Koz is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is identified as a member of the priestly lineage, specifically within the tribe of Levi. The name "Koz" appears in the context of the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning to Jerusalem and re-establishing their religious and social structures after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:61-62 : "And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean."

2. Nehemiah 3:4 : "Next to them, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs. Next to him, Zadok son of Baana made repairs."

3. Nehemiah 7:63-64 : "And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean."

Genealogical Context:

Koz, also referred to as Hakkoz, is noted in the genealogical lists of priests who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name appears in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the efforts to rebuild the temple and restore the religious practices of Israel. The descendants of Koz faced a significant challenge as they were unable to locate their genealogical records, which were necessary to confirm their priestly status. As a result, they were excluded from serving as priests until their lineage could be verified.

Priestly Lineage:

The mention of Koz in the context of priestly duties underscores the importance of maintaining a clear and unbroken lineage for those serving in the temple. The priesthood was a sacred office, and only those who could prove their descent from Aaron, the brother of Moses, were permitted to serve. The inability of Koz's descendants to provide such proof highlights the challenges faced by the returning exiles in re-establishing their religious identity and practices.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The account of Koz and his descendants serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage and continuity in the biblical narrative. It reflects the broader theme of restoration and renewal that characterizes the post-exilic period. The exclusion of Koz's descendants from the priesthood until their lineage could be confirmed also illustrates the emphasis on purity and legitimacy in worship practices, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament.

In summary, Koz is a figure whose mention in the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah highlights the challenges of maintaining priestly purity and the significance of lineage in the religious life of Israel. His account is a testament to the broader themes of restoration and faithfulness that permeate the biblical narrative.Koz

(thorn), (Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 3:4,21) = COZ = HAKKOZ.

Thorn.

(1.) A descendant of Judah. 1 Chronicles 4:8, "Coz;" R.V., "Hakkoz."

(2.) A priest, the head of the seventh division of the priests (Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 3:4, 21; 7:63). In 1 Chronicles 24:10 the word has the article prefixed, and it is taken as a part of the word "Hakkoz."

KOZ

koz.

See HAKKOZ.

6976. Qots -- two Israelites
... Word Origin from the same as qots Definition two Isr. NASB Word Usage Hakkoz
(5), Koz (1). Koz, Hakkoz including the article. The ...
/hebrew/6976.htm - 6k

3579. Kozbi -- a woman of Midian
... 3578, 3579. Kozbi. 3580 . a woman of Midian. Transliteration: Kozbi
Phonetic Spelling: (koz-bee') Short Definition: Cozbi. Word ...
/hebrew/3579.htm - 6k

Koz (5 Occurrences)
... word "Hakkoz.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KOZ. koz. See HAKKOZ.
Multi-Version Concordance Koz (5 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles ...
/k/koz.htm - 8k

Meremoth (6 Occurrences)
... Mereimoth): (1) Son of Uriah (Ezra 8:33), who was head of the 7th course of priests
appointed by David (1 Chronicles 24:10, Hakkoz = Koz; compare Nehemiah 3:4 ...
/m/meremoth.htm - 11k

Urijah (29 Occurrences)
... of Binnui, Levites: (DBY). Nehemiah 3:4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth
the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them ...
/u/urijah.htm - 16k

Strengthened (113 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:4 And by their hand hath Merimoth son of Urijah, son of Koz, strengthened;
and by his hand hath Meshullam son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabeel ...
/s/strengthened.htm - 37k

Zobe'bah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zobe'bah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:8 And Koz begot
Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum. (See RSV). ...
/z/zobe'bah.htm - 6k

Koumi (1 Occurrence)

/k/koumi.htm - 6k

Kub (1 Occurrence)

/k/kub.htm - 6k

Merimoth (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 3:4 And by their hand hath Merimoth son of Urijah, son of Koz, strengthened;
and by his hand hath Meshullam son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabeel ...
/m/merimoth.htm - 6k

Meshezabeel (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Meshezabeel (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 3:4 And next
unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. ...
/m/meshezabeel.htm - 7k

Coz (1 Occurrence)
...koz (kots, "thorn"): A man of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:8). the American Standard Revised
Version has added the article, making the name Hakkoz without sufficient ...
/c/coz.htm - 7k

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