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Zadok was a high priest in ancient Israel, prominent during the reigns of King David and Solomon. The term "Zadokite" refers to a priest descended from Zadok, who held a high rank within the priesthood. This lineage was considered the official priestly family in Jerusalem until the Babylonian Exile.123

The Zadokites may have represented an ancient royal priesthood with special duties in the Temple. After the exile, the priesthood was exclusively reserved for descendants of Aaron, though the Zadokites claimed priestly lineage from Eleazar. The Sadducees, a religious group, derived their name from the Zadokites and served as high priests in Jerusalem during the Hasmonean period.4

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