Names of GodSample

Day 22: Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness

Devotional:

The name Yahweh (Jehovah) Tsidkenu (tsid-kay-noo) means “The Lord Our Righteousness.” It appears in a prophecy by Jeremiah during one of the darkest spiritual and political periods in Israel’s history. Corrupt leaders, injustice, idolatry, and exile were devastating the people. But God, through Jeremiah, promised a new day, a better Shepherd who would lead with righteousness, justice, and truth.

Jeremiah declares a “righteous Branch” from David’s line. This King would reign wisely, execute justice, and save His people, not because of their goodness but His righteousness. His name would be Yahweh Tsidkenu.

Why Righteousness Matters

Righteousness is a theme woven throughout Scripture. It speaks of right standing with God, being pure, blameless, and just. The problem is that humanity lost righteousness in the Garden. Sin corrupted us. Our best efforts fall short of God’s holy standard (Isaiah 64:6).

Jeremiah’s audience knew this deeply. Their religious rituals could not save them. Their kings had failed them. Their attempts to live rightly were marred by sin. Into this mess came a promise: God Himself would be their righteousness. We Cannot Earn What God Gives Freely

Yahweh Tsidkenu is not a title we give God because we lived righteously; it’s a name that declares what He gives us. Righteousness is not earned; it is imputed, or credited to us. The New Testament reveals that this prophecy points to Jesus Christ, who became righteousness for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) says, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” This verse is the gospel in one verse: Jesus took our sin and gave us His righteousness in return.

When you call on Yahweh Tsidkenu, you declare that your standing before God is not based on your performance, but on the perfect record of Jesus.

3. Righteousness Restores Our Identity

When we try to prove ourselves through good works or religious effort, we live under shame, guilt, or pride. But when we understand Yahweh Tsidkenu, our identity is settled. We are declared righteous, not by law, but by grace.

Romans 5:1 (NIV) says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” That word “justified” means “declared righteous.” Peace comes not from achieving righteousness, but from receiving it.

Yahweh Tsidkenu tells the soul that constantly says, “I’m not enough,” that God has already made you righteous in Christ.

Righteous Living Flows from a Righteous Identity

Yahweh Tsidkenu is not just about your position before God; it shapes your practice. When God declares us righteous, He also empowers us to live righteously. This righteousness is not an obligation; it’s a transformation.

Ephesians 4:24 (NIV) calls us to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Our new life in Christ is grounded in a new identity. We don’t live righteously to be accepted; we live righteously because we are accepted.

When you know Yahweh Tsidkenu, obedience becomes a joyful response to grace, not a burdensome requirement.

Jesus, the Righteous Branch

Jeremiah 23 points clearly to Jesus, the Righteous Branch from David’s line. Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world but to fulfill righteousness on our behalf. He lived the life we couldn’t live and died the death we deserved so that we could be declared righteous by faith.

When you struggle with guilt, remember Yahweh Tsidkenu. When the enemy accuses you, remember Yahweh Tsidkenu. When your own heart tells you you’re not good enough, remember Yahweh Tsidkenu.

God doesn’t look at your record; He sees Jesus. That’s the gift of righteousness.

Prayer:

Yahweh Tsidkenu, thank you. I don’t have to earn your love or approval. You are my righteousness. In you, I am clean, forgiven, and accepted. Help me live each day from this place of grace. Empower me to walk in righteousness, not to gain your favor, but because I already have it in Jesus. Quiet the accusing voices in my head, reminding me of who I am in you. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. What lies have you believed about your need for God’s love or approval?
2. How does the truth of Yahweh Tsidkenu change the way you see yourself?
3. What would it look like this week to live from a place of righteousness instead of striving?