BIBLE STUDY PSALM 23 WEEK # 5 (GOD'S NAMES)

God is Jehovah-Tsidkenu: The Lord our Righteousness

 

(The above names fit this Psalm perfectly. Note how each name is in this Psalm.)

 

"Father God, You have so many wonderful Names.  May I search out the Scripture and really get to know You by Your Names.  Each one has a special meaning and gives me deeper understanding to Who You are. Reveal Your character to me today. Amen."

 

"In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Jeremiah 23:6) (Jeremiah 33:16)

Tsedek (tseh'-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived, means "to be stiff," "to be straight," or "righteous" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Tsidkenu - it can be translated as "The Lord Who is our Righteousness."

In the first mention (Jeremiah 23:6) God promises to exchange the one who should have lived up to his name as a righteous king who trusted Jehovah (Zedekiah) with THE LORD WHO IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. That promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ who the Bible states - is our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 3:9). Jesus is the New Testament fulfillment of the Old Testament name, Jehovah-Tsidkenu – In contrast to Zedekiah (the unrighteous king), Jesus is the Righteous King who is also our righteousness.

 

The second mention (Jeremiah 33:16) is to change the whole nation from wayward and wicked hearts and give them a new heart as well as a new name, Jehovah-Tsidkenu. Because of Christ, we can become just as righteous as He is. Just as the nation was named Jehovah-Tsidkenu, He names us the same. We are righteous because of Jesus our Lord.

 

Job's question has been answered by The LORD Our Righteousness. Only Jehovah-Tsidkenu canmake a man righteous. But we must each personally answer the eternity-deciding questions posed by Jesus and Pilate.

 

Jesus asked…"But who do you say that I am?" (Mark 8:29) (Is He the Son of God – the Righteous One with Healing on His wings – the Christ?)

 

Pilate replied… "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"  (Matthew 27:22) (Have you let Him be your Righteousness? If not, will you?)