The sons of Korah are mentioned several times in the Old Testament, beginning in Exodus 6. They were Levites, from the family of Kohath. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the holy objects of the tabernacle during the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites.
The genealogical records in Exodus 6:24 tell us, “The sons of Korah: Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph. These are the clans of the Korahites.” Numbers 26:58 also lists these three men as the sons of Korah.
Later, in 1 Chronicles 6, we find additional information about these sons of Korah. 1 Chronicles 6:22 lists Assir, Elkanah, and Ebiasaph as the sons of Korah. Then several verses later, 1 Chronicles 6:33-38 gives more detail about descendants of these three sons of Korah.
From Assir came the clan leader Tahath, then his son Uriel, then Uriel’s son Uzziah, and Uzziah’s son Shaul. From Elkanah came the clan leader Amasai and his son Ahimoth, then Ahimoth’s son Elkanah, then Elkanah’s sons Zophai and Nahath. From Ebiasaph came the clan leader Assir, then his son Tahath, then Tahath’s son Uriel.
So in summary, the genealogy given in 1 Chronicles 6 identifies the 3 sons of Korah as:
- Assir
- Elkanah
- Ebiasaph (also called Abiasaph)
These men were the founders of clans that bore their names. The passages in Exodus and Numbers focus just on these 3 men as Korah’s immediate sons. First Chronicles provides more details about two or three generations of descendants after them.
The rebellion of Korah
One of the more well-known incidents involving the family of Korah is the rebellion of Korah recorded in Numbers 16. This story highlights the dangers of the sin of presumption.
Korah joined with two men named Dathan and Abiram, from the tribe of Reuben, in rebelling against the authority of Moses and Aaron. They accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the rest of the congregation (Numbers 16:3). Korah particularly seemed to desire to obtain the priesthood that God had appointed to Aaron (Numbers 16:10).
When Moses heard these complaints, he fell on his face and proposed a test to allow God to show who was holy and approved to serve Him. God then supernaturally caused the ground to open up and swallow Korah, Dathan and Abiram alive into Sheol (Numbers 16:31-33). God also sent fire to consume 250 men who had joined in offering incense with Korah’s rebellion. This judgment showed God’s hatred of the sin of presumption and jealousy, and His defense of those He had called to lead His people.
It may seem surprising then that later in Israel’s history we find descendants of Korah alive and well, and contributing in service to God. This shows God’s judgment was specifically on the rebellious men themselves who challenged Moses and Aaron, not on the future generations of their families.
Roles of Korah’s descendants
The descendants of Korah no longer traced their lineage back to the rebellious Korah after this incident. But the sons of Korah continued living and had children, restarting the lineages named for Assir, Elkanah and Ebiasaph.
These descendants of Korah were entrusted with care of the tabernacle and temple items, as 1 Chronicles 9:19 relates: “Shallum the son of Kore, son of Ebiasaph, son of Korah, and his kinsmen of his fathers’ house, the Korahites, were in charge of the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent, as their fathers had been in charge of the camp of the LORD, keepers of the entrance.”
In 1 Chronicles 26, we find record of these gatekeepers and keepers of the thresholds coming from the sons of Korah (v. 1, 9, 19), showing they continued in this role that their ancestor Korah had been honored with.
Some of the psalms were written by “the sons of Korah” (Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87). These may have originated from the Levitical singers descended from Korah in David’s time. Their words were made scripture and used in worship of the true God their ancestor had rebelled against. God’s mercy is shown in restoring this family to service.
So in summary, after the initial judgment on the rebellious Korah, his descendants through Assir, Elkanah and Ebiasaph continued living and contributing to the worship and work of God in roles their ancestor had once held. The name of Korah was no longer used when speaking of them because of its connection with rebellion and sin. But God mercifully allowed this family to continue and make offerings of service and praise to Him through the descendants of Korah’s sons.
Sons of Korah in the New Testament
In the New Testament, Jude verse 11 mentions “the rebellion of Korah” when giving examples of ungodly persons and behaviors to avoid. This reference reminds New Testament believers of the dangers of rebellion, false teaching, and self-elevation.
But although Korah’s rebellion brought judgment, we can praise God that He showed mercy to Korah’s sons. The descendants of the sons of Korah were able to have a place of service in God’s work. And the Psalms written by “the sons of Korah” were God-breathed Scripture, containing prophecies of Christ and bringing God glory through worship.
This display of God’s judgment yet mercy gives us a warning and hope. For any who repent, God is able to forgive rebellion and transform lives to serve and worship Him. As Hebrews 13:15 (ESV) encourages, “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”
Key facts about the sons of Korah
- Korah rebelled against Moses and Aaron’s leadership and received God’s judgment (Numbers 16)
- Korah’s sons Assir, Elkanah and Ebiasaph survived (Exodus 6:24)
- 1 Chronicles 6 gives more genealogical details for descendants of Korah’s sons
- The clans of the sons of Korah served as keepers of the tabernacle treasures and thresholds (1 Chronicles 9:19)
- Some Psalms were written by “the sons of Korah” – possibly Levite musicians descended from them
- Jude 11 uses “Korah’s rebellion” as a sobering example of sin
- God showed mercy in preserving and restoring Korah’s family to service, providing hope
Lessons from the sons of Korah
The accounts involving the sons of Korah in the Old Testament provide some valuable lessons and insight:
- Presume not to take roles God has not called you to take, as Korah did in challenging the priesthood.
- God hates sin and rebellion but also shows mercy on future generations of those judged for it.
- Though their ancestor brought shame, the sons of Korah could still faithfully serve God’s purposes.
- God redeeming this family shows no one’s legacy is beyond hope if they turn to God.
- Korah’s story reminds us to humbly serve in our callings and avoid coveting roles of others.
- The Psalms of the sons of Korah teach us God can use the words of anyone for His glory.
The Old Testament account of Korah’s family provides both a sobering warning against rebellion and a hope-filled reminder of God’s mercy across generations. Though the sons of Korah came from a rebellious line, God empowered them to serve Him faithfully. Their story provides lessons for bible readers across the ages to humbly follow God’s call.
Significance for Christians today
For Christians today, studying about Korah and his descendants provides some valuable perspectives:
- A reminder of the dangers of challenging those God has appointed to lead
- An example to serve faithfully in the roles and gifts God has given us
- Motivation to guard our hearts against jealousy over how God uses others
- Encouragement that no family line is beyond God’s redemption
- Evidence that God hates rebellion but loves to show mercy
Additionally, the Psalms written by the sons of Korah remind us our words can point people to the greatness and grace of God, no matter our family history. God is sovereign over each generation and able to work through anyone open to His purpose.
The lessons from the sons of Korah are as relevant now as ever. As believers today, this family’s faithfulness despite its roots reminds us to honor those God places over us. And their enduring legacy drives home the abundant hope we have in Christ’s redemptive power.