Topical Bible: Offerings: Different Kinds of Jealousy

◄ Offerings: Different Kinds of Jealousy ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, jealousy is a multifaceted concept that can manifest in both positive and negative forms. The Bible addresses jealousy in various ways, often distinguishing between righteous jealousy, which aligns with God's character, and sinful jealousy, which stems from human fallibility.

1. Divine Jealousy:

Divine jealousy is a recurring theme in Scripture, reflecting God's zealous protection of His covenant relationship with His people. This form of jealousy is not petty or insecure but is rooted in God's holiness and His desire for His people to remain faithful to Him. In Exodus 34:14 , God declares, "For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." Here, God's jealousy is portrayed as a rightful demand for exclusive devotion, akin to the commitment expected in a marriage covenant.

2. Righteous Human Jealousy:

Righteous jealousy in humans mirrors God's jealousy and is often associated with a zeal for God's honor and the well-being of others. The Apostle Paul exemplifies this in 2 Corinthians 11:2 , where he writes, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him." Paul's jealousy is motivated by a desire to protect the spiritual purity and fidelity of the Corinthian church to Christ.

3. Sinful Jealousy:

Sinful jealousy, on the other hand, is condemned throughout Scripture as a destructive and divisive force. It often arises from selfish ambition, envy, and a lack of trust in God's provision. James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This form of jealousy leads to strife and discord, undermining relationships and communities.

4. Jealousy in Relationships:

The Bible provides numerous examples of jealousy within human relationships, often highlighting its detrimental effects. In Genesis 37, the jealousy of Joseph's brothers leads them to sell him into slavery, setting off a chain of events that ultimately fulfills God's purposes but also causes significant familial pain. Similarly, King Saul's jealousy of David, as described in 1 Samuel 18:8-9 , results in a relentless pursuit to kill David, driven by fear and insecurity over losing his kingdom.

5. Jealousy and Idolatry:

Jealousy is also linked to idolatry, as it reflects a divided heart that seeks fulfillment outside of God. Ezekiel 8:3-5 describes a vision where God reveals the "idol of jealousy" in the temple, symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness. This imagery underscores the spiritual adultery that provokes God's righteous jealousy, as His people turn to false gods.

6. Overcoming Sinful Jealousy:

The Bible offers guidance for overcoming sinful jealousy through the cultivation of love, contentment, and trust in God. In 1 Corinthians 13:4 , love is described as not being jealous, highlighting the transformative power of love to dispel envy. Additionally, Philippians 4:11-13 encourages believers to find contentment in Christ, who strengthens them to rise above the temptations of jealousy and envy.

In summary, the Bible presents jealousy as a complex emotion that can either reflect God's holy character or reveal human sinfulness. Understanding the different kinds of jealousy and their implications is essential for fostering a faithful and harmonious relationship with God and others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 5:15
Then shall the man bring his wife to the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter iv
... law of Moses specifies many different kinds of vegetable ... brothers recognized how
God felt about their offerings. ... they scarcely have anything different from our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ...
... to Objection 8: There were three kinds of sacrifices ... in order were the "ex-voto"
peace-offerings, the flesh ... 2115]Q[73], A[10]): wherefore different victims are ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a suitable cause can.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... his choice; we can picture the jealousy with which ... and amongst them we find many
different callings"from ... times as were customary, the offerings and prayers ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... once taken place in the case of the larger kinds. ... than the Eye of Horus under different
aspects, and ... person, prepared his food, received the offerings of his ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... were familiar with all the different kinds of battering-ram ... over various foes, in
twenty different directions"the ... filled with uneasiness or jealousy by his ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... single royal army in which the different kinds of troops ... from their earliest childhood
to all kinds of equestrian ... devoured by the fire of His jealousy; for He ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... appears to have been Fortress of Duniash; to this Delitzsch preferred the translation
Garden of Duniash, from an erroneous different reading"Ganduniash ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

On Idolatry
... Idolatry is also of two kinds. ... of the human brain is compounded of different shapes,
such ... or holy days, vigils, fasts, images, candles, offerings, by burning ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... in the singing of hymns and the offerings, of prayers ... it is not for me to wish the
appointment different. ... sound of flute, harp, sackbut and all kinds of music ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

Heresies
... [Sidenote: Two kinds of heretics ... given once for all at the Last Supper; all offerings
and prayers ... of those who bore at various times and in different places the ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xii heresies.htm