Jeduthun יְדוּתוּן
Levite gatekeeper and singer in post-exilic Jerusalem
Who is Jeduthun in the Bible?
Jeduthun was a Levite who served in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, fulfilling both administrative and musical roles in the restored temple. According to 1 Chronicles 9:16, he worked as a gatekeeper responsible for guarding the temple entrances, while Nehemiah 11:17 identifies him as a singer who led thanksgiving songs and prayers alongside Bakbukiah and Abda. His dual role as both gatekeeper and musician reflects the important responsibilities the Levites held in post-exilic worship and temple maintenance. Though little else is known about Jeduthun's personal history, his inclusion in these biblical accounts underscores the vital role Levites played in restoring proper worship and order to the Jerusalem temple community after the exile.
Biography
Jeduthun is mentioned in 1Ch.9.16 and Neh.11.17 as a Levite who served in Jerusalem after the return from the Babylonian exile. In 1Ch.9.16, he is described as a gatekeeper, belonging to the Levites who were responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple and maintaining order. In Neh.11.17, Jeduthun is identified as a singer, along with Bakbukiah and Abda, who led the thanksgiving songs in prayer. This suggests that he had a dual role in the post-exilic community, serving both as a gatekeeper and a musician in the temple. The text does not provide any further details about Jeduthun's life or his specific contributions to the rebuilding and restoration of Jerusalem after the exile. However, his mention in these passages highlights the importance of the Levites in maintaining the temple services and leading the worship of the community.
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In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 9:16
"Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites."
Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 11:17
"Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יְדוּתוּן |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | יְדוּתוּן |