The Psalms of the Sons of Korah (Psalm 42-49)

Let us consider these Psalms, 42-49, that are attributed to “the sons of Korah.”  There were 5 fighting men who joined David in the early years, Benjamites, whose father was Korah (I Chron. 12:6).  But more likely these Psalm titles refer to descendants of Levi, the son of Jacob, who were part of the musical ministry surrounding the temple.  

Levi had 3 sons: Gershom, Kohath and Mereri.  Kohath had 4 sons.  The first, Amram, was father of Aaron and Moses.  The second, Ishar, had 3 sons, the oldest being Korah.  Interestingly Korah died in a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron, the Scripture is specific that his children did not die (Num. 26:9-11).  David selected three worship leaders, each a descendant of the three sons of Levi.  These three were Heman the singer, a descendant of Kohath; Asaph who stood at his (David’s) right hand, a descendant of Gershom; and on the left hand Ethan (referred to elsewhere as Jeduthan), a descendant of Merari.  (The detailed geneology of all three is in 1 Chronicles 6:31-48).  All three of these men were noted in the titles of various Psalms.  

The question we are asking here is whether this series of 8 Psalms (7 if you join 42 and 43 as many do) is connected by more than the human song-writers?  Most I suppose would say “no” but I would like to note what an amazing coincidence is, at least.  I see the eventual fulfillment of “the mystery of God” in these songs.

The “mystery of God” is said to be fulfilled in “the days of the sounding of the seventh angel” (Revelation 10:7), a mystery declared to God’s servants the prophets.  That mystery is quite front and center in the Psalms, being clearly declared in Psalm 2 in God’s promise to make His Son the heir of all things and the ruler over His enemies.  Psalm 110 reveals that the Son’s session at the right hand of the Father is a time of waiting until all His enemies are placed under His feet.  This is the point of history and comes to its conclusion in the closing chapters of Revelation.  

The Bible states that in those days Israel will be delivered from a time of terrible oppression by the nations and Christ, God’s Son, will assume the throne of David to rule all the nations from Zion.  His enemies will have been subdued.

Consider Psalm 42-49 as to whether or not this very series of events is in view.

·        Psalm 42-43: The despairing saint is encouraged to “hope in God”.

·        Psalm 44: Israel is cast down and scattered among the nations.  From there she cries out to God for deliverance.

·        Psalm 45: The Messiah is exalted to His throne, a King forever.

·        Psalm 46: The raging nations are subdued.  Wars cease as the weapons of the nations are broken.

·        Psalm 47: The Lord Most High is the King of the earth, ruler of the nations.  “The shields of the earth belong to God.”

·        Psalm 48: Glorious is the City of God, Jerusalem, Zion, the seat of the Davidic King, the Messiah.

·        Psalm 49: The question is, “Why should I fear?”  It is directed to all the nations, “rich and poor” alike.  It is, appropriately, a strong call to faith.

Perhaps you will want to spend some time in these Psalms and in the essential question for every person today: have you humbled yourself before the King, God’s Anointed One, His only Son.  As Psalm 2 implores us: Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little.  Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him (v12).