### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Chôçâh**, represented by `{{H2621}}`, serves as a proper name for both **an Israelite** and **a place in Palestine**. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition is **hopeful**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H2621}}` is used in two distinct contexts. Geographically, it identifies a place named **Hosah** along the coastal boundary of a tribe [[Joshua 19:29]]. More frequently, it refers to a person named **Hosah**, a Levite from the children of Merari [[1 Chronicles 26:10]]. This **Hosah** is listed among the **porters** [[1 Chronicles 16:38]] and is noted as the father of thirteen sons and brethren who also served in this capacity [[1 Chronicles 26:11]]. His duties involved specific guard assignments at the temple, determined by lot [[1 Chronicles 26:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and environment of **Hosah's** service:
* `{{H7778}}` **shôwʻêr** (doorkeeper, porter): This title explicitly defines **Hosah's** role within the Levitical service [[1 Chronicles 16:38]]. Porters were a significant group, with four thousand appointed by David to guard the gates [[1 Chronicles 23:5]].
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): This word specifies the physical location of **Hosah's** assigned duty [[1 Chronicles 26:16]]. The gates were not merely entrances but were central to temple worship and security, places to enter with thanksgiving [[Psalms 100:4]].
* `{{H4929}}` **mishmâr** (ward, guard, office, watch): This term describes the nature of the porters' duty. **Hosah's** assignment was part of a structured system of "ward against ward" [[1 Chronicles 26:16]], a responsibility also referred to as the sacred **offices** of the house of God [[Nehemiah 13:14]].
### Theological Significance
The story of `{{H2621}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning the structure of worship.
* **Structured Service:** The account of **Hosah** as a porter illustrates the highly organized and accountable nature of Levitical duties. The casting of lots for his post at the gate, "ward against ward," shows a system of responsibility [[1 Chronicles 26:16]].
* **Familial Dedication:** The record of **Hosah** and his thirteen sons and brethren serving together highlights a legacy of faithful service passed through a family, demonstrating a multigenerational commitment to the tasks of the sanctuary [[1 Chronicles 26:11]].
* **Appointed Leadership:** The detail that **Hosah** appointed his son Simri as chief, even though he was not the firstborn, suggests that leadership within this sacred service was based on more than just birth order [[1 Chronicles 26:10]].
### Summary
In summary, **Chôçâh** `{{H2621}}` is primarily identified as a Levite dedicated to the crucial role of a temple porter. While it also names a location [[Joshua 19:29]], its main significance lies in the person of **Hosah**, whose family was entrusted with guarding the sacred gates. The name, meaning **hopeful**, is connected to a figure whose life and legacy represent faithful, organized, and divinely appointed service at the house of God.
TRV