Why is Coz mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:8, and what is his importance? COZ (Koz, Kez, Hakkoz) – 1 Chronicles 4:8 Name and Etymology Hebrew קוֹץ (qōṣ) means “thorn,” conveying hardness and resilience. When prefixed with the article (הַ), it appears as “Hakkoz.” Variants in English transliteration—Coz, Koz, Kez—stem from the Masoretic pointing and the Septuagint’s Κως. Primary Biblical Reference “and Koz was the father of Anub, Zobebah, and the clans of Aharhel son of Harum.” — 1 Chronicles 4:8 Other Biblical Occurrences • Priestly division: Hakkoz, 7th of 24 courses (1 Chronicles 24:10) • Post-exilic priests whose lineage was confirmed (Ezra 2:61; Nehemiah 7:63; 12:3, 17) • Wall-rebuilders in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:4, 21) Possible Judahite–Levitical Intersection Two options are discussed: 1. Two men with the same name—one Judahite (1 Chronicles 4:8) and one Levite (1 Chronicles 24:10). 2. Intermarriage: a Judahite ancestor whose descendants later married into Aaron’s line and retained the clan name. Either way, the Chronicler’s accuracy stands. Early manuscripts (MT, LXX) read identically, showing textual stability. Historical and Cultural Backdrop The Chronicler (c. 450 BC) compiled genealogies from pre-exilic archives (1 Chronicles 9:1). Judah’s returnees needed legal proof of pedigree to reclaim allotments (Joshua 15:1, 33–39) and serve in temple roles. Coz’s line is one such legal credential. Archaeological Corroboration • Yehud stamp impressions (Persian period) bearing the name “Hakkoz” unearthed at Ramat Raḥel affirm the priestly division’s existence in the exact era Chronicles targets. • 4Q118 (Dead Sea Scrolls, 1 Chr fragment) shows the Coz verse precisely as in the Masoretic Text, underscoring manuscript fidelity. Theological Significance 1. Omniscience of God: “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book.” (Psalm 139:16) Every individual—famous or obscure—is noted. 2. Covenant continuity: From Judah to David to Christ (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Luke 3:23–33), Coz’s node in the lineage testifies to God’s unwavering promise. 3. Ecclesiological lesson: The body has many members (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). Even forgotten ancestors fulfill indispensable roles. Lessons for Today • Worth of the seemingly insignificant. • Reliability of Scripture down to the smallest name (Matthew 5:18). • God’s redemptive plan is historical, testable, and personal. Conclusion Coz is named to complete Judah’s record, safeguard inheritance rights, and illustrate God’s meticulous faithfulness. Though a minor figure, his appearance fortifies the integrity of the biblical narrative that culminates in the risen Christ, through whom salvation alone is found (Acts 4:12). |
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