Sons and Daughters of Rebellion.

We all might be familiar with the fact that King David is famous for writing a good chunk of the Psalms. When we think of those beautiful lyrics, we instantly think the composer is the one after His own heart. However, a great deal of those praises are written by these men known as the sons of Korah. You might be thinking, ok cool, who are these guys and why do they matter? I thought the same thing. Who are the sons of Korah, and why are they included in the collection of Psalms?

First of all, the sons of Korah are related to one of the biggest rebels during the time of Aaron and Moses. Because of his rebellion and disobedience to Moses and to God, Korah and his followers fell through where the grounds of earth parted. Their ancestor Korah was swallowed up by the earth (Numbers 16:1-40). A total nightmare. As extremely intense as it sounds, it is a huge part of who the sons of Korah are. Although Korah was rebuked by God, He spared these sons. Plot twist. He not only spared the sons, but He also gave them one of the most humble and heavy jobs in the Old Testament.

The sons of Korah were the gatekeepers of worship, which is noted during the reign of King David (1 Chronicles 9:17-34). Despite the rebellious nature of their past family member, the sons of Korah were entrusted with inviting, maintaining, and living within the tent of the Lord. The sons of rebellion were asked to fully care for and protect the Heavenly Father's place of worship (woah). Day and night, the sons of Korah opened the doors to those who wanted to worship. They maintained all that belonged to the Lord and what was essential to worshipping Him. They were also in charge of musical worship, which is how their compositions landed in the Bible’s Psalm collection. 

I couldn’t help but be drawn to these sons of rebellion.

God spared them, and He entrusted them and brought them near to Him despite what had been done before them.

We have so much in common with these little-known Psalmists. We are sons and daughters of rebellion. However, we are also entrusted to draw near to Him, to bring others close to Him, and sing out for all people to “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy!” (Psalm 47:1). We are also gatekeepers of worship. We also have the sweet inheritance to be in His presence day and night. Despite the rebellious nature of the first human beings, we are spared through Jesus Christ. He has not only spared us, but He has also given us His Son to take on one of the most humble and heavy sacrifices--which was meant to be ours.

This is why I am drawn to the sons of Korah. I--one who was once a daughter of rebellion--want to live a life of worship like the sons of Korah.

words by Kayla Scott and photo by Kiana Dundore