Ethan
“Firm, enduring, permanent”
Summary
A name meaning 'enduring' borne by several men including a wise man whose wisdom Solomon surpassed and a Levitical singer appointed by David.
☩Ethan the Ezrahite
Ethan the Ezrahite was renowned for his wisdom, being one of four men whose sagacity was surpassed by Solomon's. He and his companions Heman, Chalcol, and Darda are called 'sons of Mahol' (possibly meaning 'sons of music'). The title of Psalm 89 ascribes its authorship to 'Ethan the Ezrahite.' He may be identified with a son of Zerah of Judah mentioned in Chronicles.
☩Ethan the Singer
Ethan son of Kishi (or Kushaiah) was a Merarite Levite appointed by David as one of the three chief musicians along with Heman and Asaph. He was to sound with cymbals before the ark. Some scholars identify this Ethan with Jeduthun, as the names appear interchangeably in parallel passages.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ethan," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ethan," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ethan," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).