Name Meaning: Josedek, also spelled Jehozadak, means "Yahweh is righteous" or "Yahweh has justified."

Biblical References: Josedek is mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, primarily in the context of the priestly lineage. Key references include 1 Chronicles 6:14-15, Ezra 3:2, and Haggai 1:1.

Historical Context: Josedek lived during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by the Babylonian exile. He was the son of Seraiah, the last high priest before the destruction of Solomon's Temple by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. Seraiah was executed by the Babylonians, and Josedek was taken into captivity, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 6:15: "Jehozadak went into captivity when the LORD sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar."

Priestly Lineage: Josedek is a significant figure in the priestly lineage, as he is the father of Jeshua (Joshua), who played a crucial role in the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple after the return from exile. This lineage is emphasized 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."

Role in Post-Exilic Restoration: Although Josedek himself did not return from exile, his legacy continued through his son Jeshua, who served as the high priest during the time of Zerubbabel. Jeshua's leadership in rebuilding the altar and the Temple is a testament to the enduring priestly line of Josedek, as seen 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 the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest."

Theological Significance: Josedek's life and lineage underscore the faithfulness of God in preserving the priestly line despite the judgment and exile of His people. His name, meaning "Yahweh is righteous," reflects the divine justice and mercy that are central themes throughout the biblical narrative. The restoration of the priesthood through his son Jeshua highlights God's commitment to His covenant promises and the spiritual renewal of His people.

Legacy: Josedek's legacy is one of continuity and hope. Through his descendants, the priestly functions were restored, and the worship of Yahweh was reestablished in Jerusalem. This restoration was crucial for maintaining the religious identity and practices of the Jewish people, setting the stage for the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the ultimate priestly role.JOSEDECH; JOSEDEK

jos'-e-dek, jos'e-dek (Iosedek): Father of Jeshua (1 Esdras 5:5). In Haggai 1:1 the Revised Version (British and American), the relationship is described as "Joshua the son of JEHOZADAK (which see), the high priest."

History and Doctrines of Heresies.
... [3193] For indeed he opposed that great high priest Joshua the son of Josedek;
[3194] and he oftentimes sought to sift us, that our faith might fail. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii history and doctrines of.htm

Prayers First do not Interfere with Dedication Afterwards.
... Or rather let them learn of you, who are so well instructed in such histories, how
that Joshua the son of Josedek the priest, and his brethren, and Zorobabel ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/18 prayers first do not.htm

How the King of Babylon Took Jerusalem and Burnt the Temple and ...
... led all the captives and Zedekiah to Babylon. He also led Josedek the high
priest away bound. He was the son of Seraiah the high ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how the king.htm

How after the Death of Cambyses and the Slaughter of the Magi but ...
... multitude thus numbered were Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, of the posterity of
David, and of the tribe of Judah; and Jeshua, the son of Josedek the high ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how after the.htm

Josedek
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOSEDECH; JOSEDEK. jos'-e-dek, jos'e-dek
(Iosedek): Father of Jeshua (1 Esdras 5:5). In Haggai 1 ...
/j/josedek.htm - 6k

Josedech (5 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOSEDECH; JOSEDEK. jos'-e-dek, jos'e-dek
(Iosedek): Father of Jeshua (1 Esdras 5:5). In Haggai 1 ...
/j/josedech.htm - 8k

Jehozadak (8 Occurrences)
... Same as "Jozadak" (yotsadhaq, same meaning) in Ezra 3:2, 8; Ezra 5:2; Ezra 10:18
Nehemiah 12:26; and = "Josedek" (King James Version "Josedec") of 1 Esdras 5:5 ...
/j/jehozadak.htm - 10k

High (4559 Occurrences)
... of the Captivity. After the Return, Joshua, the son of Josedek, of the
family of Eleazar, was appointed to this office. After him ...
/h/high.htm - 60k

Esther (48 Occurrences)
... In dealing with this time Ben Sira's eye is upon Jerusalem. He magnifies Zerubbabel,
"Jesus the son of Josedek," and Nehemiah (49:11-13). ...
/e/esther.htm - 58k

Joseph (248 Occurrences)

/j/joseph.htm - 91k

Book (211 Occurrences)

/b/book.htm - 101k

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