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Heman הֵימָן

Male Tribe of Levi H1968I 2 books

A Levite and chief musician in David's time.

Who is Heman in the Bible?

Heman was a Levite and chief musician appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle during Israel's early monarchy. A descendant of Kohath, one of the sons of Levi, Heman served alongside Asaph and Ethan as one of the primary directors of sacred music (1 Chronicles 6:33, 15:17, 16:41-42). He was skilled in playing the cymbal and fathered fourteen sons and three daughters, all trained to serve in providing music for the house of the Lord (1 Chronicles 25:1, 4-6). Heman's prominence extended beyond David's reign, as he and his descendants participated in major temple occasions, including Solomon's dedication of the temple and later reforms under kings Hezekiah and Josiah (2 Chronicles 5:12, 29:14, 35:15). His legacy demonstrates the central role of music and the Levitical priesthood in Israel's worship and spiritual life.

Biography

Heman was a prominent Levite and musician during the reign of King David. He was a descendant of Kohath, one of the sons of Levi (1Ch.6.33). Heman, along with Asaph and Ethan, was appointed by David to lead the music and worship in the tabernacle (1Ch.15.17,19; 16.41,42). He was known for his skill in playing the cymbal (1Ch.16.42). Heman had fourteen sons and three daughters, all of whom were under his direction in providing music for the house of the Lord (1Ch.25.1,4-6). During the reign of Solomon, Heman and his fellow musicians participated in the dedication of the temple (2Ch.5.12). Later, during the reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah, Heman's descendants continued to serve as musicians in the temple (2Ch.29.14; 35.15). Heman's significant role in the tabernacle and temple worship highlights the importance of music in Israelite worship. (1Ch.6.33; 15.17,19; 16.41,42; 25.1,4-6; 2Ch.5.12; 29.14; 35.15).

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In Scripture

2 biblical books
1 Chronicles 5 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 6:33

    "These are the men who served, together with their sons. From the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel,"

  • 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 16:41

    "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."

2 Chronicles 3 verses
  • 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."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew הֵימָן