Korah was a Levite from the family of Kohath, and his account begins in Numbers 16. He, along with Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, questioning their leadership and claiming that all the congregation was holy before God.
“You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” (Numbers 16:3).
This was a direct challenge to God’s appointed order. Moses, knowing that this rebellion was against God Himself, responded with a test:
“Tomorrow morning the LORD will show who is His and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him. That one whom He chooses He will cause to come near to Him.” (Numbers 16:5).
Moses instructed Korah and his followers to bring censers filled with incense before the LORD. This was significant because only those whom God had appointed could offer incense before Him. The rebellion was not just against Moses but against God’s divine order of worship.
The Judgment of Korah
God’s response to Korah’s rebellion was swift and terrifying. Moses declared that if these men died a natural death, then he was not sent by God. But if the earth itself opened and swallowed them alive, it would be a sign that they had rejected the LORD.
“Now it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly.” (Numbers 16:31-33).
This was a dramatic act of judgment. Fire also came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who had joined Korah in offering incense (Numbers 16:35). The censers of these men, since they were made holy by fire, were hammered into plates to cover the altar as a warning against future rebellion (Numbers 16:38-40).
The Survivors: The Sons of Korah
Despite the judgment that fell upon Korah and his followers, not all of his family perished. Numbers 26:11 specifically tells us:
“Nevertheless the children of Korah did not die.” (Numbers 26:11).
This is a crucial point. While the leaders of the rebellion were judged, God in His mercy allowed Korah’s descendants to live. They did not participate in their father’s sin, and God spared them.
The Korahites and Their New Role
The descendants of Korah, known as the Korahites, went on to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple. They were appointed as gatekeepers and singers in the house of the LORD.
In 1 Chronicles 9:19, we read about their role:
“Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, from his father’s house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, gatekeepers of the tabernacle. Their fathers had been keepers of the entrance to the camp of the LORD.”
The Korahites were given a place of honor in the service of the temple. This is a beautiful picture of God’s grace. Though their ancestor had led a rebellion, the sons of Korah became faithful servants in the house of God.
The Psalms of the Sons of Korah
Not only did the sons of Korah serve in the temple, but they also became known for their worship. Several Psalms are attributed to the sons of Korah, showing their deep devotion to God. Some of these Psalms include:
Psalm 42: “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.” (Psalm 42:1).
Psalm 44: “We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, the deeds You did in their days, in days of old.” (Psalm 44:1).
Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1).
Psalm 84: “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10).
These Psalms reveal a heart of humility and worship. Psalm 84:10 is especially powerful because it shows that the descendants of Korah, who had been gatekeepers, now embraced their role joyfully. They understood that serving God, even in the lowest position, was far better than anything else.
My Final Thoughts
The account of Korah and his descendants is a sobering reminder of God’s judgment but also a powerful testimony of His grace. Korah’s rebellion led to death and destruction, yet his children, who did not follow in his sin, were given a new purpose.
Even if we come from a past of sin or rebellion, God can redeem us and give us a new purpose. The Korahites became worshipers and faithful servants in God’s house. Their Psalms stand as a testimony that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
May we take this lesson to heart and remember that no matter where we come from, God’s grace is sufficient to transform us into His faithful servants.
