Heman

JoelEnglish

A musician from the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.33.

Heman was a prominent Levite and musician during the reign of King David. He was a descendant of Kohath, one of the sons of Levi (1 Chronicles 6:33). Heman, along with Asaph and Ethan, was appointed by David to lead the music and worship in the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 15:17,19; 16.41,42). He was known for his skill in playing the cymbal (1 Chronicles 16:42). Heman had fourteen sons and three daughters, all of whom were under his direction in providing music for the house of the Lord (1 Chronicles 25:1,4-6). During the reign of Solomon, Heman and his fellow musicians participated in the dedication of the temple (2 Chronicles 5:12). Later, during the reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah, Heman's descendants continued to serve as musicians in the temple (2 Chronicles 29:14; 35.15). Heman's significant role in the tabernacle and temple worship highlights the importance of music in Israelite worship. (1 Chronicles 6:33; 15.17,19; 16.41,42; 25.1,4-6;2 Chronicles 5:12; 29.14; 35.15).