Josedech = Jehozadak
Jump to: Smith'sHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Name and Meaning:
Josedech, also known as Jehozadak, is a biblical figure whose name means "Yahweh is righteous." The name reflects the theocentric nature of Hebrew names, emphasizing the righteousness and justice of God.

Genealogy and Family Background:
Josedech was the son of Seraiah, the last high priest before the Babylonian exile. Seraiah was executed by Nebuchadnezzar's forces, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:18-21. Josedech was taken into captivity to Babylon, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:15: "Jehozadak went into captivity when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar."

Role and Significance:
Although Josedech himself did not serve as high priest due to the Babylonian exile, his lineage continued to hold significant religious authority. His son, Jeshua (also known as Joshua), played a crucial role in the post-exilic period as the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This is highlighted in Haggai 1:1: "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."

Historical Context:
Josedech lived during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC. The Babylonian exile was a time of great upheaval and transformation for the Jewish people, as they were removed from their homeland and faced the challenge of maintaining their faith and identity in a foreign land.

Theological Implications:
The life and legacy of Josedech underscore the themes of judgment and restoration. His family's experience reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience, as well as the hope of renewal and divine faithfulness. The return of his son, Jeshua, to Jerusalem symbolizes God's enduring covenant with His people and the promise of restoration.

Biblical References:
· 1 Chronicles 6:15 (BSB): "Jehozadak went into captivity when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar."
· Haggai 1:1 (BSB): "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."
· Ezra 3:2 (BSB): "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."

Legacy:
Josedech's legacy is primarily carried forward through his son Jeshua, who was instrumental in the spiritual and physical rebuilding of the Jewish community after the exile. This continuity of the priestly line highlights the importance of faithfulness and the enduring nature of God's promises to His people.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Josedech = Jehozadak

(whom Jehovah makes just), the son of Seraiah. (Haggai 1:1,12,14; 2:2,4; Zechariah 6:11)

Strong's Hebrew
3087. Yehotsadaq -- "the LORD is righteous," father of Joshua the ...
... Jehozadek, Josedech. From Yhovah and tsadaq; Jehovah-righted; Jehotsadak, an Israelite --
Jehozadek, Josedech. Compare Yowtsadaq. see HEBREW Yhovah. ...
/hebrew/3087.htm - 6k
Library

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... CH SPURGEON,. At the [11]Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "Yet now be strong,
O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm

Brave Encouragements
... word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son
of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/brave encouragements.htm

Preached Before the Governor, and Council, and the House of ...
... delivered not only to the common people, but also unto, and in the presence of
"Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua, the son of Josedech the high ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/preached before the governor and.htm

On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ...
... Now of what Christ does he speak, but of Jesus the son of Josedech, who returned
at that time along with the people, and offered sacrifice according to the law ...
/.../on daniel ii the interpretation.htm

Let us Stand Aloof from Such Heretics.
... to transgress the commandment, who slew Abel by the hands of Cain, who fought against
Job, who was the accuser of Joshua [1022] the son of Josedech, who sought ...
/.../the epistle of ignatius to the smyrnaeans/chapter vii let us stand aloof.htm

It is Shown How this Prophecy Suits the Christians.
... He promised that He would clothe us with," etc. [2387] Justin either confuses Joshua
son of Josedech with Hosea the prophet, or he refers to the Jewish ...
/.../chapter cxvi it is shown how.htm

Letter Lxxvi. To Abigaus.
... No, they are dead within you, and you have begun to build up the ruins of Jerusalem
with the help of Zerubbabel and of Joshua the son of Josedech the high ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxvi to abigaus.htm

Faustus Recurs to the Genealogical Difficulty and Insists that ...
... One was the son of Nun, the follower of Moses; [971] another was the son of Josedech
the high priest; [972] again, another is spoken of as the son of David ...
/.../faustus recurs to the genealogical.htm

Of the Priesthood of Jesus Foretold by the Prophets.
... things were spoken concerning Jesus [652] the son of Nave, who was the successor
of Moses, or concerning Jesus the high priest the son of Josedech; to whom ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiv of the priesthood of.htm

Letter Xlv. To Asella.
... [926] Pray for me that, after Babylon, I may see Jerusalem once more; that Joshua,
the son of Josedech, may have dominion over me, [927] and not Nebuchadnezzar ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlv to asella.htm

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Josedech
Top of Page
Top of Page