Known Day 9 Jehovah Tsidkenu: Digging Deeper

Melodye Reeves
July 20, 2023
Discover the original intent of Scripture. Make good application to our everyday lives.
Become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Jeremiah 33:14-16
15 In those days and at that time I will cause a Righteous Branch to sprout up for David, and he will administer justice and righteousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely, and this is what she will be named: The LORD Is Our Righteousness.
The Original Intent
1) What promise did the LORD make concerning the house of Israel? (verse 14)
These had not been good days for God’s people. In the previous chapters (1-29), the prophet Jeremiah has proclaimed primarily a negative message. Jerusalem and the temple had been destroyed; the people have been in exile in Babylon. But God continued to reach down to His people by raising up prophets to let them know of His willingness to forgive them if they called out to the LORD. (Bible Project)
Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were among those prophets who called the people to repent of their sins and return to the LORD. In Jeremiah 30, the words of the prophet are like a breath of fresh air from the previous gloom and despair. A new day is on the horizon, and this revelation brings hope to the house of Israel.
In the previous passage of this chapter, verses 1-13, we read that the word of the LORD comes to the prophet Jeremiah. This good promise includes the future restoration of Judah and Jerusalem, as well as the rebuilding of Jerusalem. (Jeremiah 30:2-3) A previous description of the downfall of human civilization in Jeremiah 7:32-34 is now being replaced with a redemptive picture. The people would once again live in peace and safety and joy. This passage, beginning in verse 14, includes almost identical wording to Jeremiah 23:5-6. “Look, the days are coming” is a phrase Jeremiah uses at least 15 times as he shares the message of God.
Though these words brought warning in the previous chapters, “the days” now tell of a future filled with goodness and blessing. (netbible.org) God’s good plan for Israel was still in the works. He would bring to pass what He promised, not because of their righteousness, but because of His.
The Everyday Application
1) What promise did the LORD make concerning the house of Israel? (verse 14)
With his Israelite community, Jeremiah finds himself in a hard place. Hundreds of years later, the imprisoned apostle Paul found himself in the same place of bondage. (Acts 27:21-25) Yet, here in the darkest of places, the LORD came to Jeremiah with words of hope.
This is the second revelation given to Jeremiah in his confinement (Jeremiah 33:1). In these challenging days of 2023, what word do we more desperately need than hope?!
Dear Sister, I’m sure you’ve heard the gloomy talk as I have, “It’s never been this bad. We are doomed as a country.” We read and hear of political upheaval. We are bombarded with horrific news forecasts. Oh, my sweet Friend, who are we going to believe? The word of deceptive messengers or the word of the LORD of all creation?
I find it interesting how secular prophets falsely declared all was well even when it wasn’t in Jeremiah’s time. (Jeremiah 6:13-14) As history unfolded, and God’s righteous justice unfolded, it really wasn’t well for them! The people of God had exchanged the spiritual prosperity and security of their God for a human prosperity and security, leaving their souls desolate.
Jeremiah 33 repeatedly reminds the people what “the LORD says.” In our age of the 24-hour news cycle, believers need to constantly evaluate our listening habits.
Sister, who sets the tone of your outlook in life? As believers, children of the Light, who are we going to trust in the dark times? The God of Israel, our God, made a promise carrying great implications for our world today, “I will fulfill the good promise that I have spoken!” (verse 14)
The world may tell us there’s peace, even when there’s not, but we know one day there will be true and forever peace for the child of God! (1 Thessalonians 5:3-5)
The Original Intent
2) How will a “Righteous Branch” administer justice and righteousness? (verse 15)
The word “branch” is used as a Messianic title in Zechariah 3:8 and Zechariah 6:9-15, meaning it points forward to the coming King Jesus who would free His people from sin if they called on Him for salvation. The imagery indicates new growth from dead roots, only possible by a creative act of God.
It refers to the promise God made to David in 2 Samuel 7 and was reiterated in David’s last words in 2 Samuel 23:1-7. (I don’t have space to tell you those stories, so here’s your opportunity to go dig deeper for yourself!)
The Israelites had been taken into captivity and their rule as a nation was over; it appeared the promise of Yahweh meant nothing. Those observing their plight likely taunted the Israelites with words of accusation toward their God. Still, in the darkest of dark, the Lord tells Jeremiah of a bright future that is yet to come. The LORD would raise up “a Righteous Branch to sprout up for David, [who] will administer justice and righteousness in the land.” (verse 15)
The prophet Isaiah also said, “Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him.” (Isaiah 11:1-2) This branch/stump, metaphorically speaking of the Messiah to come (Isaiah 42:1-9), will do what the ineffective kings could not because of their sinfulness. (Jeremiah 22:1-5)
Unlike them, there would be a king who would do exactly what God-ordained rulers are supposed to do, act righteously and justly. Deuteronomy 10:17-18 tells us of the justice and righteousness of Yahweh. These characteristics represent the standards for legal and ethical conduct in all leaders, but there is only One who can perfectly fulfill these roles, the Messiah, Christ Jesus! (Revelation 21:22-24)
The Everyday Application
2) How will a “Righteous Branch” administer justice and righteousness? (verse 15)
As students of Scripture with access to the complete revelation of God (Genesis to Revelation), we understand the “Branch” as a clear symbol of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 22:16) I love the beauty of the symbolism here! The LORD of all creation is also a fruit of His creation. Jesus Christ came in the flesh, He is both Godkind and humankind.
