1)
Was he one of his brothers?
1.
Rashi: He was one of his colleagues.
2)
Who was "ha'Peleitah Asher Nish'aru Min ha'Shevi"?
1.
Rashi: Those who remained in Yerushalayim from the captivity of Bavel. They are called ha'Peleitah, for they were saved from Galus Bavel.
3)
Why did he ask only about those who remained in Yerushalayim, but not about those who returned with the Reshus of Koresh and afterwards Artachshasta?
1.
Malbim: Those who returned had a special Pechah (officer ? Ezra 5:14). He shielded them. Nechemyah asked only about those who were there before, who were under the Pachos of Ever ha'Nahar (below, 3:7). They were in a bad, shameful state.
