In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. This verse provides the salvific outcome of the Branch's reign. The Hebrew tivasha ("shall be saved") conveys comprehensive deliverance—not merely political liberation but spiritual salvation from sin and its consequences. The phrase "dwell safely" (tishkon labetach) promises security that only comes through covenant relationship with God.
The climactic divine name YHWH Tsidqenu ("The LORD our righteousness") represents one of Scripture's most profound theological revelations. Remarkably, in Jeremiah 23:6 this name is applied to the Messianic Branch Himself, while here it names Jerusalem/Judah. This apparent discrepancy resolves beautifully in union with Christ—believers are called by Christ's name because they are united to Him (1 Corinthians 1:30). The righteousness is possessive ("our righteousness")—it belongs to God's people through covenant relationship.
This verse encapsulates the gospel: salvation comes not through human righteousness but through the LORD's righteousness imputed to His people. The Reformed doctrine of justification by faith alone finds powerful Old Testament support here. Believers don't generate righteousness; they receive it as a gift through union with Christ, the righteous Branch. The name itself becomes their identity—they are called by what they receive, not what they achieve.
Historical Context
The contrast between prophetic promise and historical reality intensifies this verse's impact. At the time of utterance, Judah faced imminent conquest, Jerusalem's destruction, and exile. The nation had proven utterly incapable of maintaining covenant righteousness, repeatedly violating God's law despite prophetic warnings. Their own righteousness had failed catastrophically.
The fulfillment pattern is complex:
Partial fulfillment in the return from exile under Zerubbabel (537 BCE) and subsequent restoration
Substantial fulfillment in Christ's first advent, establishing the church as the new Jerusalem (Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22)
Consummation in the New Jerusalem descending from heaven (Revelation 21:2-3).
The early church understood itself as the community called by God's name, possessing Christ's righteousness through faith. This multi-layered fulfillment demonstrates the richness of biblical prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
How does understanding righteousness as received rather than achieved transform your relationship with God?
In what ways does being 'called by Christ's name' through union with Him affect your daily identity and choices?
How does this promise of safety and salvation address your deepest fears and insecurities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. This verse provides the salvific outcome of the Branch's reign. The Hebrew tivasha ("shall be saved") conveys comprehensive deliverance—not merely political liberation but spiritual salvation from sin and its consequences. The phrase "dwell safely" (tishkon labetach) promises security that only comes through covenant relationship with God.
The climactic divine name YHWH Tsidqenu ("The LORD our righteousness") represents one of Scripture's most profound theological revelations. Remarkably, in Jeremiah 23:6 this name is applied to the Messianic Branch Himself, while here it names Jerusalem/Judah. This apparent discrepancy resolves beautifully in union with Christ—believers are called by Christ's name because they are united to Him (1 Corinthians 1:30). The righteousness is possessive ("our righteousness")—it belongs to God's people through covenant relationship.
This verse encapsulates the gospel: salvation comes not through human righteousness but through the LORD's righteousness imputed to His people. The Reformed doctrine of justification by faith alone finds powerful Old Testament support here. Believers don't generate righteousness; they receive it as a gift through union with Christ, the righteous Branch. The name itself becomes their identity—they are called by what they receive, not what they achieve.