Exodus 34:10-17; 20:1-6, Jealous

Exodus 34:14 is clear: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.  This name of God is problematic for us because we tend to think of “jealousy” as a self-centered quality.  Here are some thoughts from the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. Jealous speaks of strong emotion whereby some quality or possession is desired of the object by the subject.  It is used in both a derogatory and favorable way.  Think of zeal from which envy (zeal for another’s property) and jealousy (zeal for one’s own property) come.  The essential meaning is found in the marriage relationship.

We have difficulty with “jealousy” because our minds are conformed to this world.  Our culture even considers it wrong for a husband to be possessive of his wife; the Bible disagrees (1 Cor. 7:1-4).  Further, for humans, who are by birth self-centered, we don’t want a God who owns us or who demands “complete devotion.” 

But like it or not, that is exactly what this name of God reveals.  We are all His possession by virtue of creation; He is the Maker of heaven and earth.  Furthermore, He is the God who redeemed Israel out of Egypt, the house of bondage.  He alone did this, and in the process glorified Himself above all the gods of Egypt.  So, by virtue of Creation and Redemption, He alone has the right to say, You shall have no other gods before Me.  You shall not make for yourself a carved image – any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or … the earth beneath, or … in the water under the earth!

God’s jealousy for His people, His wife (Israel) is a fact.  Consider these truths.

·       Ezek. 16:38,42: The jealousy of God is behind His righteous judgment.  You may have noticed in today’s reading that God’s jealousy was spoken of in a context of idolatry.  Israel was to destroy the places of idolatry in the land so as to keep their hearts for the LORD.  But throughout her history, Israel turned again and again to idols, other lovers.  Thus, God warned of judgment to come.

·       Isaiah 9:7: On the other hand, God’s jealousy is at the root of His salvation.  The salvation described here is performed by the “zeal” (lit. jealousy) of the LORD.  He not only wants the devotion of His people; He is devoted to them.

·       Num. 25:1-13:  Read this passage about Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, who, the LORD said, was zealous with My zeal (lit. jealous with my jealousy).  His actions saved the Nation from God’s chastening zeal for their lack of devotion.

Jesus fulfilled Ps. 69:9, Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up (John 2:17).  He was jealous/zealous in His devotion to His God and Father.  The Church is called to have this same devotion for her Husband, Jesus Christ.  For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy.  For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ (2 Cor. 11:2).