Zadok צָדוֹק
High priest during the reigns of David and Solomon
Who is Zadok in the Bible?
Zadok was a prominent high priest who served during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. He first appears in the biblical narrative as one of two priests serving under David, and he remained loyal to the king during the rebellion of his son Absalom, as recorded in 2 Samuel 15. Zadok played a crucial role in anointing Solomon as king (1 Kings 1:32-39), and after Solomon's accession, he was appointed as the sole high priest, replacing Abiathar. His descendants, known as the "sons of Zadok," continued serving as high priests in the Jerusalem temple for generations, and Ezekiel's visions describe them as the faithful priests who would serve in the future restored temple (Ezekiel 43:19, 44:15). Zadok's steadfast loyalty and priestly line became a symbol of faithfulness and legitimate religious authority in Israel.
Biography
Zadok was a significant figure in the history of Israel, serving as a high priest during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. He first appears in the biblical narrative as one of the two priests mentioned alongside Ahimelech during David's reign. Zadok remained loyal to David during the rebellion of Absalom, and he played a key role in anointing Solomon as king. After Solomon's accession to the throne, Zadok was appointed as the sole high priest, replacing Abiathar. Zadok's descendants continued to serve as high priests in the temple in Jerusalem, and they are mentioned in the visions of Ezekiel regarding the future restoration of the temple and its services. The "sons of Zadok" are described as faithful priests who will serve in the restored temple. Zadok's lineage and role emphasize the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the worship of God and the spiritual leadership of the nation.
Family
In Scripture
4 biblical books2 Samuel 5 verses
- 2 Samuel 8:17
"Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe;"
- 2 Samuel 15:24
"Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city."
- 2 Samuel 15:25
"Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again."
- 2 Samuel 15:27
"The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan."
- 2 Samuel 15:29
"So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there."
1 Kings 5 verses
- 1 Kings 1:8
"But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s mighty men would not join Adonijah."
- 1 Kings 1:26
"But me your servant he has not invited, nor Zadok the priest, nor Benaiah son of Jehoiada, nor your servant Solomon."
- 1 Kings 1:32
"Then King David said, “Call in for me Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” So they came before the king."
- 1 Kings 1:34
"There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him king over Israel. You are to blow the ram’s horn and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’"
- 1 Kings 1:38
"Then Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Cherethites and Pelethites, went down and set Solomon on King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon."
1 Chronicles 5 verses
- 1 Chronicles 6:8
"Ahitub was the father of Zadok, Zadok was the father of Ahimaaz,"
- 1 Chronicles 6:53
"Zadok his son, and Ahimaaz his son."
- 1 Chronicles 12:28
"and Zadok, a mighty young man of valor, with 22 commanders from his own family."
- 1 Chronicles 15:11
"David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab."
- 1 Chronicles 16:39
"And David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon"
2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 31:10
"and Azariah, the chief priest of the household of Zadok, answered him, “Since the people began to bring their contributions into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and there is plenty left over, because the LORD has blessed His people; this great abundance is what..."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | צָדוֹק |