Several groups of dedicated workers were appointed to serve in the Old Testament tabernacle. According to 1 Chronicles 9, they were referred to as the sons of Korah, keepers of the gates, porters, and Levites. They were forerunners to the New Testament deacons and deaconesses.
Psalm 84 was written for the sons of Korah. Its superscription reads, “To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.” The word “Gittith” is derived from the Hebrew word Gath, which means “wine press.” This indicates that this psalm was sung with a joyful spirit. It may even suggest the manner in which the sons of Korah carried out their responsibilities. They did it with joy. Commenting on this psalm, Charles Spurgeon said, “Sweeter than the joy of the wine press is the joy of the holy assemblies of the Lord’s house.”2
The sons of Korah were descendants of Korah who escaped God’s punishment on their father for rebelling against Moses and Aaron (Num 16:1–35). They became leaders in the worship services. Their commitment to service is reflected in Psalm 84:10, which states, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Being servants in the house of God was the ultimate reason for their existence.
1 Chronicles 9:19 reveals that the sons of Korah became the keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: “And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brethren, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the gates of the tabernacle: and their fathers, being over the host of the Lord, were keepers of the entry.” These men were chosen by David and Samuel because of their faithfulness (v. 22). The implication for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the twenty-first century is that it is important to select persons who are committed and faithful to serve in the office of deacon and deaconess.
The sons of Korah lived in close proximity to the tabernacle—on the north, south, east, and west sides—so that they could keep a vigilant watch over it and open the doors every morning for worship. 1 Chronicles 9:27 says, “And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them.” The implications for deacons and deaconesses of the twenty-first century is that they should arrive at the church prior to the time for services so that they can open the doors and greet the worshippers as they enter. They should also make the church accessible to those members who have a need to enter at times other than the weekly worship service.
According to 1 Chronicles 9:25, the sons of Korah were to take turns and rotate their duties from Sabbath to Sabbath. “And their brethren, which were in their villages, were to come after seven days from time to time with them.” The implications of this for today’s deacons and deaconesses is that they should organize their work and divide their responsibilities so that the burden of the work is shared by all. This will prevent anyone from being overworked.
Some of these officers were over the treasuries (v. 26). Others were over the sacred vessels and instruments of the sanctuary, and others were in charge of the fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, and spices (vv. 28–29). The implication of this for today’s deacons and deaconesses is that their ministry is multifaceted. Their presence and influence are to be felt throughout the church. It is appropriate for some of them to work in the treasury department; others may keep an inventory of supplies and equipment; and others will use flour, oil, and wine in preparation for the ordinance of Holy Communion.
The sons of Korah were so committed to their charge that Psalm 84:2 suggests that when they were not present at the Tabernacle, they desired to be there. The psalmist states, “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” Primarily, this verse may be expressing David’s longing to be present at the temple, since he wrote this psalm while in exile. However, it may also describe how the sons of Korah felt about carrying out their responsibilities. The implication of this for deacons and deaconesses of the twenty-first century is that they should love their work. It is not enough for them simply to be present in the flesh, doing their work mechanically. They must put their heart into their work if they are to be effective. David said, “My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.”
David indicated that God would bless those committed to serve in His house. Psalm 84:4 says, “Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee.” Like the sons of Korah, deacons and deaconesses are the ones who dwell in God’s house today. They dwell there in the sense that they remain after everyone else has gone. They see to it that God’s house is left in order and that the sacred vessels are accounted for and put in their proper place. They make sure that the hymnals, Bibles, and tithe/offering envelopes are placed in the pew racks. They pick up trash and secure the doors until the next service. They do it with an attitude of praise. Therefore, God promises to bless them.
1 This article is excerpted from the book written by the author, entitled The Twenty-First Century Deacon and Deaconess: Reflecting the Biblical Model (Huntsville, AL: AVA’s Book Publishers, 2011).
2 Charles H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David (McLean, VA: MacDonald, n.d.), 2:432.
Vincent E. White, Sr., D.Min., is a retired pastor and author of The Twenty-First Century Deacon and Deaconess: Reflecting the Biblical Model; The Twenty-First Century Deacon and Deaconess: Reflecting the Biblical Model Workbook; and Problem Solvers and Soul Winners: A Handbook for Deacons and Deaconesses.
