Col-hozeh, Father of Shallum
A prominent individual during the post-exilic return whose son, Shallum, served as the ruler of the district of Mizpah and oversaw critical repairs to Jerusalem's walls.
Col-hozeh was a figure belonging to the era of the Exile and Return, specifically active during the mid-5th century BC. His name, which translates roughly to "every seer" or "all-seeing," suggests a lineage associated with prophetic insight or administrative oversight. He is mentioned in the historical record of Nehemiah's reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem following the Babylonian captivity.
While the biblical text does not detail Col-hozeh’s personal actions, his status is inferred through the significant political and physical contributions of his son, Shallum. As the father of a district ruler, Col-hozeh represented the established families who returned to Judah to reclaim their ancestral lands and rebuild the social and defensive infrastructure of the Jewish community.
Background and Family
Col-hozeh is situated within the genealogical and administrative records of the Book of Nehemiah. His historical footprint is established through his son, Shallum, who is identified as the "ruler of the district of Mizpah" (Nehemiah 3:15). In the post-exilic social hierarchy, such a title indicates that Col-hozeh’s family held substantial influence and likely property within the territory of Benjamin, specifically in the region of Mizpah, which served as a vital administrative center after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.
Major Life Events
The biblical record does not preserve the specific deeds of Col-hozeh himself, focusing instead on his role as the patriarch of a family dedicated to the restoration of Jerusalem. During the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia (c. 444 BC), Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem to repair its ruins. Col-hozeh’s son, Shallum, took charge of one of the most complex and vital sections of the reconstruction effort.
Shallum repaired the Fountain Gate, a critical entry point near the Pool of Shelah. The work attributed to Col-hozeh’s lineage involved not just the placement of stones, but the roofing of the gate and the installation of its doors, bolts, and bars. This effort extended to the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king’s garden and reached as far as the stairs descending from the City of David. The inclusion of Col-hozeh’s name in this specific context highlights his family's high standing and their commitment to the physical and political security of the holy city.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Col-hozeh is primarily linked to his son, Shallum. The fact that Shallum is identified as the ruler of the district of Mizpah suggests that Col-hozeh may have been the one through whom this hereditary or appointed authority was channeled. Through the work of his son, Col-hozeh is associated with Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, and the various priestly and noble families who collaborated on the wall.
Spiritual Significance
In the context of the Return from Exile, the mention of Col-hozeh serves a genealogical purpose, validating the identity and legitimacy of the leaders within the restored community. The preservation of his name in the sacred text honors the families who provided the leadership and resources necessary to rebuild the foundations of Jewish life. His legacy is tied to the restoration of the Fountain Gate—a symbol of the renewal of Jerusalem’s life-giving resources and its defensive integrity.
Spiritual Significance
Col-hozeh represents the essential role of noble families in the post-exilic restoration. By being named as the father of a district ruler, he illustrates how the returning exiles organized themselves into administrative districts to efficiently handle the massive task of rebuilding Jerusalem's infrastructure. His name is etched into the history of the Fountain Gate and the Pool of Shelah, areas central to the city's water supply and defense.
Theological reflection on Col-hozeh emphasizes the importance of lineage and legacy in the Old Testament. Even without a recorded speech or personal miracle, his contribution is recognized through the service of his offspring, demonstrating how individual families provided the backbone for the survival of the covenant community during the Persian period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Col-hozeh mean?
The name Col-hozeh is derived from the Hebrew words 'kol' (all) and 'hozeh' (seer or prophet), literally meaning 'all-seeing' or 'every seer.'
Which part of Jerusalem did Col-hozeh's family help rebuild?
His son Shallum rebuilt the Fountain Gate, the wall of the Pool of Shelah, and the section of the wall reaching the stairs of the City of David.
What was the political status of Col-hozeh's son?
Shallum, the son of Col-hozeh, was the ruler of the district of Mizpah, an important administrative region in Judah.
In which book of the Bible is this Col-hozeh mentioned?
He is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, specifically in the third chapter which lists the builders of the wall.
What era did Col-hozeh live in?
He lived during the Post-Exilic Period, around the time Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem in the 5th century BC.
Connected Figures
Shallum
Son
Nehemiah
Governor during his son's service
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Nehemiah1
Family & Relationships
Child
Nehemiah 3:15
Others Named Col-hozeh
Col-hozeh, Father of BaruchNehemiah 11:5
Col-hozeh was a member of the Tribe of Judah and an ancestor of Maaseiah, a leader who resettled in Jerusalem during the Post-Exilic Period.