Bani was a Levite who played an important role in the period after Israel's return from the Babylonian exile. He is known for his participation in public reading of Scripture, prayer, and worship during the reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah, and was among those who sealed a covenant with God to follow His law.
Key events
Public Worship and Praise
Bani was among the Levites who led the people in praise and worship when Ezra read from the Book of the Law to the assembled congregation.
4On the platform of the Levites stood Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenani, and they cried out with a loud voice to the LORD their God.
5Then the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—said: "Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting." "Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above every blessing and praise.
Bani took part in the great prayer and confession of sin where the Levites cried out to the Lord with a loud voice and confessed the sins of the people.
4On the platform of the Levites stood Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenani, and they cried out with a loud voice to the LORD their God.
5Then the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—said: "Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting." "Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above every blessing and praise.
6You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, the highest heavens and all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and everything in them. You give life to them all, and the host of heaven bows down before you.
7And Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—the Levites—explained the Law to the people while they remained in their places.
A Bani from Gad's clan is mentioned as one of David's mighty men, and the name also appears in several genealogies, highlighting its significance in Israel's history.