Hosah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Levitical duties and the organization of the gatekeepers in the temple. His name, which may mean "refuge" or "shelter," is associated with the Levitical family and the service they provided in the house of the Lord.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Chronicles 16:38 : Hosah is first mentioned in the context of the Levites who were appointed by King David to minister before the Ark of the Covenant. "Obed-edom and his sixty-eight relatives were to minister with them. Hosah and Obed-edom were also gatekeepers."

2. 1 Chronicles 26:10-11 : Hosah is further identified as one of the gatekeepers, a role of significant responsibility in the temple service. "Hosah the Merarite had sons: Shimri the first (though he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him first), Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and relatives of Hosah totaled thirteen."

3. 1 Chronicles 26:16 : The duties of Hosah and his family are detailed in the division of the gatekeepers. "For Shuppim and Hosah it was the West Gate and the Shalleketh Gate on the ascending highway. Guard corresponded to guard."

Role and Significance:

Hosah's role as a gatekeeper was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and order of the temple. The gatekeepers were responsible for guarding the entrances to the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter, and protecting the sacred space from defilement. This position required trustworthiness and dedication, as it was integral to the worship and religious practices of Israel.

Hosah's family, being part of the Merarite clan, was one of the three main divisions of the Levites, alongside the Kohathites and the Gershonites. The Merarites were traditionally responsible for the care of the tabernacle's structure, including its frames, bars, pillars, and bases, as outlined in the book of Numbers.

Family and Legacy:

Hosah's family is noted for its size and the specific mention of his sons, indicating the continuation of his duties through his lineage. The appointment of his son Shimri as the chief, despite not being the firstborn, suggests a recognition of capability and leadership qualities that were valued in the service of the temple.

The legacy of Hosah and his descendants as gatekeepers highlights the importance of faithful service in the house of the Lord. Their role, though not as prominent as that of priests or prophets, was essential in the daily functioning and spiritual life of the Israelite community.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Hosah's service as a gatekeeper can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance and the guarding of one's heart and life against impurity. The gatekeepers' role in the temple serves as a reminder of the need for holiness and the careful stewardship of what is sacred. In the broader narrative of Scripture, such roles underscore the communal and participatory nature of worship, where each member of the community has a vital part to play in the service of God.Hosah

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Hosah

(refuge), a city of Asher, (Joshua 19:29) The next landmark on the boundary to Tyre.

Refuge.

(1.) A place on the border of the tribe of Asher (Joshua 19:29), a little to the south of Zidon.

(2.) A Levite of the family of Merari (1 Chronicles 16:38).

HOSAH

ho'-sa (chocah): A city on the border of Asher, in the neighborhood of Tyre (Joshua 19:29). Septuagint reads Iaseiph, which might suggest identification with Kefr Yasif, to the Northeast of Acre. Possibly, however, as Sayce (HCM, 429) and Moore (Judges, 51) suggest, Hosah may represent the Assyrian Usu. Some scholars think that Usu was the Assyrian name for Palaetyrus. If "the fenced city of Tyre" were that on the island, while the city on the mainland lay at Ras el-`Ain, 30 stadia to the South (Strabo xvi.758), this identification is not improbable.

2621. Chosah -- a Levite, also a place in Asher
... 2620, 2621. Chosah. 2622 . a Levite, also a place in Asher. Transliteration:
Chosah Phonetic Spelling: (kho-saw') Short Definition: Hosah. ... Hosah. ...
/hebrew/2621.htm - 6kHosah (5 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HOSAH. ... Possibly, however, as Sayce (HCM, 429) and
Moore (Judges, 51) suggest, Hosah may represent the Assyrian Usu. ...
/h/hosah.htm - 9k

Shimri (4 Occurrences)
... 4:37). (2) The father of Jediael, a bodyguard of King David (1 Chronicles
11:45). (3) A son of Hosah, a Levite. He was appointed ...
/s/shimri.htm - 9k

13 (1 Occurrence)
... 13 (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 26:11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah
the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen. ...
/num/13.htm - 6k

Outgoings (21 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and
the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from ...
/o/outgoings.htm - 12k

O'bed-e'dom (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 16:38 and Obed-Edom with their brothers, sixty-eight; Obed-Edom also
the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers; (See RSV). ...
/o/o'bed-e'dom.htm - 10k

Jeduthun (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 16:38 and Obed-Edom with their brothers, sixty-eight; Obed-Edom also
the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers; (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT ...
/j/jeduthun.htm - 13k

Jedithun (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 16:38 and Obed-edom with their brethren, threescore and eight;
Obed-edom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers; (See JPS). ...
/j/jedithun.htm - 6k

Jedu'thun (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 16:38 and Obed-edom with their brethren, threescore and eight;
Obed-edom also the son of Jedithun and Hosah to be door-keepers; (See RSV). ...
/j/jedu'thun.htm - 10k

Gatekeepers (38 Occurrences)
... (YLT NAS RSV). 1 Chronicles 16:38 both Obed-Edom and their brethren, sixty and eight,
and Obed-Edom son of Jeduthun, and Hosah for gatekeepers, (YLT RSV NIV). ...
/g/gatekeepers.htm - 19k

Walled (63 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Joshua 19:29 And the limit goes round to Ramah and the walled town of
Tyre and Hosah, ending at the sea by Heleb and Achzib; (BBE). ...
/w/walled.htm - 25k

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