Heman

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Hēmān (הֵימָן), commonly linked with the idea of being “faithful” or “steadfast.”
• Period/Era: United Monarchy
• Main References: 1 Chronicles 6:33–38; 1 Chronicles 15:16–19; 1 Chronicles 25:1–7; Psalm 88 (superscription)
• Key Connections: Son of Joel; a Kohathite Levite; appointed by King David alongside Asaph and Ethan/Jeduthun; associated with the line of Samuel (1 Chr 6:33–38)

Who was Heman?

Heman was a Levite from the Kohathite line appointed in David’s reign for musical service connected to the ark and later temple worship.
He is identified as “the singer” and is listed among the chief musicians who led Israel’s praise with instruments.
1 Chronicles also calls him “the king’s seer,” linking his service to royal worship administration and prophetic oversight.

Key Events & Achievements

• Appointment under David: Set apart with other Levites to oversee singing in connection with the ark’s worship (1 Chr 15:16–19; 16:41–42).
• Organized temple musicians: Named among those whom David and leaders appointed for music “to prophesy” with instruments in the sanctuary (1 Chr 25:1–7).
• Remembered in tradition: Psalm 88 is attributed to “Heman the Ezrahite” in its heading, preserving his name in Israel’s liturgical memory (Ps 88, superscription).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Heman’s life highlights how ordered Levite service supported Israel’s covenant worship under the Davidic kingdom.

Key Verse

“All these were under the direction of their father in the music in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God.” — 1 Chronicles 25:6, ESV