Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of God being provoked to jealousy is a significant theme, particularly in the context of idolatry and unfaithfulness among His people. The jealousy of God is not akin to human jealousy, which often stems from insecurity or envy. Instead, it is a righteous and holy response to the covenant relationship He has established with His people. God's jealousy is a reflection of His passionate commitment to His people and His desire for their exclusive devotion.Idolatry and False Worship One of the primary ways in which God is provoked to jealousy is through idolatry. The first commandment given to the Israelites was, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). This command underscores the exclusivity of the relationship between God and His people. When the Israelites turned to other gods, they violated this covenant, provoking God's jealousy. In Deuteronomy 32:16, it is written, "They provoked His jealousy with foreign gods; they enraged Him with abominations" . This verse highlights how idolatry is seen as a direct affront to God's rightful place as the sole object of worship. Spiritual Adultery The metaphor of marriage is frequently used in Scripture to describe the relationship between God and His people. When Israel engaged in idolatry, it was often described as spiritual adultery. In Ezekiel 16:38, God declares, "I will sentence you to the punishment of women who commit adultery and who shed blood, and bring upon you the wrath of bloodshed and jealousy" . This imagery conveys the depth of betrayal felt by God when His people turn away from Him to pursue other deities. God's Zealous Love God's jealousy is also an expression of His zealous love for His people. In Exodus 34:14, God commands, "For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" . This verse reveals that God's jealousy is intrinsic to His character. It is not a petty or irrational emotion but a profound expression of His love and commitment to His covenant people. God's jealousy ensures that He will not tolerate rivals for the affection and loyalty of His people. Consequences of Provoking God's Jealousy The consequences of provoking God's jealousy are severe. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites faced divine judgment when they turned to idolatry. In Deuteronomy 6:15, Moses warns the people, "For the LORD your God in your midst is a jealous God. Otherwise, the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth" . This warning underscores the seriousness with which God views idolatry and unfaithfulness. Call to Exclusive Devotion The call to exclusive devotion to God is reiterated throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul echoes this theme in 1 Corinthians 10:22, asking, "Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?" . This rhetorical question serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of maintaining fidelity to God and avoiding any form of idolatry or divided loyalty. In summary, the biblical portrayal of God's jealousy is a profound testament to His unwavering commitment to His people and His desire for their wholehearted devotion. It serves as both a warning against idolatry and an invitation to a deeper, more exclusive relationship with the Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 14:22And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sin: Its Spring-Head, Stream, and Sea Moreover Moses in Deuteronomy Says that the Gentiles Should be the ... The Mercy of God What God is to Us. The Book of the Law All Association with Idols is to be Avoided. On the Perfection of Patience. A Jealous God The Jew Continues: "Did Jesus Come into the World for this Purpose ... The Shameful Sufferer Resources What does it mean to be a slave to sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the sin nature? | GotQuestions.org What is the worst sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
    |