IDITHUN (Heb. Jēdhithān and Jēdhithān, “praising”). - One of the three masters of music appointed over the choirs by David.
It is said that these “prophesied,” which may refer either to an authentic prophetic charism or, less probably, to a mystical excitement accompanied by sounds and songs (I Par. 25, 1; II Par. 35, 15; cf. I Sam. 10, 5). I., a descendant of Merari, played the lyre with his sons. During the liturgical service, clothed in fine linen, they formed the choir to the east of the altar of holocausts (II Par. 5, 12). The descendants of I. are mentioned in the time of King Ezechia (II Par. 29, 14) and of Neemia (Neh. 11, 17). The title of three psalms (38, 61, 76) likewise alludes to the office of I. and his descendants.
According to some, Ethan ezrahita, famous for his wisdom (cf. I Reg. 4, 31) and to whom Psalm 88 is attributed, is to be identified with I. The identification is based on I Par. 15, 17, 19, where Ethan appears together with Herman and Asaph (cf. I Par. 25, 1).