Igniting Insight · 17 February 2026

Descendants redeemed!

By Rev. Dr. J.N. Manokaran · 2 min read

The Psalms of the Sons of Korah are inspiring. Did the descendants of Korah also die along with their father? “Nevertheless, the children of Korah did not die.” (Numbers 26:11)

Rebellion

Korah was the grandson of Kohath, one of the three sons of Levi. Probably, he envied his cousins, who were descendants of Aaron. Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebelled against God-ordained leaders, including Moses, and died miserably. The ground under them split apart, and they were consumed. (Numbers 16:31-32) However, God spared the sons of Korah.

Repentance

When Moses commanded all the Israelites to depart from the tents of these men, the descendants of Korah also fled. They wisely chose not to follow their earthly father but decided to follow God and obey His commandments. Hence, they stood with Moses instead of their father, Korah. Perhaps Moses also interceded for them. Sadly, the children of Dathan and Abiram died as they joined their fathers in rebellion.

Redeemed by mercy

God was merciful to the repentant descendants of Korah. Though he perished, his descendants became prominent in Israel. King David recruited them for the music ministry in the tabernacle as doorkeepers and custodians of the Tabernacle. (I Chronicles 9:19-21) God honoured their faith and allowed them to write psalms, of which eleven are included in the holy Scripture.

Autobiographical psalm

Sons of Korah sing unto the Lord in gratitude, remembering the historical judgment and God’s gracious redemption. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way,” (Psalm 46:1-2). They have either witnessed or heard from their forefathers how the earth gave away or opened up and swallowed the rebels.

Obey in the Lord

Children are obliged to obey their parents in the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1) The children of Korah were not bound to obey him because he rebelled against God, rejected warnings, and was stubborn until the judgment came upon him. Hence, the sons of Korah were not punished for disobedience, as they obeyed God by disobeying their father.