Hidden Heroes: "Sons of Korah", Psalm Writers

by David Chadwick

Our next hidden heroes are a group of people called the “sons of Korah.”

Who were they? They were the descendants of people who were involved in one of the most despicable incidents in all of Scripture. A horrendous story of rebellion, which the Word of God says is as bad as divination and witchcraft (1 Samuel 15:23). Let’s take a look together.

Korah led a rebellion against Moses. He thought he should be Israel’s leader and plotted a conniving coup against him. This was not good news for Korah.

As a result of this rebellion, God brought Korah, his family, along with all of the rebels who joined the attack out in front of their tents.

As the Bible tells us, “the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up together with Korah” (Numbers 26:10). If you’ve ever wondered how God feels about rebellion and injustice, this is a pretty sobering passage to read. But the story doesn’t stop here. Verse 11 says, “But the sons of Korah did not die” (Numbers 26:11).

Wow! Can you imagine what this Bible scene must have looked like in reality? Evidently, some way, somehow and because of an obvious means of God’s grace for his providential purposes, some of Korah’s descendants survived. And do you know what they went on to do? Become prolific psalm writers.

Psalms 42, 44-48, 84-85, and 87-88 were all written by the sons of Korah. Think about the rich insights from these Psalms.

Psalm 42:1 says, “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”

Or in Psalm 46:1 which says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Why do I love the sons of Korah so much? Because it’s a living display of how God can break generational curses! You are not consigned to your family’s bad decisions and past infidelities!

Reverse the curse from your family’s mistakes! Choose to alter a new course for your life. Follow Jesus faithfully. And begin to write a new song for your life and the life of your future generations!