Ethan the Ezrahite is a mysterious figure who is mentioned in the book of Psalms. His name appears in the superscriptions or titles of two different psalms: Psalm 89 and Psalm 88. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about Ethan and see if we can uncover who this man was.
Ethan in Psalm 89
Psalm 89 is titled “A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.” The word “maskil” likely refers to a contemplative or instructive psalm. This psalm is a reflection on God’s covenant with David and His promises to establish David’s dynasty forever. Here is how the psalm introduces Ethan:
I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.” You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: ‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” (Psalm 89:1-4 ESV)
The psalm then goes on to extol God for His might, sovereignty, and the way He defeated Israel’s enemies. It praises God’s choice of David and His covenant with him. However, the second half of the psalm laments how God’s promises to David seem to have failed, as his dynasty has not endured and the nation is in ruin.
Overall, Psalm 89 displays deep theological reflection on the Davidic covenant and God’s faithfulness to His promises. Ethan is presented as the author meditating on these weighty issues. But who exactly was this Ethan?
Ethan in Psalm 88
The other psalm connected with Ethan is the somber Psalm 88. This psalm has the title “A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. To the choirmaster: according to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil of Heman the Ezrahite.” Right away we see similarities with Psalm 89 – the psalm is labeled a maskil and is associated with another name, Heman the Ezrahite.
The content of Psalm 88 is radically different than Psalm 89. This is one of the darkest, most despairing psalms in Scripture. Consider the opening lines:
O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry! For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength, like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand.
The psalmist is in deep anguish and feels abandoned by God. He describes his life ebbing away in misery. Many believe Psalm 88 was written by someone suffering from a terminal illness. The psalm ends without any hint of hope or comfort.
So in Psalm 89 we have a maskil connected to Ethan extolling God’s covenant with David, while in Psalm 88 the maskil associated with Heman the Ezrahite despairs of life itself. What are we to make of these two figures who seem to be authors of such contrasting psalms?
The Ezrahites in 1 Chronicles
A significant clue about Ethan and Heman comes from 1 Chronicles 6. This chapter contains genealogical records, and includes these verses:
The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. […] To Kohath were born Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. […] The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. […] The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, Elkanah his son, Ebiasaph his son, Assir his son, Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. The sons of Elkanah: Amasai and Ahimoth, Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son, Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. The sons of Samuel: Joel his firstborn, the second Abijah. The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, and Asaiah his son. These are the men whom David put in charge of the service of song in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. […] Heman the singer was the son of Joel, son of Samuel, son of Elkanah, son of Jeroham, son of Eliel, son of Toah, son of Zuph, son of Elkanah, son of Mahath, son of Amasai, son of Elkanah, son of Joel, son of Azariah, son of Zephaniah, son of Tahath, son of Assir, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, son of Israel. […] And their relatives the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, son of Abdi, son of Malluch, son of Hashabiah, son of Amaziah, son of Hilkiah, son of Amzi, son of Bani, son of Shemer, son of Mahli, son of Mushi, son of Merari, son of Levi. (1 Chronicles 6:1-3, 22-23, 31-33, 34, 44-47 ESV)
Here we have the genealogies of Levi’s descendants, including the Levitical singers Heman and Ethan. What we learn is that:
- Heman was a descendant of Kohath and part of the line of important figures like Aaron and Moses.
- Ethan is identified as a Merarite Levite.
- Both Heman and Ethan are connected to the musicians appointed by David for worship.
Therefore, 1 Chronicles establishes that Ethan and Heman were Levites, likely musicians and singers, who served in the tabernacle around the time of David and Solomon.
Ethan and Heman the Ezrahites
Heman and Ethan share the epithet “the Ezrahite” in the psalm titles. The meaning of this term is uncertain, but many scholars believe it refers to their descent from Zerah, one of the twin sons of Judah (Genesis 38:27-30). The descendants of Zerah seem to have become renowned for musical skill (1 Chronicles 2:6). So “the Ezrahite” would point to Heman and Ethan being Levites, but with notable lineage from Judah as well.
Both men clearly had musical talents and were placed into temple service by David. The fact that psalms are connected to Ethan and Heman also make sense, given their roles as musicians and singers.
The Nature of the Psalms’ Attribution
There is some debate as to whether Ethan and Heman were actually the authors of Psalms 88 and 89. Here are two perspectives:
- Literal view: Ethan wrote Psalm 89 and Heman wrote Psalm 88. The titles accurately reflect authorship.
- Musical association view: The psalms became associated with these musicians in some way, but they did not necessarily compose them. For example, perhaps these psalms were written for or performed by Ethan and Heman.
There are good arguments for both interpretations. In the end, we cannot be absolutely certain if Ethan and Heman were literally the authors. But the psalms were clearly connected to them musically in temple worship.
Drawing Some Conclusions About Ethan
While mystery remains, we can summarize what the Bible indicates about Ethan the Ezrahite:
- He came from the Levitical line of Merari, possibly with Judahite heritage.
- He served as a singer and musician in the temple under David.
- Psalm 89 is associated with Ethan in its title, though his precise relationship to the psalm is uncertain.
- The reflective and worshipful nature of Psalm 89 fits with Ethan’s musical role.
- He lived during the time of David and Solomon, though lifespan details are unknown.
Ethan was clearly an important figure in Israel’s worship and music heritage. God used his musical gifts for His glory. The association of Psalm 89 shows Ethan’s name continued to be remembered long after as a skilled musician and composer. Though some mystery remains about him, the Bible presents him as an example of faithfulness in serving the Lord through music.
Insights on Worship from Ethan’s Legacy
Though the details of Ethan’s life are limited, studying what we do know can provide some helpful applications for believers today:
- God gifts people musically for a purpose in worship, and these gifts should be cultivated and used for His glory.
- Singing skillfully with reverence and awe magnifies God (Psalm 89:5-7).
- Music can powerfully connect emotions and doctrine, as in the praise and lament of the psalms.
- Skilled musicians like Ethan were careful to reflect on theology in composing worship music.
- The Lord remembers and values those who serve Him faithfully in music ministry over the long term.
May we follow Ethan’s example of passionately pursuing musical excellence for God’s glory and thoughtfully engaging the truth through song. What a privilege believers have to worship the Lord through music and declare His steadfast love and faithfulness to all generations, just as Ethan did through Psalm 89 centuries ago!