The Hebrew word Qôwrêʼ, represented by H6981, is the proper name Kore. The word itself means "crier," and it appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. It is used to identify at least two different Levites who were assigned positions of significant responsibility in the service of the house of the LORD.
In the biblical narrative, H6981 is used to identify Levites serving in key roles. One Kore is mentioned as the ancestor of porters, including his son Meshelemiah 1 Chronicles 26:1 and his descendant Shallum, who was a keeper of the gates of the tabernacle 1 Chronicles 9:19. Another man named Kore, the son of Imnah the Levite, was himself a porter who was given authority over the freewill offerings of God and was responsible to distribute the oblations of the LORD 2 Chronicles 31:14.
Several related words help to clarify the context surrounding the duties of the individuals named Kore:
- H7778 shôwʻêr (doorkeeper, porter): This title is the primary role associated with both men named Kore and their families. They were appointed to serve by their courses at the gates 2 Chronicles 8:14, a crucial function in temple service.
- H7145 Qorchîy (Korahite, Korhite): This term identifies the Levitical lineage of the Kore who was an ancestor of the porters Shallum and Meshelemiah. The Korhites were a prominent family assigned duties as keepers of the tabernacle gates 1 Chronicles 9:19.
- H5592 çaph (threshold, gate, post): This word refers to the physical location of the porters' service. The Korahites were designated as keepers of the gates H5592 of the tabernacle 1 Chronicles 9:19.
- H3996 mâbôwʼ (an entrance, entry): The fathers of the Korahite gatekeepers had been keepers of the entry to the host of the LORD 1 Chronicles 9:19, highlighting a generational responsibility for guarding access.
The roles associated with H6981 are significant to the operational integrity of Israel's worship.
- Guardianship of Sacred Space: As porters, the men named Kore and their sons were designated as keepers H8104 of the gates 1 Chronicles 9:19. This duty was essential for protecting the sanctity of the holy areas and overseeing who entered.
- Stewardship of Holy Offerings: Kore the son of Imnah was trusted to distribute H5414 the oblations H8641 of the LORD 2 Chronicles 31:14. This role required great integrity in managing the sacred things given to God.
- Ordered Levitical Service: The assignment of these men into specific divisions H4256 of porters 1 Chronicles 26:1 underscores their place within the structured and organized system of worship established for the nation.
In summary, H6981 Kore is a proper name consistently linked to the vital temple duties of porters and gatekeepers. The individuals bearing this name were entrusted with the guardianship of sacred entrances and the administration of holy offerings. Their service illustrates the importance of specific, trusted families within the organized structure of Levitical worship and the maintenance of the house of the LORD.
TRV