Have you heard of Heman the Ezrahite?
There’s a good chance you haven’t because he’s a rather obscure Old Testament character. I just learned about him recently. In the choirs of David, musicians Heman and Jeduthun were appointed to give thanks. It was literally their job to offer thanksgiving to Jehovah-God.
Heman, grandson of Samuel, is the author of Psalm 88, a psalm of lament in the Hebrew Bible. Heman may have suffered from depression or simply experienced a “down” day: Psalm 88 mentions that he is sorely troubled:
O Lord, God of my salvation,
I cry out day and night before you.
2 Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry!
3 For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol. ~ Psalm 88
No doubt he authored songs of praise too, which he knew would be appropriate in his assignment as minister of music. Praise is both powerful and therapeutic.
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As a young girl growing up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, I remember Harvest Home services at Bossler Mennonite Church. In our rural community, farmers were joyous, thanking God for a bountiful yield from fertile soil. A regular part of the church calendar, this special service was held usually on a Saturday afternoon in October. Farm families rejoiced that months of planting and cultivating the soil yielded a bountiful harvest. Even if it was a dry year with less produce, the service still expressed gratitude.
Sunday School, Bossler Mennonite Church, late 1950s Cliff Beaman, slide restoration
This website offers more details about Harvest Home, including the fact that less conservative Mennonite churches held a similar service, the altar festive with sheaves of wheat, ears of corn, gourds, and pumpkins. I don’t remember such colorful adornment in our church, though we were probably no less thankful.
One of the hymns we sang was The God of Harvest Praise, written by James Montgomery in 1840, printed in the Mennonite Hymnal as Hymn #575.
And, Every Day Will I Bless Thee, based on Psalm 145:2, King James Version, sung à cappella
Have you heard of Heman or Jeduthun?
Your thoughts about Thanksgiving celebrations?
Happy Thanksgiving to all! I will return in December.
Good morning, Marian! No, I haven’t heard of them.
Our Thanksgiving celebration is about gathering with family. This will be the first time a good number of us will be together since before the pandemic, so we will feel particularly grateful. We’ll be seeing our older child and their spouse for the first time in person since then, too.
Enjoy your break and holiday!
I know family and food is very important to you–why not! And like others, especially the vaccinated, we will feel less cautious when gathering. I look forward to your celebration photos. Thanks, Merril!
Lovely and interesting, Marian. Thank you. Wishing you all Thanksgiving blessings!
Thanksgiving blessings to you too, Jack! 😀
I had never heard of him, and I have to confess to reading the name as Herman about three times before I clued in. I said, “There was a Herman in the Bible?” Ha!
Happy Thanksgiving – we celebrated our Canadian version several weeks ago, in plenty and gratitude.
I like the idea of Canadians celebrating Thanksgiving in October. Our holiday is so close to Christmas, the stores sort of gloss over the season of gratitude and move on a holiday that generates more sales. Just my opinion, of course, thanks for expressing yours, Arlene! 😀
Heman in the Bible is new to me also, I should read more carefully! Thanks for the heads up. But it made me think of the He-Man superhero TV show that my daughters enjoyed in the 80s. They also loved (and identified more with) the character She-Ra.!
We hope to celebrate with some of our family. The one family alternates their Thanksgiving meals with us every other year, and this year they will remain in Ohio. But that’s okay, we’ve seen them numerous times this year. We have prayers for our little Edward (3) who is the only one of my grandchildren not yet eligible for the vaccine but probably has antibodies from a bout with it (minor) late this summer. A blessed Thanksgiving to you all.
Heman was new to me until recently. I read a story about the character and then looked him up in the Psalms where he appears several times in an epigraph. I had to look up She-Ra, who appears to be a Princess of Power, a Christian character perhaps?
I know all about alternating holidays, but this year all of the immediate family plan to gather. We want to take a family photo. The last one was 5-6 years ago and a lot has changed, especially with the grandkids. Thanks for the news today, Melodie! 😀
Thank you for starting my day with these thoughts and especially that last song, very familiar and beautifully sung. I love the photo restored by Cliff also. Are you in that picture, Marian? The building, the cars, and the outfits bring back many memories. I’ll call it the harvest of place and be grateful.
Can you tell Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday? About the picture. . . although my memory is fuzzy I think it was a photo of my Sunday School class. I could come home weekends during my three years teaching at LMS and probably taught this class. I’m guessing there’s a Kraybill or two in the circle.
I like how you name the scene “Harvest of Place.” Perfect, Shirley! 😀
No, I hadn’t heard of Heman or Jeduthun. I don’t recall my dad preaching much from the Old Testament. It’s just going to be my husband and I this year, since my parents and my brother are gone now.
Well, Liz, I’m not sure I knew you were a preacher’s kid – ha!
Your Thanksgiving dinner sounds cozy. Sometimes it’s nice to have a quieter celebration. Thanks for tuning in today! 😀
Yep, my dad was an Episcopal priest. 🙂
My husband downsized the turkey this year to a turkey breast.
Great dad. . . Smart husband. . . you are blessed, Liz!
Indeed I am–and I don’t take it for granted!
