The Korahites, or Korahites, are a significant group within the Levitical tribe of Israel, descending from Korah, a grandson of Levi. The lineage of Korah is notable for both its infamous rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as well as its later contributions to the worship practices of Israel.

Ancestry and Rebellion

Korah, the progenitor of the Korahites, was a son of Izhar, who was a son of Kohath, the second son of Levi (Exodus 6:18, 21). The Kohathites, including the Korahites, were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings (Numbers 4:1-20).

The most infamous event associated with Korah is his rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as recorded in Numbers 16. Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other leaders, challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron, questioning their authority and the special status of the priesthood. The rebellion ended dramatically when the earth opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, while fire consumed the 250 men offering incense (Numbers 16:31-35). Despite this, the line of Korah did not perish entirely, as noted in Numbers 26:11: "However, the line of Korah did not die out."

Role in Worship and Temple Service

Despite their ancestor's rebellion, the descendants of Korah, known as the Korahites, were later recognized for their faithful service in the temple. They became prominent in the musical aspect of worship, serving as singers and musicians in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The Korahites were among the Levitical families appointed by King David to lead in song and music (1 Chronicles 6:31-38).

Several psalms are attributed to the sons of Korah, reflecting their role in the spiritual life of Israel. These include Psalms 42-49, 84, 85, 87, and 88. These psalms often express deep devotion, longing for God's presence, and trust in His deliverance. For example, Psalm 42:1-2 states, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?"

Guardians of the Temple Gates

In addition to their musical contributions, the Korahites also served as gatekeepers in the temple. This role was crucial for maintaining the sanctity and security of the temple precincts. 1 Chronicles 9:19 notes, "Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his fellow gatekeepers from his family, the Korahites, were responsible for guarding the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been responsible for guarding the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD."

Legacy

The legacy of the Korahites is a testament to God's grace and redemption. Despite the rebellion of their ancestor, the descendants of Korah were restored to a place of honor and service in the worship of Yahweh. Their contributions to the spiritual and liturgical life of Israel highlight the transformative power of God's forgiveness and the enduring importance of faithful service.Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)

Exodus 6:24
The sons of Korah: Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites.
(See RSV)

Numbers 26:58
These are the families of Levi: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korahites. Kohath became the father of Amram.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 9:19
Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brothers, of his father's house, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent: and their fathers had been over the camp of Yahweh, keepers of the entry.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 12:6
Elkanah, and Isshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites,
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 26:1
For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 26:19
These were the divisions of the doorkeepers; of the sons of the Korahites, and of the sons of Merari.
(See RSV)

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)
Ko'rahites. Korahites, Ko'rahites. Kor'ahites . Multi-Version Concordance
Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences). Exodus 6:24 The sons of Korah ...
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Korahites (7 Occurrences)

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Kor'ahites (1 Occurrence)
Kor'ahites. Ko'rahites, Kor'ahites. Korah's . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Ko'rahites, Kor'ahites. Korah's . Reference Bible.
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