Bible Dictionary
CHENANI
Chenani was a name associated with the Levites gathered during Israel’s public confession and covenant renewal. The persons or Levitical family represented may have led the people in prayer or song.
Definition
Chenani is a name associated with the Levites mentioned during the public confession and covenant renewal recorded in Nehemiah 9:4. It may designate an individual or a Levitical house.
Biblical Usage
Chenani was connected with the assembled congregation and its worship. If the names represent individuals, those named may have led the people in reciting or chanting a special prayer.
Historical Background
The passage may refer to eight Levitical houses singing a known psalm, or to individual representatives deputed to lead the worship.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ke-na'-ni (kenani, "planted"): One of the names mentioned in Ne 9:4, in connection with the constitution of "congregation." If the names represent houses or families, eight Levitical houses probably sang some well-known psalm on this occasion. If they are names of individual representatives, they were probably deputed to recite or chant some special prayer in order to lead the worship of the people.</p>