However, the line of Korah did not die out.The word "However" indicates a contrast to the preceding verses, which recount the census of the Israelites and the consequences of Korah's rebellion. Korah, a Levite, led a revolt against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership. As a result, Korah and his followers were swallowed by the earth as a divine judgment (Numbers 16). This phrase highlights a significant exception to the complete destruction of Korah's line.
"The line of Korah" refers to the descendants of Korah, who were spared despite the rebellion. This is significant because it demonstrates God's mercy and the possibility of redemption and restoration. The descendants of Korah went on to become prominent in Israel's history, particularly in the service of the temple. They are credited with several Psalms (e.g., Psalms 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88), which are rich in themes of worship and devotion to God.
"Did not die out" emphasizes the survival and continuation of Korah's lineage. This survival is a testament to God's grace and the idea that one's past does not have to determine one's future. The descendants of Korah became known for their faithfulness and contributions to Israel's worship practices. This phrase also serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's promises and the hope of redemption for future generations.
In a broader biblical context, the sparing of Korah's descendants can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where mercy triumphs over judgment. It underscores the theme of grace that runs throughout Scripture, where God provides opportunities for repentance and restoration.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
KorahA Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership and the priesthood. His account is a cautionary tale about pride and rebellion against God's appointed leaders.
2.
Sons of KorahDespite their father's rebellion, they did not die with him. They are later known for their contributions to the Psalms, indicating a legacy of redemption and faithfulness.
3.
Moses and AaronLeaders of Israel during the wilderness period. They were the targets of Korah's rebellion but were vindicated by God.
4.
The WildernessThe setting for the rebellion and subsequent events, representing a time of testing and judgment for the Israelites.
5.
The RebellionA significant event where Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, resulting in divine judgment.
Teaching Points
God's Mercy and RedemptionDespite the sins of their father, the sons of Korah were spared, illustrating God's mercy and the possibility of redemption and a new legacy.
Individual ResponsibilityThe survival of Korah's sons emphasizes that individuals are not bound by the sins of their ancestors. Each person is responsible for their own relationship with God.
Legacy of WorshipThe sons of Korah went on to contribute significantly to Israel's worship life, showing that God can use anyone for His purposes, regardless of their background.
The Danger of RebellionKorah's account serves as a warning against pride and rebellion against God's appointed leaders, reminding believers to respect and support spiritual authority.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 26:11?
2.How does Numbers 26:11 demonstrate God's mercy despite past rebellion?
3.What lessons can we learn about God's forgiveness from Numbers 26:11?
4.How does Numbers 26:11 connect with God's promises in Exodus 34:6-7?
5.How can we apply God's mercy in Numbers 26:11 to our daily lives?
6.What does Numbers 26:11 teach about consequences and redemption in our spiritual journey?
7.Why did Korah's sons survive when others perished in Numbers 26:11?
8.What does Numbers 26:11 reveal about God's mercy and justice?
9.How does Numbers 26:11 fit into the broader narrative of Israel's wilderness journey?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 26?
11.Are the opening references to the “Sons of Korah” in Psalm 42 historically reliable, or later editorial additions?
12.Who was Korah in the Bible?
13.Who were the Sons of Korah in the Bible?
14.Who was Abiram in the Bible?What Does Numbers 26:11 Mean
However– The word signals a contrast to the surrounding verses that recount the judgment that fell on Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 26:9-10; compareNumbers 16:31-35).
– God’s justice against sin is real and decisive, yet He immediately introduces a note of unexpected mercy.
– Similar “however” moments appear throughout Scripture—after the flood’s devastation, “But God remembered Noah” (Genesis 8:1), and after deserved exile, “Yet I will not destroy them completely” (Jeremiah 30:11).
– Key takeaway: divine judgment and divine mercy operate side-by-side without contradicting one another (seeHabakkuk 3:2;Romans 11:22).
the line of Korah– Though Korah himself perished for leading a coup against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:1-3, 31-33), his children were spared (Numbers 26:11;Deuteronomy 24:16 affirms that children are not to be punished for a parent’s sin).
– Later genealogies show the “sons of Korah” serving faithfully in temple worship (1 Chronicles 6:22-23, 31-38;2 Chronicles 20:19).
– Eleven psalms bear their name (Psalm 42, 44–49, 84, 85, 87, 88), demonstrating that God transformed a disgraced family line into worship leaders.
– Their story embodies hope that a family history of failure does not doom future generations (seeEzekiel 18:20;2 Timothy 1:5).
did not die out– God preserved a remnant of Korah’s descendants, highlighting His covenant faithfulness even amid discipline (Numbers 14:18;Lamentations 3:22-23).
– Preservation allowed the tribe of Levi to maintain necessary personnel for tabernacle duties (Numbers 3:30-32), underlining the Lord’s provision for His people’s worship.
– The ongoing witness of the sons of Korah reminds believers that repentance and renewed service are always possible (Psalm 85:4-7;1 John 1:9).
– Bullet points on application:
• Personal past failures don’t cancel future usefulness.
• God’s purposes move forward despite human rebellion.
• Households can break sinful patterns and become channels of blessing (Acts 16:31-34).
summaryNumbers 26:11 is a brief but powerful statement of divine mercy: even though Korah was judged, God preserved his offspring. The verse underscores that the Lord’s judgments are precise, not indiscriminate; His grace can redeem a tarnished heritage; and His faithfulness guarantees a future for those who turn back to Him.
(11)
Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.--See Notes on
Numbers 16:27;
Numbers 16:32.
Verse 11. -
The children of Korah died not. The confused nature of the narrative in chapter 16 is well exemplified by this statement; we should certainly have supposed from
Numbers 16:32 that Korah's sons had perished with him, if we were not here told to the contrary. The sons of Korah are frequently mentioned among the Levites, and Samuel himself would seem to have been of them (see on 1 Chronicles 6:22, 28, 33-38, and titles to
Psalm 42, 88, etc.); it is, however, slightly doubtful whether the Kohathite Korah of
1 Chronicles 6:22, the ancestor of Samuel, is the same as the Izharite Korah, the ancestor of Heman, in
1 Chronicles 6:38.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
However, the lineוּבְנֵי־(ū·ḇə·nê-)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Korahקֹ֖רַח(qō·raḥ)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7141:Korah -- an Edomite name, also an Israelite namedid notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nodie out.מֵֽתוּ׃(mê·ṯū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4191:To die, to kill
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OT Law: Numbers 26:11 Notwithstanding the sons of Korah didn't die (Nu Num.) 
