King of Righteousness

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness … Now this is the name by which He will be called: Jehovah Tsidkenu, The Lord Our Righteousness.”

Jeremiah 23:5-6

When Israel demanded God give them a king like the nations around them, that is exactly what they had in King Saul. When his obedience to God failed, another was chosen to take his place. Not the oldest or strongest sons of Jesse were anointed by the prophet Samuel, (read 1 Samuel 16)  for God does not look on the outward appearance, but rather, a youth tending sheep in the wilderness who had captured God’s attention as a man after His own heart. A good shepherd cares for his sheep, nurtures them, and protects them from danger. He gives up his life for his sheep. David was a good and righteous king because he had a shepherd’s heart.

Many generations of kings succeeded David. For some, the testimony of scripture is that they “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did his father David.” Yet most of them “did evil in the sight of the Lord,” leading Israel astray. In time, the prophet Jeremiah pronounced these judgments and promises:

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. …Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth, … Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Jehovah Tsidkenu).” (read Jeremiah 23:1-8)

Jesus himself said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.” (read John 10:1-18) After giving up His life, He ascended to God with clean hands and a pure heart, receiving the blessing from the Lord, and RIGHTEOUSNESS from the God of his salvation. (read Psalm 24:3-6). That righteousness he has assigned to all those who depend not upon their own righteousness but rather believe on him for their salvation (read Romans 3:21-22). Our righteous Lord gives us His righteousness so we also can ascend the hill of the Lord.

Read: 1 Samuel 16; Jeremiah 23:1-8; John 10:1-18; Romans 3:21-22

Listen: Yahweh Tsidkenu {Powerful Anthem; You have to listen to this!}