The Sons Of Korah

by J. Renfrew, Paisley | Category: General | Apr 1977

Nestling in the book of the Psalms, like apples of gold in baskets of silver, is a group of psalms attributed to the sons of Korah. These comprise Psalms 42 to 49, 84,85, 87 and 88. A consideration of the historical background of the writers of these psalms and the place they filled in the service of God and His house is a profitable study.

The sons of Korah were a Levitical family descended through Kohath. A reference to their genealogy is contained in Exodus 6:18,21. Their service in the days of the tabernacle is detailed in Numbers 4:1-16 and they also took part in the general tabernacle duties allocated to the Levites (see Num. 18:1-6).

Korah came into prominence at the time of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron mentioned in Numbers 16. Not content with the service which the Lord had allotted to them, he and others desired a place of eminence and were severely judged of the Lord. The earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all that appertained unto them, and all their goods. Such was the Lord's displeasure at their rebellion, yet He was merciful to their children, so that we read in Numbers 26:11, "Notwithstanding, the sons of Korah died not".

When David brought the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem, he appointed singers from the three main families of the Levites and one of these was Heman, who was of the sons of Korah (1 Chr. 6:33,38). Heman, it will also be noted, was a grandson of Samuel the prophet, and no doubt Samuel's godly life and influence would be a factor in the godly aspirations of Heman and his family. Associated with Heman in the service of song in the house of the Lord were his sons and daughters (1 Chr. 25:5,6) and in association with the other Levitical families, they were responsible for the continual song of praise which ascended to the Lord from His house in Jerusalem. Some of the sons of Korah were also doorkeepers in the house of the Lord and details of this service are given in 1 Chr. 26.

What kind of persons were the sons of Korah? It is evident from the psalms which bear their name that they had deep desires after God and His house, see Psalms 42, 43. It is not known at what period of time these psalms were written, but adverse circumstances had made more intense their longing for the service of God. They had a deep love for Zion, as Psalm 87 shows, and Psalm 48 gives a glowing account of the Lord's dwelling-place and what it meant to the godly Israelite.

Through their writings also, the Holy Spirit speaks of the Person of Christ, and Psalm 45 must surely be one of the most beautiful of the Messianic Psalms, portraying the glories of the King and those associated with Him in His coming kingdom.

What lessons can we learn from the sons of Korah? Have not we also been spared from the wrath of God that we might praise Him in His house? Men and women with aspirations after God will be able to say with the sons of Korah,

"0 send out Thy light and Thy truth; let them lead me,

Let them bring me unto Thy holy hill,

And to Thy tabernacles.

Then I will go unto the altar of God,

Unto God my exceeding joy: and upon the harp will I praise Thee, 0 my God"

(Psa. 43:3,4).

Circumstances may arise in the life of the believer which cause doubt and despondency, as they did to the sons of Korah, but we also can say,

"Why art thou cast down, 0 my soul?

And why art thou disquieted within me?

Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him,

Who is the health of my countenance, and my God" (Psa. 42:11).

Times of sorrow may come into the life of the believer, as they did to the sons of Korah, but they could say,