From our human perspective, Jesse’s youngest son (1 Samuel 16:10-113 ) was unexpectedly chosen by God to reign over Israel, but ultimately, the Lord was setting the way for the future King of all kings. (verse 15)
Oh Sister, do you see it?! Both of Jesus’ human parents were of the line of David (Matthew 1:1-6). Even during His ministry, Jesus was referred to as the “son of David.” (Matthew 1:1-6, Matthew 15:22, Matthew 21:9)
As He rode into the city on a donkey, Jesus’ followers spread palm branches at His feet and shouted praise, a custom reserved for a King. Palm branches were considered symbols of victory and triumph at the time. The crowd understood that Jesus was declaring Himself to be the Messiah, the promised Branch Himself!
Only days later, many people would turn on Jesus and demand the Romans crucify Him. They rejected Him because He did not restore the prosperity and power of Israel in the way they expected. But this Branch could not be destroyed! Instead, by His resurrection, Jesus restored the Kingdom of God to the whole world. (2 Timothy 2:8-11)
God’s promise includes all who put their hope in Him. In Christ, we become a branch of the Branch! (John 15:4-5) He brings about a kingdom for us filled with His righteousness and justice, something only He can perfectly achieve. Friend, this promise of the LORD is for you and for me! Sing with me, “Hallelujah to the Righteous Branch!!”.
The Original Intent
3) What is the LORD declaring through the prophet Jeremiah regarding the future of Judah and Jerusalem? (verse 16)
In previous passages (Jeremiah 21:7-14), the Lord challenged the wicked and disobedient King Zedekiah to live up to his name. (2 Kings 24:16-17, 19) The name Zedekiah means “righteousness of Jehovah.” (biblestudytools.com) But neither he, nor most of Israel’s kings, had been righteous rulers. (Jeremiah 21-22)
Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord applies the meaning of His own name, Jehovah Tsidkenu, to a promised future king who will fulfill everything that is right and perfect about a ruler. Because He does what is right and just, it is this Branch who will save His people.
Originally, their request for a king was against God’s desire for them (1 Samuel 8:6-9), but they now needed one who would rightly render judgments and direct the affairs of the people, ultimately leading them back to a heart of worship toward God. What they needed was a king who WAS righteousness.
The promise of God through Jeremiah was not limited to Israel’s future prosperity and security, but was a promise to David and his line, that is, to all who put their hope in the Branch. Israel was hoping for a restored nation that resembled what they had under David’s reign, but God would continue to remind them it was He Alone who was their only righteous ruler, perfect in goodness and greatness!
One day, there will be a kingdom of righteousness that comes in the LORD Himself; His rule will know no end! (Romans 3:21-23)
The Everyday Application
3) What is the LORD declaring through the prophet Jeremiah regarding the future of Judah and Jerusalem? (verse 16)
The Israelites were more focused on a restoration of their nation as a powerful and wealthy people. Many saw their land as a symbol of their blessing instead of recognizing God as their source of that blessing. In our day, I’ve witnessed a focus by believers on our heavenly dwelling that has little to do with this earth.
Oh Sister, don’t miss the glorious promise of the “days that are coming”. (verse 14) In the new heavens and the new earth, we will not only be perfectly reconciled to Jesus, but also to each other and all creation. For all eternity, we will be one people forever dwelling in the presence of our Righteous King. (2 Peter 3:13) We will reside in the city of “The LORD Is Our Righteousness.”
Previously this was the name of a ruler (Jeremiah 23:6), but it will also be the name of our future dwelling place. Maybe you’ve lived in a city with a name denoting a positive characteristic in which the city didn’t live up to it. This new city will certainly live up to its name! Since God Himself is righteousness, wherever He dwells there will dwell righteousness. (Ezekiel 48:35)
The glorious fulfillment of verses 17-18 is seen in the book of Hebrews describing Jesus. (Hebrews 7:20-25) Only God can bring about such transformation! I’ve never witnessed a dead, broken-off branch grow into a living tree, but that is just how Israel looked to the observers of Jeremiah’s day.
Only a prophet who connects with the living LORD could come up with the incredible promise, “I will cause a righteous Branch … to save Israel!” As our GT journey sister wrote yesterday, “And praise God for this good news! Having God as our Provider and Source of righteousness changes everything.”
Can We Pray With You?
Prayer is central to our ministry as believers in Jesus as we carry eachother’s burdens and intercede for one another. Our team is honored to share the work of praying alongside you!
This Week's Lock Screen

Authentically living out a life of worship to the God who rescued us from darkness requires accountability and intentionality. Join a GT POD and take the next step in your faith journey!
