Heman

HEMAN (hē'măn, Heb. hêmān, faithful)

A grandson of Judah through Zerah (1Chr.2.6) and listed as one of the most notable wise men.The first of three Levites David appointed to lead music (1Chr.6.33). He was “the king’s seer,” and his sons were “given him through the promises of God to exalt him” (1Chr.25.5, Heb. “exalt the horn”). His fourteen sons and three daughters were in the choir (1Chr.25.5-1Chr.25.6).Ps.88.1-Ps.88.18 is attributed to Heman the Ezrahite, and if this means “Zerahite,” as many think, he may be the same as no. 1 above.

2. The first of the three Levites whom David appointed to lead in the musical services (1 Chron. 6:33). He was “the king’s seer in the words of God to lift up the horn” (1 Chron. 25:5) and had 14 sons and three daughters.

3. Psalm 88 is attributed to Heman the Ezrahite, and if “Ezrahite” means “Zerahite,” as many think, he may be the same as 1. above.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)

The name of two men in the Old Testament.

(1) A musician and seer, a Levite, son of Joe and grandson of the prophet Samuel; of the family of the Kohathites (1Ch 6:33), appointed by David as one of the leaders of the temple-singing (1Ch 15:17; 2Ch 5:12). He had 14 sons (and 3 daughters) who assisted their father in the chorus. Heman seems also to have been a man of spiritual power; is called "the king’s seer in matters of God" (1Ch 25:5; 2Ch 35:15).

(2) One of the noted wise men prior to, or about, the time of Solomon. He was one of the three sons of Mahol (1Ki 4:31 (Hebrew 5:11)); also called a son of Zerah (1Ch 2:6).

Ps 88 is inscribed to Heman the Ezrahite, who is probably to be identified with the second son of Zerah.