military community, which drew loyal warriors from diverse ethnic and geographic backgrounds, Hittites, Ammonites, Moabites, and Arameans among them. This diversity foreshadowed the expansive vision of God's kingdom that would ultimately include all nations. The mighty men as a group testify to how God works through human loyalty and courage to establish and defend His appointed king, pointing forward to the greater Davidic King who would gather people from every tribe and tongue. Hanan's inclusion in this honored roll preserves his name in the permanent record of those who served God's purposes through faithful service.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherIgdaliah

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 11:43

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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