Col-hozeh
Col-hozeh was the father of Shallum (or 'Shallun'), who repaired the Fountain Gate. (Neh.3.15)
Biography
Col-hozeh, whose name may mean "every seer" or "all-seeing," is identified in Nehemiah 3:15 as the father of Shallum (also called Shallun), who repaired the Fountain Gate and the wall of the Pool of Siloah during the great rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership. The Fountain Gate was a significant entry point in Jerusalem's southern defenses, near the Pool of Siloah and the water systems that served the city. Col-hozeh's son not only repaired the gate structure but also covered it, set up its doors, bolts, and bars, and rebuilt the wall of the Pool of Siloah, an extensive section of restoration indicating both resources and commitment.
Significance
Col-hozeh's contribution to Jerusalem's restoration, mediated through his son Shallum, reflects the communal nature of covenant renewal in the post-exilic community. Nehemiah 3 is a remarkable document of collective labor, priests, merchants, rulers, and ordinary families all working side by side to rebuild what had been destroyed. The restoration of the Fountain Gate, associated with the city's water supply, held practical and symbolic importance: water in Scripture is frequently a symbol of life, purification, and the Spirit's renewal. Col-hozeh's household participating in this work placed them within the larger story of God restoring His people and His city after the devastation of exile.
Verse Appearances (1)
Nehemiah
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]