The Sons of Korah
Sharon W. Betters
TODAY’S TREASURE
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13
There are varying opinions on the author of Psalm 84. Some think David wrote it in the context of his son Absalom’s attempt on his life (Matthew Henry Commentary). But there is another possibility that requires our consideration. When I was younger, I paid little attention to notes similar to the one accompanying Psalm 84:
To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah.
Ignoring this brief statement robs us of a picture of God’s amazing grace. Because it is addressed “to the choirmaster” we know it is meant to be sung as part of corporate worship. Additionally, one meaning of “The Gittith” is a stringed instrument, perhaps a precursor to the guitar. We can conclude that as official worship leaders, the Sons of Korah led the congregation in singing this Psalm and many others with the accompaniment of stringed instruments.
While some think David wrote it for the Sons of Korah to sing in worship, others believe the Sons of Korah not only led worship but wrote this Psalm as they did at least ten others. Either way, who are the sons of Korah? We find their story in Numbers 16 where we learn their history starts thousands of years earlier in the time of Moses as the Israelites left Egypt and began their trek through the wilderness. Imagine how difficult it would be to lead one million men and their families on such a journey. Clearly, a well-oiled machine required explicit organization, especially when it came to moving the tabernacle and all its parts. Though God chose the Levites out of the tribes of Israel to care for the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, He instructs Moses that only the sons of Aaron could serve as priests:
And you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall guard their priesthood. But if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death.
The priesthood was a high calling with enormous responsibilities. The care of the Tabernacle and all its accouterments carried great honor. Each of Levi’s three sons, Gershon, Merar, and Kohath had specific tasks. The Gershonites took care of the tabernacle and tent, including all the coverings, curtains, ropes, etc. (Numbers 3:21-26). God assigned the Merarites responsibility for the structural parts of the Tabernacle, including the framework, posts, pegs, and ropes (Numbers 3:33-37). Lastly, God gave the Kohathites the responsibility of caring for the interior of the tabernacle, the sanctuary (Numbers 3:27-32). They protected and transported the ark, lamp stand, altars, the curtain, and much more. Eleazar, son of Aaron supervised the Kohathites.
The Gershonites and the Merarites carried the items under their care on carts but per God’s instructions, the Kohathites transported the sanctuary items by carrying them on their shoulders. Additionally, they were not allowed to touch these items. Numbers 4:15 tells us they wrapped the objects in special coverings in order to carry them from place to place. Imagine how difficult it would be for the Kohathites to move from place to place, with items like the ark, lamp stand, etc. on their shoulders each time. Imagine the stress of making sure no one touched these items. Some of the Kohathites began to despise their assignment and fixed their eyes on the priesthood.
As so often happens in life, discontent found discontent. Korah, the grandson of Kohath, started hanging out with Dathan and Abiram who were Reubenite malcontents. Their dissatisfaction led to sinful pride and anger toward God’s laws. In time, they gathered a “mob” of about 250 well-known men (chiefs of the congregation) who challenged Moses’ leadership and Aaron’s right to the priesthood (Numbers 16).
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
How many times have you said, “If only…..” Fill in the blank: If only I had more money; If only my husband was more like hers; If only I was thinner; If only I was richer; If only my boss appreciated my work…..”
Implied in our “If only” is that our happiness, joy or even worth is rooted in that one thing we wish we had. The Korahites lament, “If only we were priests…..” revealed their discontent with God’s plans. It all sounds so foolish, doesn’t it? And yet, throughout my life, I have struggled with contentment. Apparently, the Apostle Paul struggled as well.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
As we watch the Korahites spiral downward, let’s ask God to use their story to reveal any discontentment we harbor in our own hearts. Tomorrow let’s go down a rabbit trail to better understand how the seeds of discontent spread like the seeds of a dandelion and lead to bitter-tasting fruit and chaos.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Monday, 04 December 2023.
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