Jehoz'adak, also known as Jozadak, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, particularly within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He is primarily recognized as the father of Jeshua (Joshua) the high priest, who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian exile.

Genealogy and Background

Jehoz'adak was the son of Seraiah, the last high priest before the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. His lineage is traced back to Aaron, the brother of Moses, establishing his rightful place within the priestly line. This genealogy is confirmed in 1 Chronicles 6:14-15 : "Azariah was the father of Seraiah, and Seraiah was the father of Jehozadak. Jehozadak went into captivity when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar."

Exile and Legacy

Jehoz'adak himself did not serve as high priest, as he was taken into captivity to Babylon along with many other Israelites during the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. His life in exile is not detailed in the biblical texts, but his significance is underscored by his son Jeshua's role in the restoration of the Jewish community and religious practices upon their return to Jerusalem.

Role in Post-Exilic Restoration

While Jehoz'adak's personal actions during the exile are not recorded, his legacy is carried on through his son Jeshua. Jeshua, as high priest, was instrumental in the rebuilding of the altar and the Temple, as well as in the reestablishment of the sacrificial system. This is highlighted in Ezra 3:2 : "Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God."

Theological Significance

Jehoz'adak's mention in the genealogies and historical accounts underscores the continuity of the priestly line despite the disruptions caused by the exile. His family's return to prominence in the post-exilic community symbolizes the restoration of Israel's religious identity and covenant relationship with God. The priestly role of his descendants, particularly Jeshua, is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to maintain a faithful remnant and restore worship in Jerusalem.

References in Scripture

Jehoz'adak is referenced in several key passages that highlight his genealogical importance and the transition from exile to restoration. These include 1 Chronicles 6:14-15, Ezra 3:2, and Haggai 1:1, where his lineage is acknowledged in the context of the prophetic encouragement to rebuild the Temple: "In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest."

Jehoz'adak's legacy, though not marked by personal achievements recorded in Scripture, is significant in the broader narrative of Israel's history, serving as a bridge between the pre-exilic priesthood and the restored community's religious leadership.Jehoz'adak (7 Occurrences)

1 Chronicles 6:14
and Azariah begot Seraiah, and Seraiah begot Jehozadak;
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1 Chronicles 6:15
and Jehozadak went into captivity, when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.
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Haggai 1:12
And Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Joshua son of Josedech, the high priest, and all the remnant of the people, do hearken to the voice of Jehovah their God, and unto the words of Haggai the prophet, as Jehovah their God had sent him, and the people are afraid of the face of Jehovah.
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Haggai 1:14
And Jehovah doth stir up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people, and they come in, and do work in the house of Jehovah of Hosts their God,
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Haggai 2:2
Say now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, ruler of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the rest of the people,
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Haggai 2:4
And now, be strong, O Zerubbabel, An affirmation of Jehovah, And be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest, And be strong, all ye people of the land, An affirmation of Jehovah, And do ye -- (for I 'am' with you, An affirmation of Jehovah of Hosts) --
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Zechariah 6:11
yea, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set the one upon the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest;
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Jehoz'adak (7 Occurrences)
Jehoz'adak. Jehozadak, Jehoz'adak. Jehu . Multi-Version Concordance
Jehoz'adak (7 Occurrences). 1 Chronicles 6:14 and Azariah begot ...
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Jehozadak (8 Occurrences)

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Jehu (63 Occurrences)

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