Levitical musician and singer during David's reign
Jeduthun
Named in 12 verses across 2 books, first in 1 Chronicles 6:44.
יְדוּתוּןJeduthun
אֵיתָןEthan
Also called Ethan.
The name means “his law; giving praise.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
- Father
- Kishi
- People
- Tribe of Levi
About Jeduthun Written by AI
Jeduthun, also referred to as Ethan, was a prominent Levitical musician and singer during the reign of King David. He is mentioned numerous times in 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles, as well as in the titles of several psalms. Jeduthun was one of the three principal musicians appointed by David to lead the music and singing in the tabernacle, alongside Asaph and Heman (1 Chronicles 16:41 to 42). He and his sons were skilled in playing the harp, lyre, and cymbals (1 Chronicles 16:42). Jeduthun's descendants continued to serve as musicians in the temple during the reigns of subsequent kings, such as Solomon (2 Chronicles 5:12) and Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:14). Three psalms (Psalms 39, 62, and 77) are attributed to Jeduthun, indicating his role in composing or leading the music for these hymns. In 1 Chronicles 6:44 and 1 Chronicles 15:17, he is referred to as Ethan, suggesting that this was either an alternate name or a title. Jeduthun's significant role in the musical worship of ancient Israel highlights the importance of music and singing in the religious life of the nation.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Jeduthun, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Lauder; praising, a Levite of the family of Merari, and one of the three masters of music appointed by David (1 Chr. 16:41, 42; 25:1-6). He is called in 2 Chr. 35:15 “the king’s seer.” His descendants are mentioned as singers and players on instruments (Neh. 11:17). He was probably the same as Ethan (1 Chr. 15:17, 19). In the superscriptions to Ps. 39, 62, and 77, the words “upon Jeduthun” probably denote a musical instrument; or they may denote the style or tune invented or introduced by Jeduthun, or that the psalm was to be sung by his choir.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- 1 Chronicles 6:44
On the left were their kinsmen, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch,
- 1 Chronicles 15:17
So the Levites appointed Heman son of Joel; from his brothers, Asaph son of Berechiah; from their brothers the Merarites, Ethan son of Kushaiah;
- 1 Chronicles 15:19
The musicians Heman, Asaph, and Ethan were to sound the bronze cymbals.
- 1 Chronicles 16:38
along with Obed-edom and his sixty-eight relatives. Obed-edom son of Jeduthun, and also Hosah, were to be gatekeepers.
- 1 Chronicles 16:41
With them were Heman, Jeduthun, and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, for “His loving devotion endures forever.”
- 1 Chronicles 16:42
Heman and Jeduthun had with them trumpets and cymbals for the music and instruments for the songs of God. And the sons of Jeduthun were stationed at the gate.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:
- 1 Chronicles 25:3
From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 25:6
All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.
- 2 Chronicles 5:12
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.
- 2 Chronicles 29:14
Jehiel and Shimei from the Hemanites; and Shemaiah and Uzziel from the Jeduthunites.
- 2 Chronicles 35:15
The singers, the descendants of Asaph, were at their stations according to the command of David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers at each gate did not need to leave their posts, because their fellow Levites made preparations for them.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.