Zetham זֵתָם
Son of Laadan, a Gershonite Levite
Who is Zetham in the Bible?
Zetham was a son of Laadan and a Gershonite Levite who served during the reign of King David (1 Chronicles 23:8, 26:22). He was one of three brothers, along with Jehiel and Joel, who were appointed by David to positions of significant responsibility in managing the treasuries of the house of the Lord. As a treasurer and official over the temple's resources, Zetham played an important role in administering the wealth and materials dedicated to Israel's worship and the tabernacle service. His inclusion in the genealogical and organizational records of the Levites reflects the structured hierarchy David established for the religious leadership and stewardship of the nation.
Biography
Zetham was a Levite of the Gershonite clan, mentioned in the genealogies and organizational lists of the Levites during the reign of King David. He was a son of Laadan and is listed along with his brothers Jehiel and Joel. In David's organization of the Levites, Zetham and his brothers were appointed as treasurers and officials over the treasuries of the house of the Lord. This suggests that they held positions of responsibility in managing the resources and wealth associated with the tabernacle and later the temple.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 2 verses
- 1 Chronicles 23:8
"The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all."
- 1 Chronicles 26:22
"the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | זֵתָם |
Zetham
loss; he points the Massoretic Text to read "brethren" instead of "brother," and so has "Jehiel (1Ch 26:22) and his brethren, Zetham and Joel, were over the treasures."
ze'-than (zethan, perhaps "olive tree"): A Benjamite (1Ch 7:10), but Curtis holds that he is a Zebulunite (Chron., 145 ff).
ze'-thar (zeth