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Answer
Ethan the Ezrahite is the songwriter and author of Psalm 89. The title of that psalm indicates it is “a maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.” In addition to Psalm 89, Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as a wise man, though not as wise as King Solomon, who “was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite.” First Chronicles 2:6 provides additional information that Ethan had four brothers and was the son of Zerah. “For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.”, (called Mahol in 1 Kings 4:31). He belonged to the tribe of Levi.
First Chronicles 15:17 mentions an Ethan who was involved in bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Since he is referred to as “Ethan the son of Kushaiah,” he is likely a different individual from the author of Psalm 89. However, 1 Chronicles 15:19 adds that the son of Kushaiah was a musician, one of the men who played the bronze cymbals, leading some scholars to speculate a connection between the two Ethans. If they are indeed the same person, then Ethan the Ezrahite is likely also known as Jeduthun (1 Chronicles 16:38-42 and the titles of Psalms 62 and 77).
Another way to understand Ethan the Ezrahite is through his psalm. Verse 1 begins, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; / with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Ethan highlights praise to God for His covenant with David (verses 1–4) and extols God’s character and power (verses 5–18). In verses 19–37, recounting God’s own words in a vision, Ethan elaborates on God’s faithfulness to David and his descendants. Then Ethan expresses sorrow over the king’s defeat (vers.
Psalm 89 recounts God’s faithfulness to David (verses 38–45) and implores God to recall the covenant (verses 46–52).
Ethan concludes, “Praise be to the Lord forever! / Amen and Amen” (verse 52). Even amidst suffering and hardship, this psalmist urges God’s people to praise the Lord and seek His strength in times of trouble.
