Jeduthun יְדוּתוּן
Levitical musician and singer during David's reign
Who is Jeduthun in the Bible?
Jeduthun, also known as Ethan, was a prominent Levitical musician and singer appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle. He served as one of three principal musicians alongside Asaph and Heman, and he and his sons were skilled in playing harps, lyres, and cymbals (1 Chronicles 16:41-42; 25:1, 6). Jeduthun's musical leadership extended beyond David's reign, as his descendants continued to serve as temple musicians during the reigns of Solomon, Hezekiah, and other later kings (2 Chronicles 5:12; 29:14; 35:15). Three psalms, Psalms 39, 62, and 77, are attributed to Jeduthun in their titles, suggesting his role in composing or performing these sacred songs. His prominence in biblical music demonstrates the significant role professional musicians played in Israel's worship and the lasting legacy of his family's dedication to temple service.
Biography
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 (1Ch.16.41-42; 25.1, 6). He and his sons were skilled in playing the harp, lyre, and cymbals (1Ch.16.42; 25.3). Jeduthun's descendants continued to serve as musicians in the temple during the reigns of subsequent kings, such as Solomon (2Ch.5.12) and Hezekiah (2Ch.29.14; 35.15). Three psalms (Psalms 39, 62, and 77) are attributed to Jeduthun, indicating his role in composing or leading the music for these hymns. In 1Ch.6.44 and 1Ch.15.17, 19, 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.
Family
Parents
Offspring
- Obed-edom Tribe of LeviA SingerGittite who housed the ArkView full profile →
- Mattithiah Tribe of LeviA SingerLevite musician during the time of David.View full profile →
- Gedaliah Tribe of LeviSon of JeduthunSon of Jeduthun; a temple musician during David's reign.View full profile →
- Zeri Tribe of LeviSon of JeduthunSon of Jeduthun, a temple musicianView full profile →
- Jeshaiah Tribe of LeviSon of JeduthunA Levite, son of Jeduthun the musician.View full profile →
- Hashabiah Tribe of LeviSon of JeduthunA musician in the temple, son of Jeduthun.View full profile →
- Shemaiah MaleLevite during David's reignView full profile →
- Uzziel Tribe of LeviSon of HemanLevite musician in the time of DavidView full profile →
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Chronicles 5 verses
- 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."
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."
Psalms 3 verses
- Psalms 62:1
"In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him."
Study Psalms → - Psalms 39:1
"I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.”"
Study Psalms → - Psalms 77:1
"I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me."
Study Psalms →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יְדוּתוּן |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | יְדוּתוּן |
| Named | Hebrew | אֵיתָן |