Jehozadak, also known as Jozadak, is a significant figure in the history of the Jewish priesthood during the period of the Babylonian exile. He is primarily recognized as the father of Jeshua (Joshua), the high priest who played a pivotal role in the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the return from exile.

Lineage and Background

Jehozadak was the son of Seraiah, the last high priest to serve in Solomon's Temple before its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Seraiah was executed by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:18-21. Jehozadak's lineage is significant as it traces back to Aaron, the brother of Moses, establishing his rightful place in the priestly line. This lineage is affirmed 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 Role

Jehozadak himself did not serve as high priest in Jerusalem due to the Babylonian exile. Instead, he was taken into captivity along with many other leaders and members of the Jewish community. His role during the exile is not extensively detailed in the biblical texts, but his significance is underscored by his connection to the priestly lineage and his son Jeshua's future contributions.

Legacy through Jeshua

Jehozadak's legacy is most prominently seen through his son Jeshua, who became the high priest upon the return of the exiles to Jerusalem. Jeshua, alongside Zerubbabel, led the first group of returnees and was instrumental in the rebuilding of the altar and the laying of the foundation of the Second Temple, as described in the book of Ezra. Ezra 3:2 states, "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."

Prophetic References

Jehozadak is also mentioned in the prophetic literature, particularly in the book of Haggai and Zechariah, where his son Jeshua is a central figure. Haggai 1:1 refers to Jeshua as "the son of Jehozadak, the high priest," highlighting the continuity of the priestly office despite the challenges of exile and restoration.

Significance

Jehozadak's importance lies not only in his priestly heritage but also in the role his family played in the spiritual and communal restoration of Israel. His life and lineage underscore the faithfulness of God in preserving the priestly line and the hope of restoration for the Jewish people. Through Jehozadak and his descendants, the continuity of worship and adherence to the covenantal promises were maintained, setting the stage for the eventual coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the ultimate priestly role.1 Chronicles 6:14,15
And Azariah begat Seraiah, and Seraiah begat Jehozadak,
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Ezra 3:2,8
Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brothers, and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.
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Ezra 5:2
Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.
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Ezra 10:18
And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.
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Nehemiah 12:26
These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.
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Haggai 1:1,12,14
In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,
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Haggai 2:2,4
Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,
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Zechariah 6:11
Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;
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Who was the Joshua in Zechariah 3:1-10? | GotQuestions.org

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