Ark of the Covenant - Bible History Online
Bible History

Naves Topical Bible Dictionary

ethan Summary and Overview

Bible Dictionaries at a GlanceBible Dictionaries at a Glance

ethan in Easton's Bible Dictionary

firm. (1.) "The Ezrahite," distinguished for his wisdom (1 Kings 4:31). He is named as the author of the 89th Psalm. He was of the tribe of Levi. (2.) A Levite of the family of Merari, one of the leaders of the temple music (1 Chr. 6:44; 15:17, 19). He was probably the same as Jeduthun. He is supposed by some to be the same also as (1).

ethan in Smith's Bible Dictionary

(enduring). 1. Ethan the Ezrahite, one of the four sons of Mahol, whose wisdom was excelled by Solomon. #1Ki 4:31; 1Ch 2:6| His name is in the title of #Ps 89:1| 2. Son of Kishi or Kushaiah; a Merarite Levite, head of that family in the time of King David, #1Ch 6:44| and spoken of as a "singer." With Heman and Asaph, the heads of the other two families of Levites, Ethan was appointed to sound with cymbals. #1Ch 15:17,19| 3. A Gershonite Levite, one of the ancestors of Asaph the singer. #1Ch 6:42| Hebr 27. (B.C. 1420.)

ethan in Schaff's Bible Dictionary

E'THAN (firm, strong). 1. The "Ezrahite," Ps 89, title, was of the tribe of Levi, and was remarkable for his wisdom. 1 Kgs 4:31: 1 Chr 2:6. He is supposed to have written Ps 89. 2. Son of Kishi, a Merarite Levite, head of that family in the time of David, and spoken of as a "singer." 1 Chr 6:44; 1 Chr 15:17, 1 Chr 15:19. 3. A Gershonite Levite, ancestor of Asaph, the Psalmist. 1 Chr 6:42.

ethan in Fausset's Bible Dictionary

1. The Ezrahite, one of Mahol's (but Zerah's, of Judah, in 1 Chronicles 2:6 Darda; these Levites being associated with the house of Zerah of Judah by residence or citizenship, compare Judges 18:7; 1 Samuel 1:1) four sons, whose wisdom Solomon's surpassed (1 Kings 4:31); title of Psalm 89:2. (See DARDA.) 2. Son of Kishi or Kushaiah; head of the Merarite Levites in David's time; a "singer" (1 Chronicles 6:33-44); with Heman and Asaph, the heads of the other two Levite families, Ethan was to sound with cymbals (1 Chronicles 15:17; 1 Chronicles 15:19). The three names are given in 1 Chronicles 16:37-41; 1 Chronicles 25:6; 2 Chronicles 5:12, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun. "Heman the Ezrahite" (i.e. of the house of Zerah) also appears in the title of Psalm 88, of which Psalm 89, is the complement. Thus it is probable that Jeduthun is another form of Ethan, and that "Ethan the Ezrahite" is the same as "Ethan the singer," though we can only guess as to why he is differently designated in different places. (See MAHOL.)