😀
Great post, Marian! I didn’t know anything about Heman!
Great work on that photo, Cliff!
Marian, you gave me a lot to think about–particularly my notion of Thanksgiving. I admit to grumbling this year because I can’t participate in the normal Thanksgiving meal with friends due to my car situation. But your post is a reminder of how much God has blessed me.
God has blessed you, and you are a blessing to others with your generous spirit. This is a nudge to me to pray for your car situation. Thanks, L. Marie. 😀
Marian — No, I haven’t heard of Heman or Jeduthun either. Gratitude is part of my daily life, so it’s no surprise that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. We celebrate by gathering with family and friends.
I know from your blog and books that have practiced gratitude for a long time. I’m sure that darling grand-daughter will be thrilled to catch up with you on Thanksgiving day. Thanks, Laurie! 😀
I am not familiar with Heman or Jeduthun. but I appreciated learning about their job of offering Thanksgiving to God. I clicked on the hymn and just let it play. I have the fondest of memories of singing hymns in church and can still hum a few. You’ve given me an excellent idea to find some of my favorites on YouTube. I had never thought of that! A very Happy Thanks giving to you as well.
Melanie, I’m glad you enjoyed the hymn. Until recently, I used to download music I wanted to post from a mp3 file. The results were disappointing because there was not a suitable thumbnail and I didn’t know how to make one. I just noticed that other bloggers got music straight from YouTube and copied the link into WordPress. (Yes, I do steal tricks!) Sometimes I play YouTube favorites when I’m cooking. 😀
Why not borrow the good ideas? 😊 It’s fun (and helpful) to learn from other bloggers.
Indeed! 😀
Hello Marian, I do not know these two Biblical characters. I do love music though and am very fond of many hymns.
Robbie, you have a very well-rounded life and I’m glad it includes old favourites. Thank you! 😀
I recall the Thanksgiving Suppers at the church in our small prairie town. These would be in October as that is when Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving. But, to be honest, anytime is thanksgiving for me. There is so much to be thankful for. Have a wonderful holiday with your family. (I also love the slide that Cliff restored.)
I think Canadians are smart to celebrate Thanksgiving in October, when most of the crops have been harvested. As you may know, In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations. Our November date is not likely to change.
Thanks, Darlene!
Loved your post, Marian. It reminded me of my childhood Thanksgivings when all of my dad’s family gathered at one of the family farms. What a grand feast it was and how much I enjoyed playing with my cousins in the hayloft. Being surrounded by so much family gave me a great sense of belonging and protection. As an adult, I missed that, and because the hub and I are part of a blended family, we felt left out with our kids going to other homes on that day. We finally wised up and created our own celebration we call “Thanksmas.” It’s near chaos with everybody crowding in the kitchen trying to help or do their own thing … and we love it!
What a great idea, Linda: Thanksmas! Your comment reminds me of playing with cousins too in the hayloft. Wow. . . so long ago. Blessings to both you and “hub”! 😀
Canada celebrated Thanksgiving last month! I’m delighted that we can celebrate it once again with our neighbours to the south.
You Budds are smart: Taking advantages of the same holiday and celebrating twice with your neighbors to the south. Thanksgiving is MY favorite holiday too. I like the menu, the fact I don’t have gifts to buy, and also that my daughter has snatched all the work from my house to hers. We all contribute, it balances out. Thanks! 😀
You have a wonderful way of sharing the joy of being alive!!
That’s a high compliment. Thank you, Rebecca.
I grew up in a Presbyterian church, then went to undergrad in a Lutheran university followed by grad school in a Catholic university and I’ve never once heard of Heman or Jeduthun. Are you sure you’re not making them up? 😉
As for Harvest Home celebrations I’ve heard of them, but not as part of a church as part of a small community. Of course it doesn’t matter how you express gratitude as long as you do it!
Ally, I think you’re just joshing when you suggest I made up Heman and Judethun. Honestly, I’m not that creative. I’d pick prettier names too.
I like the idea of a Harvest Home celebration in a community. You expect it in church, but not in a neighborhood. It would certainly brighten up our street. 😀
Love that picture of the Sunday School class outside under the tree! Were you part of that group, Marian? Thanks, also, for the lovely hymns, reminding us of true thanksgiving. In Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving earlier, in October.
Yes, I think I was the teacher, taking a photo of my Sunday School class one fall day while I still lived in Pennsylvania. As I mentioned to several Canadian commenters, I wish we in the States would celebrate in October, further away on the calendar from Christmas. Blessings to you and your family, Elfrieda! 😀
Like most I had not heard of Heman before although I do love and remember the Harvest Festival Hymns and celebrations that we celebrated when I was a child…
Because of our shared history, It makes sense that we would have similar hymns. Many of the hymns in American hymnbooks have British origins. Thanks for commenting, Carol! 😀
Add me to the list of people unfamiliar with Heman or Jeduthun. I sang in our church choir during my high school years.
