The Link of the Obscure in the Line of Christ
The study of biblical genealogies often leads us down paths less traveled, introducing us to names that appear but once in the Sacred Text. Such is the case with Cosam, a man whose entire scriptural existence is confined to a single verse, yet whose presence is a profound testament to the detailed, sovereign plan of God that culminated in the birth of our Saviour.
The Single Mention of Cosam
Cosam is found exclusively within the Gospel of Luke, in the lengthy and meticulous genealogy that traces the human lineage of Jesus Christ, ultimately back to Adam. The King James Version places him here:
“Which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cosam, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er,” (Luke 3:28, KJV)
In this passage, the Apostle Luke is believed by many scholars to be recording the ancestry of Mary, thereby connecting Jesus to the royal house of David through the line of Nathan (David’s son, mentioned in verse 31), which was necessary to affirm His human lineage as the promised Messiah.
The Meaning of the Name
Like many figures known only through genealogies, specific details of Cosam’s life are entirely absent from Scripture. His significance lies in the meaning of his name and his placement in the divine tapestry.
- A “Diviner” or “Oracle”: The Hebrew root from which the Greek name Kósam (Κωσάμ) is derived is often associated with the word for “diviner” or “divination.” While a literal diviner was strictly forbidden under the Mosaic Law, the use of such a name in the Messianic line might subtly contrast the darkness of human attempts at supernatural knowledge with the true, divine Oracle—Christ Himself—who came from this line. It serves to highlight that the human channel God chose was ordinary, even ambiguous, yet divinely directed.
The Theological Significance
Cosam’s inclusion, along with other obscure names in the genealogy, carries powerful theological weight, particularly relevant to those focused on The Lord’s Return and the fulfillment of prophecy:
- God’s Faithful Preservation: Cosam lived in the centuries following the Babylonian exile, a time when Israel was politically marginalized and the Messianic promise might have seemed distant. His simple mention affirms that God was meticulously preserving the required lineage—the golden thread of prophecy—even through little-known individuals who might otherwise be historical footnotes.
- The Humanity of Christ: Every name, including Cosam, underscores the full humanity of Jesus. He was truly born into a specific family, with a real history extending back through time. This establishes the historical and legal basis for His claim as the Christ, the son of David.
- The Universality of Salvation: Luke’s genealogy is unique because it traces Jesus’ ancestry back to Adam (Luke 3:38), not just Abraham. The presence of every link, major or minor, confirms that the Son of God came to redeem all of humanity, fulfilling the covenant promise made not just to Israel, but to all mankind.
Cosam’s life, though silent in the annals of history, speaks volumes about the faithfulness of God. He was a crucial link, an indispensable part of the long chain that led to the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13, KJV). His story reminds us that even the most seemingly insignificant piece in God’s plan is essential for the ultimate fulfillment of His purpose.