Hakkoz

Hakkoz (meaning a thorn or summer; an end) was the head of the seventh of the twenty-four courses of priests organized by David for service in the sanctuary (1 Chr. 24:10). His descendants returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel, but were excluded from the priesthood because they could not document their genealogy from the priestly registry (Ezra 2:61; Neh. 7:63–64).

The genealogical disqualification of the sons of Hakkoz illustrates the importance the post-exilic community placed on demonstrable priestly lineage as a condition of cultic service—a safeguard against unauthorized men assuming sacred roles. The situation was resolved for some descendants: Meremoth son of Urijah son of Hakkoz is mentioned as participating in the repair of the Jerusalem wall under Nehemiah (Neh. 3:4, 21), suggesting that the lineage question was eventually resolved for that branch of the family.