The term "Izharite" refers to the descendants of Izhar, who was a son of Kohath, the son of Levi. As such, the Izharites are a Levitical family, part of the broader tribe of Levi, which was set apart for religious duties and service to the tabernacle and later the temple in Jerusalem. The Levites, including the Izharites, did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes of Israel but were instead given specific cities and roles related to worship and the maintenance of the sanctuary.

Biblical Lineage and Role

Izhar was one of the four sons of Kohath, making the Izharites part of the Kohathite division of the Levites. The Kohathites had specific responsibilities concerning the tabernacle. According to the Book of Numbers, the Kohathites were charged with the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils (Numbers 3:30-31).

The Izharites, as a subset of the Kohathites, would have participated in these duties, although the Bible does not provide extensive details about their specific tasks. The Kohathites were not to touch the holy objects directly; instead, the priests would cover these items before the Kohathites transported them (Numbers 4:15).

Notable Izharites

One of the most notable figures among the Izharites is Korah, the son of Izhar. Korah is infamously known for leading a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership and the exclusive priesthood of Aaron's descendants. This rebellion is detailed in Numbers 16, where Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other leaders, confronted Moses. The Lord judged Korah and his followers by causing the earth to open and swallow them, demonstrating the seriousness of their challenge to God's appointed order (Numbers 16:31-33).

Despite Korah's rebellion, his descendants, known as the "sons of Korah," were later recognized for their contributions to the worship practices of Israel. Several psalms are attributed to the sons of Korah, indicating a legacy of faith and worship that persisted beyond the rebellion (e.g., Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88).

Genealogical Records

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles provide further insight into the Izharite lineage. In 1 Chronicles 6:18, the sons of Izhar are listed, and in 1 Chronicles 23:12-13, the divisions of the Levites are outlined, including the descendants of Kohath. These records emphasize the structured organization of the Levitical families and their roles in the service of the temple.

Service in the Temple

During the reign of King David, the Levites, including the Izharites, were organized into divisions for the service of the temple. This organization is detailed in 1 Chronicles 23-26, where the Levites are assigned various duties, such as gatekeeping, singing, and assisting the priests. The Izharites, as part of the Kohathite division, would have been involved in these temple services, contributing to the worship and religious life of Israel.

In summary, the Izharites, as descendants of Izhar, played a significant role within the Levitical framework, participating in the sacred duties associated with the tabernacle and temple. Their history, marked by both rebellion and redemption, reflects the broader narrative of the Levites' service to God and the people of Israel.Izharite (4 Occurrences)

Numbers 3:27
Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
(Root in WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

1 Chronicles 24:22
Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

1 Chronicles 26:23
Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites:
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

1 Chronicles 26:29
Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Izharite (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Izharite (4 Occurrences). Numbers 3:27 Of Kohath
was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the ...
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Izhar (10 Occurrences)

/i/izhar.htm - 10k

Izharites (4 Occurrences)

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Shelomoth (5 Occurrences)
... SHELOMOTH. she-lo'-moth, shel'-o-moth, -moth (shelomoth): (1) An Izharite (1 Chronicles
24:22, Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus Salomoth; Lucian, Salomith ...
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