LESSON 6 Psalm 46 (part 1) Before we dive into text of Psalm 46, we will look at the authors of Psalm 46 and give a bit of time to the topic of legacy. We are simultaneously recipients of legacy and architects of legacy. In some cases, we desire to preserve the legacy we received; in others, we hope to impart a better tradition. If you have not already done so, begin your study time in prayer, asking for the Spirit s leading to open your eyes to God s majesty and to open your heart to His transformative truth. 1. From an area in your life (family, business/career, charitable work, ministry, etc.), briefly describe a legacy you received and the one you are hoping to leave. 2. The Book of Psalms has a number of authors. Thumb through the book and jot a few of the names below, being sure to include the author(s) of Psalm 46. What do you notice about the authorship of Psalm 46 that is different from the others? 3. Given that the authors are identified by their heritage, what do you anticipate was the legacy they received? (This is pure speculation at this point.) A Point of Perspective: Eleven psalms are credited to the sons of Korah. Generally speaking, their psalms emphasize tremendous gratitude toward God and recognition of His power. Korah was a Levite, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. When Moses was leading the Israelites through the wilderness for forty years, the Levites were responsible for the care and transportation of the tabernacle. Moses brother, Aaron served as the first high priest; all subsequent priests were his male descendants. You may recall that the Levites did not receive land when the Israelites entered the land of Canaan. Instead, God Himself was their inheritance. (Deuteronomy 18:1-2) 6 1
COLE WOMEN S MINISTRY LESSON 6 FALL 2017 5. Korah s grandfather was Kohath, one of three sons of Levi. Take a look at the first three generations on the family tree on the next page to acquaint yourself with the sons of Levi. Using the Scriptures below, list your observations of their respective responsibilities. Gershonites Kohathites Merarites a. Numbers 3:25-37 b. Numbers 4:1-33 c. Numbers 7:6-9 d. Numbers 10:17-21 e. Think about the Israelites wandering the wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula for 40 years. Which of these groups of Levites had the most challenging responsibility and why? 6 2
Ancestry of the Sons of Korah Jacob with Leah Reuben (1) Simeon (2) Levi (3) Aaron Judah (4) Issachar (9) Zebulun (10) Gershon Kohath Merari Amram Moses Izhar with Bilhah Dan (5) Hebron Korah Naphtali (6) Uzziel Nepheg with Zilpah Gad (7) Asher (8) Zichri with Rachel Joseph (11) Benjamin (12) Notable Descendants of Korah: - The prophet Samuel - Sons of Korah, authors of 11 psalms - Heman, author of Psalm 88 6 3
6. Read Numbers 16. In a few sentences or bullet points, summarize what transpired. Be sure to capture Korah s complaint and note his initial offense as well as his final offense. DIG DEEPER 7. What do you learn from Numbers 26:9-11? 8. How would you describe the legacy from which the sons of Korah descended? 9. From the following Scriptures, what became of the sons of Korah? a. 1 Chronicles 6:31-38 b. 1 Chronicles 9:17-19 c. 1 Chronicles 9:31 d. 1 Chronicles 12:1-6 Thus, the sons of Korah came from one legacy and left an entirely different one. For close to 3,000 years their eleven Psalms have been used by God s people to worship Him and to declare His majesty. 1 4
10. Does it surprise you that the sons of Korah referred to themselves in that way, with an attachment to a such dark time in their family s history? Why might they have done so? 11. Has the story of the sons of Korah given you pause to consider your own legacy, both that from which you came and that which you will leave? If so, what do you conclude? We don t get to choose the family into which we are born and similarly, we often don t choose the things which happen to us things which shape the woman we become. For good or bad, these happenstances are simply true of us; but thankfully, God has redeemed those who respond to His offer to become His children. He transforms our stories and changes what is true about us. 12. Look up the verses below and note what is true about you, if you too belong to the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. (If you cannot say definitively that you are a part of God s family, talk to your Bible Study leader or any of the pastors at Cole Community Church.) a. John 1:12-13 b. Romans 8:15-17 c. Romans 8:38-39 d. II Corinthians 1:21-22 6 5
COLE WOMEN S MINISTRY LESSON 6 FALL 2017 e. Hebrews 10:14-18 f. Ephesians 1:3-14 (This passage is rich! Try not to miss any!) g. II Peter 1:3 13. Look over your list in question 12. Now that s a legacy worth having and leaving! Spend a few minutes meditating about what is true of you as a follower of Jesus Christ and then write a prayer thanking the One who made it possible. Mary Ann Porter (2017) 6 6