Crusade BibleCrusade Bible
David Tuning HarpUnknown artist, France · 1220-1230

Heman

הֵימָן/HEE-man/

Faithful

Summary

Heman "the singer" was a chief Levite musician in David's tabernacle worship, called "the king's seer," to whom Psalm 88 is attributed; another Heman was an ancient sage to whom Solomon's wisdom is compared.

The Ancient Wise Man

An Heman son of Zerah (grandson of Judah) was one of four men celebrated for wisdom to which Solomon's is compared. The statement that Solomon was wiser than "Heman and Chalcol and Darda" indicates these were proverbially wise men of ancient times, possibly known for sacred music and wisdom literature.

Key verses:1 Kings 4:311 Chronicles 2:6

Heman the Singer

Heman "the singer" was a Kohathite Levite, son of Joel and grandson of Samuel, appointed by David as one of three chief musicians (with Asaph and Jeduthun) to lead worship before the ark. He played the cymbals and was positioned in the center, with Asaph on his right and Jeduthun on his left. He was called "the king's seer in the words of God," indicating his prophetic role in worship.

Key verses:1 Chronicles 6:331 Chronicles 15:171 Chronicles 15:191 Chronicles 16:41-421 Chronicles 25:5

Psalm 88

Psalm 88, one of the most mournful psalms, is attributed to Heman the Ezrahite in its superscription. This dark lament expresses profound suffering without the customary turn to hope, yet demonstrates faith in bringing that suffering to God.

Key verses:Psalm 88:1

Related Verses15 mentions

1 Chronicles· 10 verses

2 Chronicles· 3 verses

1 Kings· 1 verse

Psalms· 1 verse

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Heman," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.George Morrish, "Heman," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
  3. 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Heman," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
  4. 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Heman," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).