Bible Dictionary
Jeduthun
Jeduthun was a Levite associated with the temple musicians appointed by David. His choir served in worship, and his name appears in the headings of several psalms.
Definition
Jeduthun was a Levite of the family of Merari and one of the three masters of music appointed by David. He presided over temple music, and his descendants served as singers and players of instruments. He is probably the same person as Ethan.
Biblical Usage
Jeduthun is associated with temple worship and appears in the headings of Psalms 39, 62, and 77. “Upon Jeduthun” probably indicates his choir, a musical instrument, or a style or tune connected with him.
Historical Background
He was called “the king’s seer” and held an important role in the organized musical service of the temple.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Lauder; praising, a Levite of the family of Merari, and one of the three masters of music appointed by David (1 Chr. 16:41, 42; 25:1-6). He is called in 2 Chr. 35:15 “the king’s seer.” His descendants are mentioned as singers and players on instruments (Neh. 11:17). He was probably the same as Ethan (1 Chr. 15:17, 19). In the superscriptions to Ps. 39, 62, and 77, the words “upon Jeduthun” probably denote a musical instrument; or they may denote the style or tune invented or introduced by Jeduthun, or that the psalm was to be sung by his choir.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(praising), a Levite of the family of Merari, is probably the same as Ethan. Comp. (1 Chronicles 15:17,19) with 1Chr 16:41,42; 25:1,3,6; 2Chr 35:15 His office was generally to preside over the music of the temple service, Jeduthun’s name stands at the head of the 39th, 62d and 77th Psalms, indicating probably that they were to be sung by his choir. (B.C. 1014.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>je-du'-thun.</p><p>See ASAPH.</p>