Who was Zidkijah?

Zidkijah (Hebrew: צִדְקִיָּה, Tsidqiyyāh, meaning “The Lord is my righteousness”) was one of the individuals who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah after the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. His name appears in Nehemiah 10:1, where he is listed among the leaders who formally committed themselves, on behalf of the people, to obeying the Law of God. He is specifically noted as one of the names alongside Nehemiah, suggesting that he held a position of some significance, possibly as a priest or a leader among the people.

Biblical References and Cross-References

• Nehemiah 10:1 – “Those who sealed it were: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hakaliah. Zedekiah…”

• Nehemiah 10:14-27 – This section contains a fuller list of those who sealed the covenant, grouped by priests, Levites, and leaders of the people.

Although the name “Zedekiah” (another transliteration of Zidkijah) appears elsewhere in Scripture—most notably King Zedekiah of Judah (2 Kings 24:17)—the Zidkijah in Nehemiah 10 is a distinct individual, involved in the post-exilic renewal of Israel’s covenantal relationship with God.

What Happened in the Bible?

Zidkijah was part of a solemn covenant renewal during the time of Nehemiah, a period marked by spiritual revival and national reformation following the return of the Jews from Babylonian exile. In Nehemiah 9, the people confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors, acknowledging God‘s faithfulness and their disobedience. This led to the covenant in Nehemiah 10, which included detailed commitments to live according to God‘s laws—observing the Sabbath, supporting the temple, avoiding intermarriage with pagan nations, and obeying the Mosaic Law.

Zidkijah’s act of sealing the covenant was not a mere formality. In ancient times, sealing a document was akin to making a binding oath. By affixing his name, Zidkijah was pledging loyalty to God’s commandments and standing as a representative for the people to uphold divine standards.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Zidkijah’s participation in the covenant renewal reminds modern believers of the importance of personal and corporate commitment to God’s Word. While Christians today are not under the Mosaic Law, they are called to live under the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13). Zidkijah’s willingness to stand publicly for God’s truth in a time of national reconstruction encourages Christians to be courageous, accountable, and faithful in their spiritual commitments, especially in seasons of renewal or rededication.

How His Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The very name Zidkijah—“The Lord is my righteousness”—foreshadows a truth fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. In Jeremiah 23:6, the coming Messiah is called “The Lord Our Righteous Savior” (YHWH Tsidkenu), a title that parallels the name of Zidkijah. This connection reminds us that human righteousness falls short (Romans 3:10), and that only through Christ can believers be made righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Zidkijah’s role in covenant renewal points forward to the new and better covenant established by Christ‘s blood (Luke 22:20). Unlike the old covenant written on stone tablets and sealed with physical signatures, the New Covenant is written on the hearts of believers (Hebrews 10:16), sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Covenant Renewal and Restoration

The inclusion of Zidkijah in the list of signers reinforces the importance of covenant in God’s dealings with His people. Whether through Abraham, Moses, or Jesus, God‘s redemptive plan has always involved a binding relationship with His people. Zidkijah’s signature represents a recommitment to that relationship.

2. Leadership and Responsibility

Zidkijah was a leader who represented the people before God. Biblical leadership always involves spiritual accountability and personal integrity. Leaders are to model obedience and guide others into faithfulness.

3. Corporate Worship and Accountability

The sealing of the covenant in Nehemiah 10 was a communal act. Zidkijah didn’t stand alone; he was one among many who committed themselves to God. This reflects the communal nature of the church today—a body of believers pursuing holiness together (Hebrews 10:24-25).

4. God’s Righteousness Imputed

Zidkijah’s name, tied to righteousness, underlines the broader biblical teaching that true righteousness comes from God alone. This culminates in the gospel, where righteousness is not earned, but gifted through faith in Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. What does Zidkijah’s public commitment teach us about the seriousness of our promises to God?

2. In what ways are you actively renewing your commitment to live according to God’s Word?

3. How does your leadership—formal or informal—reflect accountability to God’s truth?

4. Zidkijah’s name means “The Lord is my righteousness.” Is your trust placed in your own works or in the righteousness of Christ?

5. How can your community or church participate in corporate repentance and renewal like in Nehemiah’s day?

Zidkijah’s brief mention in Scripture is a powerful reminder that even small names in the Bible can teach profound truths about covenant, righteousness, and gospel hope.