The term "Ezrahite" is a designation found in the Old Testament, specifically associated with two individuals: Ethan the Ezrahite and Heman the Ezrahite. These figures are noted for their wisdom and contributions to the Psalms, and they are often linked to the Levitical tradition and the musical heritage of Israel.

Ethan the Ezrahite

Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as a man of great wisdom, surpassed only by Solomon: "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 laments the apparent failure of that covenant. The psalm begins with a declaration of God's steadfast love and 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).

Ethan's role as an Ezrahite suggests a connection to the tribe of Judah or possibly a Levitical lineage, as the term "Ezrahite" may denote a family or clan within Israel. His wisdom and literary contribution highlight the importance of the Ezrahites in the spiritual and cultural life of ancient Israel.

Heman the Ezrahite

Heman the Ezrahite is another figure noted for his wisdom and is also mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31. He is traditionally associated with the authorship of Psalm 88, one of the most somber and lamenting psalms in the Psalter. The psalm is a heartfelt cry for help in the midst of deep distress and darkness: "O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You. May my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry" (Psalm 88:1-2).

Heman is also identified as a descendant of Levi, specifically from the family of Kohath, which aligns him with the Levitical musicians appointed by David for temple worship (1 Chronicles 6:33). His role as a musician and a wise man underscores the multifaceted contributions of the Ezrahites to Israel's religious and cultural heritage.

Theological Significance

The Ezrahites, through Ethan and Heman, represent the intertwining of wisdom, music, and worship in the life of Israel. Their contributions to the Psalms reflect a deep understanding of God's covenantal promises and the human experience of suffering and hope. The wisdom attributed to them, though surpassed by Solomon, indicates a high regard for their insight and understanding.

In the broader biblical narrative, the Ezrahites serve as exemplars of faithfulness and devotion, reminding believers of the importance of wisdom and worship in their relationship with God. Their psalms continue to be a source of comfort and reflection for those seeking to understand the complexities of life and the steadfast love of the Lord.The Ezrahite

(son of Zerah), a title attached to two persons --Ethan, (1 Kings 4:31; Psalms 89:1) title, and Heman, Psal 88:1 title.

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

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

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