Numbers 26:11

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

Notwithstanding the children {H1121} of Korah {H7141} died {H4191} not.

(However, the sons of Korach did not die.)

However, the line of Korah did not die out.

Notwithstanding, the sons of Korah died not.

Commentary

Numbers 26:11 (KJV) stands as a remarkable exception within the account of God's severe judgment against the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. The verse states, "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not," providing a crucial detail about the aftermath of this significant challenge to divine authority.

Context of Numbers 26:11

This verse appears during the second census of Israel, taken in the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land. The census serves to count the new generation and allocate land, but it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the events of the wilderness wandering, including the rebellion of Korah detailed in Numbers chapter 16. Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram, Reubenites, challenged the leadership of Moses and the priesthood of Aaron. God's judgment was swift and catastrophic: the earth swallowed Dathan and Abiram and their households, while fire consumed Korah and 250 others who offered incense. Amidst this widespread destruction, Numbers 26:11 highlights a specific act of divine discretion: the immediate descendants of Korah were spared.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Mercy: This verse beautifully illustrates the dual nature of God's character. While His justice is absolute against rebellion, His mercy is precise and selective. It demonstrates that God's judgment is not indiscriminate but targets the guilty, even within families.
  • Individual Accountability: The sparing of Korah's children underscores the principle of individual accountability. Though their father was a leader in a severe rebellion, the children were not automatically condemned for his sin. This concept is further developed in passages like Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18:20, which state that children should not be put to death for the sins of their parents.
  • Preservation and Future Hope: The survival of Korah's lineage is a testament to God's ability to bring forth good even from a challenging past. Remarkably, descendants of Korah later became prominent temple musicians and gatekeepers, with several Psalms attributed to the "sons of Korah" (e.g., Psalm 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 84, 85, 87, 88). This shows God's redemptive power and His faithfulness to preserve a remnant for His purposes.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase for "died not" is ืœึนื ืžึตืชื•ึผ (*lo' metu*), a simple yet powerful negation. It emphatically states that despite the widespread death associated with Korah's rebellion, his children were specifically exempted from this immediate judgment, highlighting a deliberate act of divine preservation.

Practical Application

Numbers 26:11 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • It reminds us that God's judgment is always righteous and perfectly discerning. He sees the heart and acts with both justice and profound mercy.
  • We are not necessarily bound by the sins of our ancestors. While consequences can be complex, God deals with each individual based on their own choices and relationship with Him.
  • Even when a lineage or community faces significant challenges or falls into sin, God can preserve and raise up individuals for His glory. There is always hope for redemption and a new beginning, even from the most unlikely circumstances.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 6:24

    And the sons of Korah; Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph: these [are] the families of the Korhites.

  • Psalms 48:1

    ยถ A Song [and] Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, [in] the mountain of his holiness.

  • 1 Chronicles 6:22

    The sons of Kohath; Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son,

  • 1 Chronicles 6:28

    And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.

  • Psalms 47:1

    ยถ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

  • Psalms 44:1

    ยถ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

  • Psalms 45:1

    ยถ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves. My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue [is] the pen of a ready writer.
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