Jealousy Part 3

The word jealous or jealousy is mentioned 47 times in the Bible. Sixty-two percent of the time it is referring to God being jealous of his people who are putting their affections elsewhere. Today’s blog is about God’s jealousy. I asked my husband, Mark, to write today’s blog, enjoy.

Jealous, jealous, jealous, what a difficult word to describe, the translation of jealousy in the Bible is “jealous”. Not much of a help there.  

One of God’s names is Jealous, and the reason is He is a jealous God. For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Exodus 34:14

Some people get jealous over minor things; however there are jealousies which have led to the death of those who were the object of jealousy. When Israel wanted a king, Samuel was very upset with the people. He thought the office of the Judges was sufficient, however when God spoke with Samuel about the people’s desire He said; But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. (I Samuel 8:6-7)  There are many examples of Israel forcing God to show His jealousy over them, and they paid dearly for their actions.

We are all prone to having our feelings hurt through jealousy, and God warns us not to provoke Him to jealousy. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.  Deuteronomy 4:24

If we want to have a relationship with God, without the fear of causing Him to be jealous, we must understand there are codes of life God wants us to abide by to show our love for Him. When we opt to chase the rainbows of life on this earth we leave Him out causing a spike in His jealousy.

God says He is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. In this statement we see God puts destructive fire right up there with jealousy. I have been burned very severely in the past. The burn was so severe it caused me to lose much time at work as well as the ability to walk without the aid of crutches. I do not want to cause the consuming fire of God’s jealousy focused on me.

The best way to avoid God’s jealousy is to put Him first in all things. Walk in the paths He has lit for us and remember, God is a jealous God.

Have a blessed day, 

Donna