Topical Encyclopedia The name Zechariah, or Zecharias, is a common one in the biblical narrative, meaning "Yahweh remembers." Among the many individuals bearing this name, two notable Kohathites stand out in the Old Testament. The Kohathites were a Levitical clan, descendants of Kohath, the second son of Levi, and were entrusted with the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects.1. Zechariah, the Son of Meshelemiah This Zechariah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:2, where he is identified as one of the sons of Meshelemiah, a gatekeeper of the tabernacle. The gatekeepers were responsible for the security and proper functioning of the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter. Zechariah, as a Kohathite, would have been part of this important Levitical duty, serving in the house of the Lord with dedication and reverence. 2. Zechariah, the Son of Jehiel Another Zechariah, also a Kohathite, is found in 1 Chronicles 9:21. He is described as the son of Jehiel and is noted for his role as a gatekeeper. This Zechariah served during the time of King David, a period marked by the establishment of organized worship and the preparation for the building of the temple. His service as a gatekeeper would have been crucial in maintaining the sanctity and order of the worship practices that were central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. The Role of the Kohathites The Kohathites, as a Levitical family, held a unique position among the tribes of Israel. According to Numbers 4:4-15, they were responsible for the most sacred aspects of the tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altars. Their duties required a high level of sanctity and precision, as any mishandling of these holy objects could result in severe consequences. Spiritual Significance The lives of these two Zechariahs, though not extensively detailed in Scripture, reflect the broader theme of faithful service to God. Their roles as gatekeepers symbolize the importance of guarding the holiness of God's dwelling place, a task that required vigilance, integrity, and devotion. In a spiritual sense, their service can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian calling to guard one's heart and maintain purity in worship and daily living. Conclusion The Zechariahs among the Kohathites exemplify the often unsung yet vital roles within the community of faith. Their dedication to their duties underscores the biblical principle that every service to God, no matter how seemingly small or routine, is significant in the divine economy. As "Yahweh remembers," the legacy of these faithful servants continues to inspire believers to serve with humility and faithfulness, trusting that God honors and remembers their labor in His name. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 24:25The brother of Michah was Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 34:12 Resources What are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Zechariah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Zechariah (Zecharias): A Benjamite Zechariah (Zecharias): A Benjamite: Called Zacher In Zechariah (Zecharias): A Levite During the Reign of Hezekiah Zechariah (Zecharias): A Levite, and Father of Jahaziel Zechariah (Zecharias): A Merarite Porter in the Temple Zechariah (Zecharias): A Priest and Temple Musician Zechariah (Zecharias): A Prophet During the Reign of Uzziah Zechariah (Zecharias): A Reubenite Zechariah (Zecharias): A Ruler of the Temple Zechariah (Zecharias): Father of Iddo Zechariah (Zecharias): Name of Various Jews After the Captivity Zechariah (Zecharias): Perhaps Identical With Number Eleven Above Zechariah (Zecharias): Son of Jehoshaphat Zechariah (Zecharias): The Prophet: Probably the Priest Mentioned In Zechariah (Zecharias): The Prophet: Prophesied During the Reign of Darius Zechariah (Zecharias): The Prophet: Son of Berechiah Zechariah (Zecharias): Three Levites in the Days of David Zechariah (Zecharias): Two Chiefs Who Returned With Ezra Zechariah (Zecharias): Two Kohathites Zechariah : A Prince Sent by Jehoshaphat Along With Priests and Levites to Teach in the Cities Related Terms |