Anani is a very late figure in the Old Testament genealogical records, belonging to the lineage of Zerubbabel after the return from the Babylonian captivity. His only mention confirms the continuation of the royal bloodline of King David, even in the humbled circumstances of the post-exilic period.
👑 Part of the Royal Tree
Anani is listed in the Book of Chronicles, which meticulously preserves the genealogies of the tribes and priestly families. He is found in the line that traces the descendants of David and Solomon through the exiled King Jeconiah (or Coniah), whose grandson was Zerubbabel.
Anani is the son of Elioenai and is listed as being several generations removed from Zerubbabel:
“And the sons of Elioenai were, Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven.” (1 Chronicles 3:24, KJV)
The purpose of this genealogy was critical: to demonstrate that despite the political destruction of the kingdom and the end of the monarchy, the seed of David—the line promised to produce the Messiah—had been preserved and was still living among the returned Jewish community.
📜 A Symbol of Perseverance
The post-exilic Davidic line did not hold political power; the governing authority was held by Persian-appointed governors like Nehemiah or the High Priest. However, the continuation of the royal lineage was a powerful symbol of hope and prophecy for the Jewish people.
The prophets had long promised a future Messiah, the “Branch” (or Netzer), who would come from the root of Jesse (David’s father). Anani’s presence in the final written record of the Davidic line confirms that the chain of descent remained unbroken.
The name Anani, meaning “cloud,” might carry a subtle theological reference, recalling the cloud of glory that symbolized God’s presence, signifying that the hope of the Messianic King, whose kingdom would be founded in God’s presence, remained alive even in these quiet, latter days of the Old Testament.