Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Text/SMS
Random
Subscribe
Answer
Ethan the Ezrahite is the author of Psalm 89. The title of that psalm says it is “a maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.” Ethan the Ezrahite is also mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as a wise man—yet not as wise as Solomon, who “was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite.”
It’s possible that Ethan the Ezrahite is the same Ethan mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:6 as one of the five “sons of Zerah.” If that is the case, then Ethan was of the tribe of Judah.
More probably, Ethan the Ezrahite was the same Ethan mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:44 as one of the music leaders appointed by King David to serve before the tabernacle. This would mean that Ethan was of the tribe of Levi.
First Chronicles 15:17 mentions an “Ethan the son of Kushaiah” who was involved in bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. The same passage adds that Ethan was a musician, one of the men to sound the bronze cymbals (verse 19). This man, called Ethan in 1 Chronicles 15, is elsewhere referenced as Jeduthun (see 1 Chronicles 16:38–42 and the titles of Psalms 62 and 77). His high-level involvement in music ministry invites many commentators to view him as being the same Ethan who wrote Psalm 89.
Another way to learn about Ethan the Ezrahite is through his psalm, which is a joyful proclamation of God’s kingship and salvation. The psalm opens with a determination to praise the Lord:
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations. (Psalm 89:1)
The psalmist then expresses praise for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, specifically evidenced in God’s covenant with David (Psalm 89:2–4). Ethan the Ezrahite also honors God’s character and power over creation (Psalm 89:5–12). And he records God’s promise to David of an eternal dynasty:with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations. (Psalm 89:1)
I will maintain my love to him forever,
and my covenant with him will never fail.
I will establish his line forever,
his throne as long as the heavens endure. (Psalm 89:28–29)
Near the end of Psalm 89, the psalmist laments the current situation, because it seems God has forgotten His covenant, and God’s servant is facing shame and rejection:and my covenant with him will never fail.
I will establish his line forever,
his throne as long as the heavens endure. (Psalm 89:28–29)
You have put an end to his splendor
and cast his throne to the ground. (Psalm 89:44)
Ethan the Ezrahite concludes the psalm as he had begun, with praise to God:and cast his throne to the ground. (Psalm 89:44)
Praise be to the Lord forever!
Amen and Amen. (Psalm 89:52)
Even in times of suffering and struggle, this psalmist calls God’s people to bless the Lord and call upon His strength in time of need.Amen and Amen. (Psalm 89:52)
