Ezrahite
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Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Ezrahite" is a designation found in the Old Testament, specifically associated with two individuals known for their wisdom and contributions to biblical literature: Ethan the Ezrahite and Heman the Ezrahite. These figures are mentioned in the context of their exceptional wisdom and musical contributions, and they are traditionally linked to the tribe of Judah.

Ethan the Ezrahite

Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31, where his wisdom is noted in comparison to King Solomon's: "For he was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Kalkol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations" . Ethan is traditionally credited with the authorship of Psalm 89, a psalm that reflects on God's covenant with David and the enduring nature of His promises. The psalm begins with a declaration of God's faithfulness: "I will sing of the LORD’s loving devotion forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations" (Psalm 89:1).

Heman the Ezrahite

Heman the Ezrahite is similarly noted for his wisdom and is mentioned alongside Ethan in 1 Kings 4:31. He is also recognized as a prominent figure in the musical and liturgical life of Israel. Heman is traditionally associated with the authorship of Psalm 88, a psalm characterized by its deep lament and expression of distress. The psalm opens with a cry for help: "O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You" (Psalm 88:1). Heman's role as a musician and seer is further highlighted in 1 Chronicles 25:5, where he is described as "the king’s seer in the words of God, to exalt his horn."

Tribal Affiliation and Lineage

The Ezrahites are often linked to the tribe of Judah, although some traditions suggest a possible connection to the tribe of Levi due to their involvement in temple worship and music. The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 2:6 list Ethan and Heman as sons of Zerah, a descendant of Judah, which supports their identification as members of the tribe of Judah. This lineage underscores their prominence and the respect accorded to them in Israelite society.

Role in Israelite Worship

Both Ethan and Heman played significant roles in the worship practices of ancient Israel. Their contributions to the Psalter and their association with wisdom literature highlight their importance in the spiritual and cultural life of the nation. As musicians and composers, they were integral to the liturgical traditions that shaped Israel's worship and expression of faith.

In summary, the Ezrahites, represented by Ethan and Heman, are remembered for their wisdom, musical talents, and contributions to the biblical canon. Their legacy is preserved in the Psalms and the historical records of Israel, reflecting their enduring influence on the faith and worship of God's people.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A title given to Ethan (1 Kings 4:31; Psalm 89, title) and Heman (Psalm 88, title). They were both sons of Zerah (1 Chronicles 2:6).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
EZRAHITE

ez'-ra-hit ('ezrachi; Asebon):

Found in 1 Kings 4:31 Psalm 88 Psalm 89, titles; from which it appears that the word is a patronymic for Ethan and Heman. It may be derived from Zerah, instead of Ezrah, seeing that there were an Ethan and a Heman who were descendants of Zerah, head of a Judahite family (1 Chronicles 2:6).

There were also an Ethan and a Heman who were Levites (1 Chronicles 15:17).

Strong's Hebrew
250. Ezrachi -- a descendant of Zerah
... a descendant of Zerah. Transliteration: Ezrachi Phonetic Spelling: (ez-raw-khee')
Short Definition: Ezrahite. ... of Zerah NASB Word Usage Ezrahite (1). Ezrahite. ...
/hebrew/250.htm - 6k
Library

Table of the Books of Holy Scripture According to Date.
... HISTORICAL BOOKS. PROPHETIC AND POETICAL BOOKS. BC 4004 1689 Genesis 1529
Job Psalm lxxxviii. by Heman, the Ezrahite, (See 1 Chron. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/table of the books of.htm

The Great Gain of Godliness
... excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom
of Egypt.31 For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the great gain of godliness.htm

Psalm 89
... Psalm 89. Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. 8,6,8,6. ^1God's mercies I will ever sing;
and with my mouth I shall. Thy faithfulness make to be known. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 89.htm

Psalm 88
... Psalm 88. A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon
Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. 8,6,8,6. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 88.htm