I don’t know what songs you sang in choir, but they probably included themes of gratitude, which I detect on your blog posts. We are blessed! Happy Thanksgiving to the Springer clan! 😀
No, never heard of Heman or Jeduthun, even though I attended church and Sunday School for the first 17 years of my life. But I loved singing hymns, and was in the choir (until I turned 15 and “lost” my singing voice). Oh how I wish it could be found. We didn’t go to church on Thanksgiving. For me, church in Thanksgiving occurs in our home, or the home of a family member. My guy and I used to have Thanksgivings where about 15-18 family members came. Now, we gather at our daughter’s large and homey place, and after a solitude dinner last year, we will gather with 16 family and friends next week. WHAT A BLESSING! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend.
I know you look forward to the gathering at your daughter’s house. Like you, we have transitioned to the next generation, our daughter and son-in-law happy to preside over the big meal. I’ll bring rolls and green beans this year.
How interesting that your and Pete’s comments appear together this morning. I believe you two are part of a critique group. By the way, I am finding Flashes of Life a wonderful aid in structuring my WIP, My Checkered Life: Heritage, Hassles, and Hilarity, a tentative title.
Enjoy the holiday! ;-D
This reminds me of the indigenous harvest festivals and give-aways in gratitude for the sustaining earth. When I grew all the family food, I celebrated that the harvest was finally over, the squash, onions, and carrots stored in the cellar, the freezer full of vegetables for soups, and canning jars of fruit and tomatoes. I make a little tomato sauce now and freeze it and will share it with friends on Thanksgiving Day. I just finished reading ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ for the second time since I see to have that kind of indigenous relationship to my land. This week I’m writing about my Danish-German lineage of strong women in their black dresses. They remind me of the Amish and Mennonite women in my area. My garden is small now, but I love buying from local growers (including the Amish market). It makes me feel grateful for the gift of healthy food. Thank you for this post and your family traditions, Marian. Blessed Thanksgiving to you..
Oh, Elaine, I can almost smell the earthy scent of the potatoes, onions, and carrots stored in the cellar, jars of canned goods on the shelf, and a freezer full of goodies at the home-place.
Thanks to you, I have put Braiding Sweetgrass on hold at the library. The book must be very popular here too–4 copies available and 3 holds, so my request is pending.
I’m glad you can gather with friends this Thursday and share your own yummy tomato. And I look forward to your writing about strong women in black dresses. Blessings to you as well. ((( )))
No, I’m not familiar with those biblical people, but wishing you Happy Thanksgiving just the same. 🙂 x
Please pardon my tardiness. So sorry I’m late in replying to your kind comment. Debby. I’ve had a health scare and also trying to meet another deadline.
Though you had Thanksgiving in October the Canadian way, thank you for your good wishes here. Hugs! 😀
Oh no Marian, are you okay????? Please, never apologize for tardiness on a blog. We all have lives and we get here eventually. <3
Yes, I’m fine now, but needed an adjustment to medication. Thanks for caring, dear Debby!
Happy to hear! <3
😀
Marian, Thanksgiving at my Nana and Papa Martin’s place was at least a three day affair. My Nana and Mom baked pies on Wednesday…we had a plethora of delights on Thursday at about 2:00, and leftovers Friday and Saturday. The downside was that there were too many to all sit at the dining room table, so the kids got to eat at the kitchen table. But, it was amazing how the dining room table somehow expanded to even fit the kids once we arrived at a certain age to qualify for an invitation to the “adult” table in the dining room. And, it was usually at about that time that my Papa bought a large box of the Queen Anne Cordial Cherries…a great treat after all the pies were gone! Great memories of wonderful Thanksgivings!
I shared some of those big meals–especially Easter with the extended family. In fact, a version of the feasting you describe happened at Easter with ham and Easter eggs. I enjoyed the “adult” table too, because the conversation was so interesting. The men discussed world affairs which made my ears perk up. I believe every holiday was a 3-4 day affair similar to what you describe: the prep, the feast, and then a few days of leftovers. YUM!
It’s good to hear from you, Howard!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Faythe, Blake, and the family! 😀
Hi,
I love the Psalms. I read them and I listen to them with my audio Bible. I also love Thanksgiving. Even today, one song from way back then brings tears and my heart overflows with Thanksgiving. It is the song, We Gather Together. I have copied the verses here within. The song is based on Deuteronomy 31:12 and John 11:52. Anyway, I think I was eight years old when I learned it in the elementary school, and I have never forgotten it. That song says what I feel about Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving, Marian, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with love, joy, and peace. God is good.
Shalom aleichem
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing;
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.
Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!
We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be;
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!
You have hit upon the heart of Thanksgiving in your comment. I have a piano with two hymnals, and I will make an effort to sing this song tomorrow morning. It is evident you know the Giver of all of our blessings. Thanks you taking the time to print these encouraging words. Hugs to you, Pat. 😀
Happy, happy Thanksgiving!!
Happy Thanksgiving, Marian – looking forward to your return!
Thanks for the good wishes, Barb! 😀
No, I had not heard of them! I love the intertwining of faith with the seasons. Beautiful post.
Thank you, Luanne. I appreciate your stopping by with a comment. Enjoy the season! 😀
Happy Thanksgiving!
And to you and your family as well, Jenn!