Zadok is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for his role as a priest during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. His lineage and actions are pivotal in the religious and political history of Israel, as recorded in the biblical narrative.

Lineage and Early Mentions

Zadok is first introduced in the genealogies of the Levites, where he is identified as a descendant of Aaron through Eleazar (1 Chronicles 6:4-8). This lineage establishes his rightful place in the priestly order, a crucial aspect of his authority and legitimacy as a priest in Israel.

Role During King David's Reign

Zadok emerges as a prominent figure during the reign of King David. He is first mentioned in the context of David's consolidation of power, serving as one of the two chief priests alongside Abiathar (2 Samuel 8:17). Zadok's loyalty to David is evident during Absalom's rebellion. When David flees Jerusalem, Zadok and the Levites bring the Ark of the Covenant to him. However, David instructs Zadok to return the Ark to the city, expressing his trust in God's will: "If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place" (2 Samuel 15:25).

Zadok's allegiance to David is further demonstrated when he aids in the communication of intelligence during Absalom's revolt, working alongside his son Ahimaaz and Jonathan, the son of Abiathar (2 Samuel 15:27-36; 17:15-21).

Anointing of Solomon

Zadok's most notable contribution comes during the succession crisis following David's reign. As David's health declines, Adonijah, another of David's sons, attempts to seize the throne. Zadok, however, remains loyal to David and supports Solomon, David's chosen successor. At David's command, Zadok anoints Solomon as king, a critical act that solidifies Solomon's claim to the throne: "So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, along with the Kerethites and Pelethites, went down and had Solomon mount King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon" (1 Kings 1:38-39).

Priestly Service Under Solomon

Under Solomon's reign, Zadok continues to serve as a high priest. His loyalty and service are rewarded as he becomes the sole high priest after Abiathar is removed from office for supporting Adonijah (1 Kings 2:26-27, 35). This act fulfills the prophecy against the house of Eli, as Zadok's line replaces Abiathar's in the priestly office.

Legacy

Zadok's legacy extends beyond his lifetime, as his descendants continue to serve in the priesthood. The "sons of Zadok" are mentioned in later biblical texts, including Ezekiel, where they are noted for their faithfulness and are given special responsibilities in the future temple (Ezekiel 44:15-16).

Zadok's life and service exemplify loyalty, faithfulness, and the fulfillment of God's promises. His role in the anointing of Solomon and his steadfast support of David's house underscore his importance in the biblical narrative and the history of Israel's priesthood.2 Samuel 15:27
The king said also to Zadok the priest, Are not you a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The History of David
... came to David, and tofore them he said that Solomon should be king, and ordained
that he should be set on his mule by his prophets Nathan, Zadok the priest and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

Jerusalem
... R. Eleazar Bar Zadok said, Nor beds also. ... of David, and the sepulchre of Huldah the
prophetess; which were there from the days of the former prophets: nor in ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 21 jerusalem.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... Both prophets, by their austerity, rebuked such apostasy, and Jezebel answered the ...
righteousness,'" but more think it comes from their founder, Zadok, and is a ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

Letter Liii. To Paulinus.
... Again in Zadok and in David he bears witness to the mysteries of the new ... The twelve
prophets whose writings are compressed within the narrow limits of a single ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liii to paulinus.htm

Samaria. Sychem.
... and their school; as they had learned from Ezra and the prophets: part, Sanballat ...
And at that time Zadok and Baithus, the scholars of Antigonus, did flourish ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 56 samaria sychem.htm

The Historical Situation
... This secular priestly party was called the Sadducees, probably from Zadok, the high ...
of prayers, and reading of the scriptures"both law and prophets,"and an ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

The Greek Kings of Egypt.
... He was the last of the hundred and twenty great prophets, or wise men, whom the ... and
not for the sake of a reward after death; and his follower, Zadok, or Sadoc ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvi the greek kings.htm

Book ii.
... The argument is now carried on mostly by the quotation of passages from the prophets: ...
The sons of Zadok, the priests of the spiritual temple, that is the Church ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... It is quite true that judgment upon false prophets and religious seducers lay with
it ... of our era, [1581] the name was derived from one Tsadoq (Zadok), [1582] a ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... by the crown (the Thorah') shall fade away." To this Rabbi Zadok added the ... book of
Leviticus to the rest of the Pentateuch, thence to the Prophets, and lastly ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

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