But that the Object of Christianity is that we Should Become Wise. ...
... greatly excelled the wisdom of all the ancients, and of all the wise men of Egypt;
and he was wiser than all men, even than Gethan the Ezrahite, and Emad, and ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlv but that the.htm

The Hebrew Sages and their Proverbs
... (31) For he was wiser than all men: than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol,
Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/x the hebrew sages and.htm

The Gospel Cordial
... You, my friend, are inclined to say with Heman the Ezrahite, "O Lord God
of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee!.... ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the gospel cordial.htm

Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So ...
... For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol,
and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about. ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter i perhaps there is.htm

Psalm LXXXVIII.
... Zaraite, as Ethan and Heman are called sons of Zara, 1 Chronicles 2:6, and in 1
Kings 4:31, where Solomon is said to be "wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite and Heman ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxviii.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... Of these, the first eleven are ascribed to Asaph; four to the sons of Korah;
one to David (Psa.86); and one to Ethan the Ezrahite (Psa.89). ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Thesaurus
Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)
... They were both sons of Zerah (1 Chronicles 2:6). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
EZRAHITE. ... Multi-Version Concordance Ezrahite (5 Occurrences). ...
/e/ezrahite.htm - 9k

Ethan (9 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Firm. (1.) "The Ezrahite," distinguished for his wisdom
(1 Kings 4:31). ... Psalm 89 Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. (ASV). ...
/e/ethan.htm - 10k

Maschil (26 Occurrences)
... Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (ASV). ... Of Heman the Ezrahite.> O Lord, God of my
salvation, I have been crying to you for help by day and by night: (BBE JPS WBS). ...
/m/maschil.htm - 15k

Leannoth (2 Occurrences)
... Psalm 88 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath
Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (ASV). Psalms 88:1 <A Song. ...
/l/leannoth.htm - 7k

Ez'rahite (1 Occurrence)
Ez'rahite. Ezrahite, Ez'rahite. Ezranehemiah . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Ezrahite, Ez'rahite. Ezranehemiah . Reference Bible.
/e/ez'rahite.htm - 6k

Mahalath (6 Occurrences)
... Psalm 88 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath
Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (ASV). Psalms 88:1 <A Song. ...
/m/mahalath.htm - 11k

Maskil (13 Occurrences)
... Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. (88:2) (See RSV NIV). Psalms 89:1
Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. (89:2) (See RSV NIV). Psalms ...
/m/maskil.htm - 8k

Contemplation (11 Occurrences)
... To the tune of "The Suffering of Affliction." A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite. ...
(WEB). Psalms 89:1 A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite. ...
/c/contemplation.htm - 10k

Heman (17 Occurrences)
... one of the three sons of Mahol (1 Kings 4:31 (Hebrew 5:11)); also called a son of
Zerah (1 Chronicles 2:6). Psalm 88 is inscribed to Heman the Ezrahite, who is ...
/h/heman.htm - 14k

Psalms (44 Occurrences)
... (3.) The third book contains 17 psalms (73-89), of which the 86th is ascribed to
David, the 88th to Heman the Ezrahite, and the 89th to Ethan the Ezrahite. ...
/p/psalms.htm - 54k

Resources
Who was Ethan the Ezrahite in the Psalms? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Heman the Ezrahite in the Psalms? | GotQuestions.org

Why is the book of Psalms divided into five books? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)

1 Kings 4:31
For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all the nations all around.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Psalms 87:7
They that sing as well as they that dance 'shall say', All my fountains are in thee. Psalm 88 A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Chief Musician; set to Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite.
(ASV)

Psalms 88:1
A Song. A Psalm by the sons of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Suffering of Affliction." A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite. Yahweh, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you.
(WEB JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)

Psalms 88:18
Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, And mine acquaintance into darkness. Psalm 89 Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
(ASV)

Psalms 89:1
A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite. I will sing of the loving kindness of Yahweh forever. With my mouth, I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
(WEB JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Ezrahite

Related Terms

Ezrahite (5 Occurrences)

Ezranehemiah

Ezrah
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