The Iz'harites are a Levitical family descending from Izhar, the son of Kohath and grandson of Levi. As members of the tribe of Levi, the Iz'harites held a significant role in the religious and ceremonial life of ancient Israel. The Levites were set apart for the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, and the Iz'harites, as part of this tribe, shared in these sacred duties.

Genealogy and Lineage

Izhar is mentioned in the genealogical records of the Levites. In Exodus 6:18 , it states, "The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The lifespan of Kohath was 133 years." Izhar's descendants, therefore, are part of the Kohathite division of the Levites, who were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Kohathites, including the Iz'harites, were tasked with the transportation and care of the most holy items of the Tabernacle. Numbers 4:4 outlines their responsibilities: "This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things." They were entrusted with the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils, all of which they carried on their shoulders as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness.

Notable Members

One of the most notable members of the Iz'harite family is Korah, the son of Izhar. Korah is infamously known for leading a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as recorded in Numbers 16. This rebellion resulted in a dramatic judgment from God, where the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and his followers. Despite this, the line of Korah did not end, as some of his descendants became prominent in the service of the Temple, contributing to the Psalms and serving as gatekeepers and musicians.

Role in the Temple

During the reign of King David, the Iz'harites were organized for service in the Temple. In 1 Chronicles 23:12-13 , it is recorded, "The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all. The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron was set apart, he and his descendants forever, to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister to Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever." While Aaron's line was specifically set apart for the priesthood, the other Kohathites, including the Iz'harites, continued in their Levitical duties.

Legacy

The legacy of the Iz'harites is intertwined with the broader history of the Levites in Israel. Despite the rebellion of Korah, the family continued to serve faithfully in the Temple, contributing to the worship and spiritual life of the nation. Their account is a testament to the enduring role of the Levites in maintaining the worship and religious practices of Israel, as ordained by God through Moses.Iz'harites (3 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 24:22
Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath.
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1 Chronicles 26:23
Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites:
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1 Chronicles 26:29
Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.
(See RSV)

Iz'harites (3 Occurrences)
Iz'harites. Izharites, Iz'harites. Izhar'ites . Multi-Version Concordance
Iz'harites (3 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 24:22 Of the ...
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Izharites (4 Occurrences)

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Izhar'ites (1 Occurrence)
Izhar'ites. Iz'harites, Izhar'ites. Izliah . Multi-Version Concordance
Izhar'ites (1 Occurrence). ... Iz'harites, Izhar'ites. Izliah . Reference Bible.
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