Korahites

Korahites were an Israelite Levitical clan descended from Korah, a Kohathite, and thus part of the wider Levitical division set apart for temple service. In the biblical narrative of Numbers 16, Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The earth opened and swallowed Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their followers, while 250 men who offered incense were consumed by fire. The surviving line of Korah continued to serve in the sanctuary, and later biblical sources attribute to them specific Levitical duties, including gatekeeping and guardianship of thresholds (as described in 1 Chronicles 9:19–20 and 26:1–19).

The Korahites were also associated with liturgical functions and musical roles within the temple. The Sons of Korah, a group of Levite singers or musicians, are linked to temple worship and are traditionally credited with composing or performing certain psalms attributed to them. The Psalms commonly associated with the Sons of Korah include Psalm 42 through 49 and Psalm 84 through 88, reflecting their enduring contribution to Israelite worship and biblical poetry.

In biblical tradition, the Korahites illustrate how a Levitical clan could sustain specialized religious duties across generations, transforming a narrative of rebellion into a lasting legacy in temple service and liturgical poetry.