Bani was the name of several Israelites, including a Gadite warrior, Levites, postexilic families, builders, teachers, and leaders who participated in covenant reforms.
Definition
Bani, meaning “built” or “posterity,” was the name of several Israelites. The name belonged to a Gadite warrior of David, a Levite connected with tabernacle service, Judahite and postexilic families, builders, teachers, Levites, and leaders associated with covenant reforms.
Biblical Usage
Bani appears among David’s mighty men, in genealogical and postexilic lists, and among those who returned from Babylon. Other men named Bani helped rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, instructed the people, participated in temple worship, and sealed or signed the covenant.
Historical Background
The name is associated with Israelites from the periods of David, the return from Babylon, and the rebuilding and religious reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah. Some descendants returned with Zerubbabel and some had taken foreign wives.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Built. (1.) 1 Chr. 6:46. (2.) One of David’s thirty-seven warriors, a Gadite (2 Sam. 23:36). (3.) Ezra 2:10; 10:29, 34, 38. (4.) A Levite who was prominent in the reforms on the return from Babylon (Neh. 8:7; 9:4, 5). His son Rehum took part in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem (Neh. 3:17).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(built).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ba'-ni (bani, "posterity"):</p><p>(1) A Gadite, one of David's mighty men (2Sa 23:36).</p><p>(2) A Levite whose son was appointed for service in the tabernacle at David's time (1Ch 6:46).</p><p>(3) A Judahite whose son lived in Jerusalem after the captivity (1Ch 9:4).</p><p>(4) The descendants of Bani (called Binnui, Ne 7:15) returned with Zerubbabel (Ezr 2:10) and had taken "strange wives" (Ezr 10:29).</p><p>(5) Bani who had taken a "strange wife" (Ezr 10:38) mentioned with his brothers, the sons of Bani who also had taken "strange wives" (Ezr 10:34).</p><p>(6) Son of Bani, a Levite and builder (Ne 3:17).</p><p>(7) Bani, who instructed the people at Ezra's time (Ne 8:7).</p><p>(8) Three Levites mentioned in connection with the temple worship at Ezra's time (Ne 9:4,5).</p><p>(9) A Levite who sealed the covenant with Ne (Ne 10:13).</p><p>(10) A leader of the people who also signed the covenant (Ne 10:14).</p><p>(11) One whose son Uzzi was overseer of the Levites at Jerusalem (Ne 11:22).</p><p>See BINNUI.</p><p>A. L. Breslich</p>
