More precisely, righteousness in the Old Testament is the fulfillment of the demands of a relationship, between God and with one"s fellow people, as given in the Torah. Every relationship has specific but different demands. The relationship that one has with a spouse is quite different with different expectations than that of a relationship with a co-worker. However, both relationships require certain guidelines and parameters; and the association is only good when the criterion are faithfully observed. When God or humanity performs the elements dictated upon it by a relationship, that is the culmination of the Old Testament concept of righteousness. .

             A necessary component in the covenantal relationship between the Israelites and Yahweh was trust. The Hebrews were required to put all their trust in Yahweh and submit their lives to Him. Their tsedaqah would come from meeting these requirements. In relationship to Yahweh, the Israelite was considered righteous when the demands of the covenant were fulfilled. They were not righteous because they were sinless, they became righteous when they honored the requirements of the covenantal relationship. The righteous person does what is honest, fair and essential to maintain friendly relationships within a family or community; the covenantal guidelines are honored.

             Yahweh epitomizes the concept of tsedaqah within the relational aspect of its definition. He fulfilled His part of the covenant by restoring the remnant. He kept his relationship with Israel even when they had turned against Him. Yahweh also maintained tsedaqah by justifying Israel. Since Israel was in a covenant relationship, tsedaqah also had a religious connotation. They had to obey the law of Yahweh. However, Israel"s relationship with Yahweh was not only based on its own righteousness, but on her fulfillment of the demands of the relationship. Nevertheless, their worship became meaningless when Israel was not participating in the relationship with God.