Zadok [Zā'dŏk] means righteous, justified. He was the son of Ahitub and father of Ahimaaz, a priest in David’s time (2 Sam. 8:17; 15:24-36; 17:15; 18:19, 27; 19:11; 20:25). Other references may be found in (1 Kings, 1, 2 Chronicles, Ezra and Ezekiel).
This Zadok was appointed priest by Solomon in the place of Abiathar, because of his own loyalty (1 Kings 1:8), and the disloyalty of Abiathar (1 Kings 1:7). Zadok was the founder of an important part of the priesthood and from Solomon’s time his descendants constituted the most prominent family among the order of priests. As a young man, he was mighty of valor (1 Chron. 12:27, 28). As a friend of David, Zadok remained true to him during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Sam. 15:24-29). As a priest he remained faithful to David although his colleague deserted the king (1 Kings 1:7, 8). For his loyalty he retained his high and holy office till his death (1 Kings 2:26, 27).