The term "Korahite" refers to the descendants of Korah, a significant figure in the Old Testament. Korah was a Levite, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi (Exodus 6:18, 21). The Korahites are primarily known for their role in the Levitical duties and their association with a notable rebellion against Moses and Aaron.

The Rebellion of Korah

Korah is most famously known for leading a rebellion against Moses and Aaron during the Israelites' wilderness journey. This event is recorded in Numbers 16. Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other leaders, challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, questioning why they exalted themselves above the assembly of the Lord. In response, God demonstrated His choice of Moses and Aaron by causing the earth to open and swallow the rebels, while fire consumed the 250 men offering incense (Numbers 16:31-35).

Despite this rebellion, the line of Korah did not perish entirely. Numbers 26:11 states, "However, the line of Korah did not die out." This indicates that some of Korah's descendants survived and continued to serve in significant roles within the Israelite community.

Levitical Duties and Temple Service

The Korahites were part of the Kohathite division of the Levites, who were responsible for specific duties related to the tabernacle and later the temple. As descendants of Levi, the Korahites were entrusted with sacred responsibilities. 1 Chronicles 6:31-38 outlines the genealogical record of the Levites, including the sons of Korah, who were appointed to serve in the temple.

The Korahites are particularly noted for their role as gatekeepers and musicians in the temple. 1 Chronicles 9:19 states, "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."

Psalms of the Sons of Korah

The "sons of Korah" are credited with authoring several psalms, which are part of the Hebrew Psalter. These psalms include Psalms 42-49, 84, 85, 87, and 88. The themes of these psalms often reflect a deep longing for God, expressions of trust, and the beauty of worship in the temple. For example, Psalm 42:1-2 expresses a profound yearning for God: "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?"

Legacy and Significance

The legacy of the Korahites is a testament to God's grace and redemption. Despite the rebellion led by their ancestor, the descendants of Korah were not only spared but were also given significant roles in the worship and service of God. Their contributions to the Psalms have provided enduring expressions of faith and devotion that continue to inspire believers. The account of the Korahites serves as a reminder of God's mercy and the possibility of restoration and service, even after failure.Korahite

(1 Chronicles 9:19,31) Kor-hite, or Korathite, that portion of the Kohathites who were descended from Korah. They were an important branch of the singers, (2 Chronicles 20:19) hence we find eleven psalms (or twelve, if Psal 43 is included under the same title as Psal 42, dedicated or assigned to the sons of Korah, viz., Psal 42,44-49,84,85,87,88,

5565. Semakyahu -- "Yah has sustained," a Korahite
... 5564, 5565. Semakyahu. 5566 . "Yah has sustained," a Korahite. Transliteration:
Semakyahu Phonetic Spelling: (sem-ak-yaw'-hoo) Short Definition: Semachiah. ...
/hebrew/5565.htm - 6k

3253. Yismakyahu -- "Yah has sustained," a Korahite
... 3252, 3253. Yismakyahu. 3254 . "Yah has sustained," a Korahite. Transliteration:
Yismakyahu Phonetic Spelling: (yis-mak-yaw-hoo') Short Definition: Ismachiah ...
/hebrew/3253.htm - 6k

7145. Qorchi -- descendant of Korah
... Word Origin from Qorach Definition desc. of Korah NASB Word Usage Korah (1), Korahite
(1), Korahites (6). Korahite, Korathite, sons of Kore, Korhite. ...
/hebrew/7145.htm - 6k

The Exile.
... There are first eight Korahite psalms, and one of Asaph's; then a group of fifteen
Davidic (li.-lxv.), followed by two anonymous; then three more of David's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

Korahite (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Korahite (3 Occurrences). Exodus 6:24 The sons of Korah:
Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites. ...
/k/korahite.htm - 7k

Korahites (7 Occurrences)
... The adjective "Korhite" appears also in the King James Version as "Korathite," Kore,"
and "Korahite," the last being the form preferred in the English Revised ...
/k/korahites.htm - 20k

Sons (2429 Occurrences)
... The adjective "Korhite" appears also in the King James Version as "Korathite," Kore,"
and "Korahite," the last being the form preferred in the English Revised ...
/s/sons.htm - 65k

Ko'rahite (1 Occurrence)
Ko'rahite. Korahite, Ko'rahite. Korahites . Multi-Version Concordance Ko'rahite
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Korahite, Ko'rahite. Korahites . Reference Bible
/k/ko'rahite.htm - 6k

Korah (51 Occurrences)
... The adjective "Korhite" appears also in the King James Version as "Korathite," Kore,"
and "Korahite," the last being the form preferred in the English Revised ...
/k/korah.htm - 44k

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)
... Some manuscripts have Zechariah in (1), (a), (b), (3)). Compare ZABDI; ZABDIEL:
(1) Levites: (a) a Korahite doorkeeper of David's reign (1 Chronicles 26:2); (b ...
/z/zebadiah.htm - 11k

Othni (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OTHNI. oth'-ni (`othni, meaning unknown): A son
of Shemaiah, a Korahite Levite (1 Chronicles 26:7). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/o/othni.htm - 7k

Obed-edom (16 Occurrences)
... 15:16-21 Obed-edom is a "singer," and in 1 Chronicles 15:24 a "doorkeeper," while
according to 1 Chronicles 26:4-8, 15 he is a Korahite doorkeeper, to whose ...
/o/obed-edom.htm - 15k

Obededom (15 Occurrences)
... 15:16-21 Obed-edom is a "singer," and in 1 Chronicles 15:24 a "doorkeeper," while
according to 1 Chronicles 26:4-8, 15 he is a Korahite doorkeeper, to whose ...
/o/obededom.htm - 14k

Obed (13 Occurrences)
... (3) One of David's mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:47). (4) A Korahite doorkeeper, son
of Shemaiah, and grandson of Obed-edom (1 Chronicles 26:7). (5) Father of ...
/o/obed.htm - 12k

Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

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