Who was Zechariah the son of Hosah in the Bible?

Zechariah was the fourth son of Hosah, a Levite from the clan of Merari. He was a gatekeeper assigned to the Shalleketh gate on the west side of the temple during King David's reign (1 Chronicles 26:10-11).

What was Zechariah the gatekeeper's role and significance?

His role was a sacred duty, guarding the temple's entrance and its treasuries. As a Levite, his service was part of the organized worship system established by David, highlighting the importance of every role in God's house (1 Chronicles 26:12-13).

Are there other important men named Zechariah in the Bible?

Yes, the name Zechariah is common. This gatekeeper is distinct from the prophet Zechariah who wrote a book of the Bible, or Zechariah the father of John the Baptist. Context from the book of 1 Chronicles identifies this specific individual.

Zechariah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Zechariah was the fourth son of Hosah, a Merarite.

Zechariah

Biography

Zechariah was the fourth son of Hosah, a Merarite gatekeeper assigned by David to the western gate and the Shallecheth Gate of the temple complex (1 Chronicles 26:11). Hosah, though not his family's firstborn, was designated chief gatekeeper by David himself. Zechariah and his brothers served under their father in this appointed role, part of the elaborate system of temple gatekeeping David organized in preparation for the permanent sanctuary. The gatekeepers were not merely ceremonial doormen but sacred guardians responsible for controlling access to the holy precincts, maintaining order, and ensuring that worship was conducted properly. Zechariah's family represented the faithful service of the Merarite Levitical clan.

Significance

Zechariah son of Hosah exemplifies the biblical honor accorded to all forms of sacred service, however humble their outward appearance. Psalm 84:10 captures this spirit: "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." As a gatekeeper in David's organized temple administration, Zechariah participated in guarding the boundary between the holy and the common, a role with profound theological resonance. His inclusion in 1 Chronicles 26 illustrates the Chronicler's conviction that ordered, faithful service in every capacity, from high priest to gatekeeper, sustains the worshiping community and honors the God who dwells among his people.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 26:11

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]

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