from חָסָה; hopeful; Chosah, an Israelite; also a place in Palestine; Hosah.
Transliteration:Chôçâh
Pronunciation:kho-saw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H2621}}` (Chôçâh) is a proper noun, not a common noun or verb with a broad semantic range. Its meaning is directly derived from the root verb `{{H2620}}` (חָסָה, chāsāh), which signifies "to seek refuge," "to trust," "to put one's hope in," or "to flee for protection." Consequently, `{{H2621}}` carries the inherent meaning of "hopeful" or "refuge." As a proper noun, it functions as a name for a person and a place, imbued with the theological implications of its verbal root. It does not possess a complex semantic range but rather a singular, potent meaning tied to its etymology.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H2621}}` appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, referring to distinct entities:
1. **A Person:** In [[1 Chronicles 26:10]], `{{H2621}}` refers to Hosah, a Merarite Levite and a gatekeeper. The text states, "Also Hosah, of the sons of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, his father made him chief)." As a gatekeeper, Hosah's role was to guard the entrances to the tabernacle/temple, a sacred space where the people of Israel came to seek God's presence, protection, and provision. The name "Hopeful" or "Refuge" is particularly fitting for someone serving at the very threshold of God's dwelling, a place that symbolized refuge and hope for the nation. It suggests either a characteristic of the individual or a parental declaration of faith and hope in God at his birth.
2. **A Place:** In [[Joshua 19:29]], `{{H2621}}` designates a geographical location, a city in the territory allotted to the tribe of Asher. The verse describes the boundary of Asher, stating, "then the boundary turns toward Ramah and the fortified city of Tyre, then the boundary turns toward Hosah, and it ends at the sea by the region of Achzib." This city, located near the coast and the powerful Phoenician city of Tyre, might have been named "Refuge" or "Hopeful Place" due to its strategic position, perhaps serving as a safe haven, or reflecting the aspirations of its inhabitants for security and prosperity within their allotted land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to `{{H2621}}` is its root verb, `{{H2620}}` (חָסָה, chāsāh). This verb is foundational to understanding the theological depth of `{{H2621}}`. `{{H2620}}` is frequently used in the Psalms and other poetic literature to describe the act of "taking refuge" in Yahweh. For instance, [[Psalm 2:12]] exhorts, "Blessed are all who take refuge in him." Other related concepts include:
* **Trust (בָּטַח, `{{H982}}`):** Often used in parallel with `{{H2620}}`, emphasizing reliance and confidence in God.
* **Shelter/Covering (סֵתֶר, `{{H5643}}`; צֵל, `{{H6738}}`):** Metaphorical terms used to describe God's protection, akin to a physical refuge.
* **Hope (תִּקְוָה, `{{H8615}}`):** The expectation of good, often rooted in God's faithfulness, which is a natural outcome of taking refuge in Him.
The proper noun `{{H2621}}` serves as a linguistic echo of these core theological concepts, embedding them within the very names of people and places in Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2621}}` lies primarily in its direct link to the verb `{{H2620}}`, which articulates one of the most profound aspects of Israel's relationship with Yahweh: seeking refuge in Him.
For **Hosah the Levite**, his name "Hopeful" or "Refuge" could be seen as a prophetic or aspirational declaration. As a gatekeeper, he literally stood at the entrance to the sacred space where God's presence dwelt, a place of ultimate refuge for the people. His life and service, therefore, subtly embodied the very concept of seeking shelter and hope in the Divine. It suggests that his parents, by naming him thus, perhaps expressed their own faith or hoped that their son would live a life characterized by trust in God.
For **Hosah the city**, its name "Refuge" or "Hopeful Place" might have reflected its perceived security or the hopes of its founders. Even for a geographical location, such a name subtly points to the broader theological truth that true safety and hope are ultimately found in God, even if the immediate context is a physical stronghold.
More broadly, the existence of a proper noun derived from `{{H2620}}` underscores the pervasive nature of the "refuge" motif in Israelite thought. It demonstrates how deeply ingrained the concept of God as the ultimate refuge was, extending even to personal and geographical nomenclature. It serves as a constant, albeit quiet, reminder that God is the safe haven, the source of hope, and the protector for those who trust in Him. This concept is central to the Psalms, where the worshiper continually declares God as their "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" [[Psalm 46:1]].
### Summary
`{{H2621}}` (Chôçâh) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "hopeful" or "refuge," directly derived from the verb `{{H2620}}` (chāsāh), "to seek refuge, to trust." It appears in the biblical text referring to two distinct entities: Hosah, a Merarite Levite gatekeeper [[1 Chronicles 26:10]], and Hosah, a city in the territory of Asher [[Joshua 19:29]]. In both instances, the name carries the profound theological resonance of its root. For the individual, it likely reflects a character trait or a parental prayer for a life of trust in God, especially fitting for one who served at the threshold of God's sanctuary. For the city, it may denote a place of security or aspiration. Ultimately, `{{H2621}}` serves as a subtle yet powerful linguistic testament to the foundational biblical truth that God Himself is the ultimate refuge and the source of all hope for His people.
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