Hello Beloved,
As we move into the Thanksgiving season, our study of God’s names takes us to the God who is Yahweh-Tsidkenu. This name comes from the compound “Yahweh” and “sadaq,” which connects the covenant name of God with the concept of “stiff” or better yet “straight.” “Sadaq” in the Old Testament also carries the connotation of conforming to a norm or standard.
One may consider “sadaq” or righteousness in relation to personal or interpersonal behavior that conforms to a certain moral or ethical standard, a standard defining right and wrong. According to the Old Testament, there is only one standard by which righteousness is measured: the revealed will of God, which is expressed in the Law. In Old Testament times, when a person was said to be “righteous,” it implied the person’s actions were in harmony with his or her obligations to God as His revelation communicated. In no way did this suggest sinlessness or moral perfection.
One may also consider “sadaq” or righteousness in the sense of rendering fair and equal justice or making something right. In this regard the concept of “sadaq” would relate to right or correct judgment or even God’s vindication.
The name Yahweh-Tsidkenu is found in Jeremiah 23:6. In this passage, Yahweh (The Lord) rebukes the leaders/shepherds of His people Israel and Judah for their lack of care for the people/sheep. Instead of tending God’s sheep, they scattered them. This failure would bring God’s discipline upon the “shepherds” and a care for the remnant of His sheep, as He Himself would Shepherd His flock. God will bring His sheep back, and He will provide for them in such a way that they will be fruitful and multiply. He will set under-shepherds or true leaders over them that will genuinely care for His people. The text goes on to re-emphasize God’s messianic promise by raising up for David a “righteous Branch” who will rule His people wisely by rendering justice and righteousness. Jeremiah prophesies the salvation of God’s people, the Jews specifically, and then he communicates the name of Yahweh-Tsidkenu to add emphasis to this promise. Jeremiah writes, “In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’” Jeremiah 23:6 (ESV)
The name of Yahweh-Tsidkenu is directly connected with the title for the Messiah, “the righteous Branch.” Of course, this is a prophecy about Jesus Christ (for Christ means Messiah or anointed one in Greek). This passage is a reminder that men often fail in their leadership roles, which often leads people away from rather than toward God, even sometimes being oppressive in their political policies. However, God’s leadership will be righteous, just, fair, and will result in peace and security. We know that even now, governments and their leaders can be unjust and oppressive, but there will come a time when “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15 (ESV) In God’s millennial and eternal reign under King Jesus, there will be divinely ordered justice and righteousness throughout the earth, which will include the restoration and salvation of Israel. Consider these wonderful truths this Thanksgiving season.
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
* Resources are from the notes of Jim Smith, professor of Brookes Bible College,