Korah led a rebellion against Moses and against God. However, his sons did not stand with him in that rebellion and they were not destroyed. Instead they went on to write eleven of the Psalms which showed great devotion to the Lord such as Psalm 42:1-2 “To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” 

The sons of Korah began their service to the Lord as gatekeepers for the tabernacle. Korah was not satisfied with the position that he held in serving the Lord. He let his envy and jealousy not only get the best of him, he also spread strife among the people serving in the temple. The earth swallowed him up and a fire consumed his 250 followers. However, Korah’s children served God with all their might not walking in the ways of Korah. They penned Psalm 84:10 “For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.” They also wrote psalms proclaiming the mighty acts of the Lord, Psalm 46:8 “Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.” 

Their writings express highest praise and devotion to the Lord and promote trust in the Lord. Psalm 84:1 “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” Psalm 84:4 “Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You.”, Psalm 84:7 “They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.” 

These Psalms are said to show deep humility and a sense of understanding of how little man is before a mighty God in their works. The Psalms that they are credited for are Psalms 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 84, 85, 87 and 88. 

The sons of Korah teach us to walk our own walk with the Lord regardless of the sometimes-poor examples within our family tree. We can redeem our family name if our family has a Korah as an ancestor – one that was or is in rebellion to the ways of the Lord. We are the gatekeepers of our own hearts. Let us be truly grateful to the Lord who dwells within our temple and serve Him with compassion like the sons of Korah.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the mercy that allows us to break free from generational cycles of rebellion and pride. Like the sons of Korah, help us to choose devotion over division and worship over bitterness. Make us faithful gatekeepers, grateful for every opportunity to serve in Your presence, no matter how small it seems. Teach us to steward our hearts with humility and reverence, and let our lives declare the beauty of dwelling in Your house. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. 

 

Examine the "gate" of your heart, what are you allowing in or keeping out? Are there attitudes, habits, or family patterns that need to be confronted and surrendered to God? This week, intentionally choose one area where you can realign with God’s purposes, whether in your thoughts, speech, or service.