Zadok (1)

1. ZADOK, or Sadoc, Son of Abitub, High-Priest of the Jews, of the Race of Eleazar. From the Time of Eli the High-Priesthood had been in the Family of Ithamar, but was restored to the Family of Eleazar in the Time of Saul, in the Person of Zadok, who was put in the place of Ahimelech, or Abiathar, put to death by 1 Sam. xxii. 17, 18.Saul, in the Year of the World 2944, before Christ 1056. At the same time that Zadok perform’d the Function of the Priesthood with Saul, Abiathar, otherwise call’d Ahimelech, perform’d it with David; so that till the Reign of Solomon there were two High-Priests in Israel; one of the Race of Eleazar, which was Zadok; and another of the Race of Ithamar, which was Abiathar. For after the Death of Saul and Ishbosheth, David thought fit to confirm the Priesthood to Zadok, tho’ he had been of the Party of Saul.

This is what we know in particular of Zadok. When David was forc’d to quit Jerusalem on account of the Rebellion of his Son Absalom, Zadok and Abiathar would have accompany’d him with the Ark of the Lord¹. But David would not suffer them to follow him into his Retreat, saying, If I find Favour in the Sight of God, he will bring me back to Jerusalem; if not, let him do what he pleases, I am ready to comply with his Will. Then directing his Discourse to Zadok, he said, O Seer, return into the City with Abimaash your Son, and let Abiathar and his Son Jonathan return also, As for me, I will conceal myself in the Country, till you send me News of what passes. Zadok and Abiathar return’d therefore to Jerusalem; but their two Sons Abimaash and Jonathan hid themselves near the Fountain of Rogel, that they might be ready to give Intelligence to David of all the Transactions of Absalom. At last, when Hushai the Friend of David had defeated the Counsel of Achitophel, and informed Zadok and Abiathar of it, they communicated this Advice to David, by means of the two young Priests now mention’d².

After the Defeat of Absalom, David 2 Sam. viii. 17.sent word to Zadok and Abiathar, saying, ” Give notice to the Elders of Judah to ” come forth speedily to meet the King, ” to bring him back to Jerusalem; why ” do you suffer the other Tribes to be before you?” The two High-Priests obey’d the King’s Commands, and persuaded the Elders of Judah to shew their Zeal for the King, by making haste to come and invite his Return into his Metropolis.

Finally, the High-Priest Zadok did not engage in the Party of Adonijah, who aspired at the Kingdom to the Exclusion of Solomon³; and when the Prophet Nathan had prevail’d with David to declare his Will as to his Successor, the King sent Zadok along with Nathan, and the chief Officers of his Court, to give the royal Unction to Solomon, and to proclaim him King instead of his Father, or at least to associate him with him in the Kingdom. This was perform’d the same Day; and while Adonijah and those of his Party were at an Assembly near the Fountain of Rogel, where they had an Entertainment, and in their Mirth were saluting Adonijah as already King.

After the Death of David⁴, Solomon excluded Abiathar from the High-Priesthood, because he had espoused the Party of Adonijah, and made Zadok High-Priest alone. ‘Tis not very well known when he dy’d; but his Successor was his Son Ahimash, who enjoy’d the High-Priesthood under Rehoboam.

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