The term translated here as survived
reflects a Hebrew word used to designate the remnant. The Lord God had long ago warned Israel that if his people would decline to live in a fashion consistent with their blessed covenant identity, the Lord would exile them from their inheritance (Leviticus 26:33; Deuteronomy 28:64). If, however, they would confess their iniquity, the Lord would restore them (Leviticus 26:40–42; Deuteronomy 4:29–31; Deuteronomy 30:1–3). So Solomon, at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, entreated the Lord to return those exiles who turned to him in repentance (1 Kings 8:46–51). As the people hardened themselves in their sins, the prophet Amos not only foretold of an inevitable exile but also pressed on the people that the Lord of hosts may be gracious to the remnant of Joseph
(Amos 5:15). Isaiah spoke in similar terms of a remnant surviving the exile (Isaiah 11:11; Isaiah 37:32; Isaiah 46:3). So too did Micah (Micah 4:7; Micah 5:7–8; Micah 7:18) and Zephaniah (Zephaniah 2:7; Zephaniah 3:12–13) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 11:16–20). Nehemiah in exile is aware of these prophecies from years gone by and now enquires about the well-being of the God-promised remnant.
2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem.