Kore
Biblical Figures Named Kore
The name Kore appears in the Hebrew Bible referring to at least two distinct Levites, both associated with temple service. The name itself (קֹרֵא, qōrē) likely means "one who proclaims" or "caller," fitting for individuals involved in sacred duties.
Kore the Korahite Gatekeeper
The most detailed biblical information about Kore comes from 1 Chronicles. He is identified as a Levite from the line of Kohath, specifically descended from Korah (1 Chronicles 9:19; 26:1). This Kore lived during King David's reign and was the father of Meshelemiah (also called Shallum), who served as chief gatekeeper for the tabernacle (1 Chronicles 9:21; 26:14).
The Chronicler presents this Kore as part of an important lineage of temple servants. The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 9:19 traces Shallum's descent "from the sons of Korah" through Kore and Ebiasaph, though this likely represents a telescoped genealogy omitting many generations. This connection establishes a continuous line of sanctuary ministry from the time of Moses (through Korah, though his rebellion is noted in Numbers 16) through David's reign and into the post-exilic period when the Chronicler was writing.
Kore the Overseer of Offerings
A second Kore appears in 2 Chronicles 31:14 during the reign of King Hezekiah (late 8th century BCE). This Kore, son of Imnah, served as gatekeeper at the East Gate of the temple and was appointed by Hezekiah's official Azariah to oversee "the freewill offerings to God" and distribute the contributions among the priests. This administrative role was crucial during Hezekiah's religious reforms when temple worship was restored and systematized.
Some scholars suggest this later Kore may have belonged to the same Korahite lineage as the earlier figure, representing the continuation of that family's temple service across generations.
The Korahite Connection
Both individuals named Kore are connected to the broader group known as Korahites—descendants of Korah who, despite their ancestor's rebellion (Numbers 16), became faithful temple servants. The Psalms include several compositions attributed to "the sons of Korah" (Psalms 42-49, 84-85, 87-88), indicating their role in Israel's worship music. The Kores mentioned in Chronicles likely belonged to this same musical and service-oriented lineage.
Significance in Chronicles' Narrative
The Chronicler emphasizes temple worship and proper religious order. By highlighting figures like Kore and tracing their lineage across Israel's history, the writer demonstrates God's faithfulness in maintaining a worshiping community through the Davidic monarchy, the divided kingdom, and into the post-exilic period. These seemingly minor officials represent the continuity of proper worship that was central to Israel's identity.
Biblical Context
The name Kore appears in three primary biblical contexts: 1) As the father of Meshelemiah/Shallum, a chief gatekeeper during David's reign (1 Chronicles 9:19; 26:1); 2) As an overseer of freewill offerings during Hezekiah's reforms (2 Chronicles 31:14); and 3) Possibly as a reference to the Korahites as a group (1 Chronicles 26:1 KJV). All occurrences are in Chronicles, reflecting the Chronicler's interest in Levitical genealogies and temple service. These references connect temple worship across different periods of Israel's history.
Theological Significance
The Kores represent God's grace in redeeming and repurposing lineages. Despite coming from Korah—who rebelled against Moses and Aaron—their descendants became faithful temple servants. This illustrates how God can transform family legacies and use even those from troubled backgrounds for sacred purposes. Their continuous service across generations (from David to Hezekiah to the post-exilic period) demonstrates God's faithfulness in maintaining worship structures despite political changes. Their roles as gatekeepers and overseers of offerings highlight the importance of order, integrity, and faithful stewardship in worship.
Historical Background
Extra-biblical evidence confirms the importance of gatekeepers and temple administrators in ancient Near Eastern religions. Temple complexes throughout Mesopotamia and Egypt employed similar officials to guard sacred spaces and manage offerings. The detailed genealogies in Chronicles reflect the post-exilic community's concern with establishing legitimate priestly and Levitical lines after the Babylonian exile. Archaeological findings from Jerusalem and other Levantine sites show that temple administration was highly organized, with specific roles for different families—exactly as described in Chronicles. The Korahites are also known from the superscriptions of several Psalms (42-49, etc.), suggesting their musical role in temple worship was historically established.