Who is Zadok?

Put simply, Zadok is my net identity. It's a fun nickname I use online when I don't wish to use my real name (which is Arryn Pidwell) for any reason (or for no reason at all :-). I choose the name, Zadok, mainly because of a favorite piece of music by George Frederic Handel (1685-1759). Zadok the Priest is No. 1 of 4 Coronation Anthems written for the coronation of George II of England in 1727. It has been played at the coronation of every British monarch since. You have probably guessed by now that it is playing in the background.

The libretto (I'm not sure that would be the correct term, but it is better than lyrics) is based on The Book of Kings and reads

Zadok the Priest and Nathan the Prophet anointed Solomon King,
And all the people rejoiced.
God save the King, Long live the King,
May the King live forever.
Amen, Amen, Alleluia, Alleluia, Amen.

Zadok is mentioned in the bible in the books of Samuel 2, Kings 1 and 2, and Chronicles 1 and 2. His descendants are mentioned in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Ezekial, and Matthew. Zadok was not only the chief priest of King David and Solomon, but he also guarded the Ark of the Covenant for a time. He was the ruler of the tribe of Aaron, so I feel I have a closer connection to the name. His descendants were Levite priests. You can research the biblical references at the Bible Gateway.

The name 'Zadok' is also claimed by others on the internet. Most prominent, is Zadoc the Priest, the chief acolyte of the Usenet Oracle or rec.humor.oracle. Zadok is also the name of a family of goldsmiths. Before emigrating to Israel in 1949, Joseph Zadok was the personal goldsmith to the Royal Family of Yemen. Joseph's sons and grandsons, now work privately and produce the most beautiful work, which is available from their web site.

I enjoy using the name, especially because of the connection with my real name, and although I've had some small-minded correspondence from those who seem to think a name is their private property (not surprisingly, this correspondence has come from people using the name in the same way I am as opposed to those whose family name or given name is Zadok), I feel a small connection to the history and heritage of Zadok, both on the Internet and elsewhere.

Here are a few more 'Zadok'-related links.

 
Last updated 3 March 2000
Links checked 3 March 2000
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