### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Yᵉhôwtsâdâq**, represented by `{{H3087}}`, means **Jehovah-righted**. This name, composed from the words for Jehovah and to be righted, belongs to an Israelite figure who appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. He is referred to as both Jehozadak and Josedech in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Yᵉhôwtsâdâq is primarily identified by his lineage and his historical context. He is recorded as the son of Seraiah and the father of Joshua, the high priest ([[1 Chronicles 6:14]], [[Haggai 1:1]]). His personal story is one of displacement; the scriptures state that Jehozadak went into captivity when the LORD carried away Judah and Jerusalem [[1 Chronicles 6:15]]. Though he himself was part of the exile, his son Joshua would become a central figure in the restoration, serving as the high priest to whom the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai [[Haggai 1:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the role and lineage of Yᵉhôwtsâdâq:
* `{{H3091}}` **Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ**: This is the name of his son, Joshua, meaning "Jehovah-saved." Joshua served as the **high** `{{H1419}}` **priest** `{{H3548}}` during the time of the restoration [[Zechariah 6:11]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): This title is central to the identity of Yᵉhôwtsâdâq's family. He descended from a priestly line, and his son Joshua held the office of high **priest** [[Haggai 1:14]].
* `{{H3068}}` **Yᵉhôvâh** (Jehovah): This name for God is the foundation of Yᵉhôwtsâdâq's own name. The narrative emphasizes that it is the **LORD** who carried Judah into captivity and also the **LORD** who stirred up the spirit of Joshua to rebuild ([[1 Chronicles 6:15]], [[Haggai 1:14]]).
* `{{H2292}}` **Chaggay** (Haggai): The prophet whose name means "festive." It is through **Haggai** that God delivers His message to Yᵉhôwtsâdâq's son, Joshua, initiating the work of restoration [[Haggai 1:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3087}}` is understood through his name and his place in redemptive history.
* **Righteousness in Judgment:** The name **Yᵉhôwtsâdâq** ("Jehovah-righted") provides a theological lens through which to view the exile. Though he was carried into captivity, his name suggests God's underlying righteousness and ultimate purpose even within national judgment [[1 Chronicles 6:15]].
* **Continuation of the Priesthood:** Yᵉhôwtsâdâq serves as a critical generational link, ensuring the continuation of the high priestly line from the pre-exilic era into the post-exilic restoration. Through him, the line passed to Joshua, whom the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` designated as **high** `{{H1419}}` **priest** `{{H3548}}` [[Haggai 2:4]].
* **A Foundation for Restoration:** While not an active leader in the return, he is the father of a primary leader of the restoration. His son Joshua, along with Zerubbabel, obeyed the **voice** `{{H6963}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` their **God** `{{H430}}` to rebuild God's house [[Haggai 1:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3087}}` represents more than just an ancestor in a priestly genealogy. As Jehozadak or Josedech, he is a figure whose life bridges the gap between the judgment of the exile and the hope of restoration. His name, "Jehovah-righted," and the prominent role of his son, Joshua the high priest, together highlight the enduring nature of God's covenant and His power to bring about restoration through faithful lineage.
TRV