I think one of the more difficult names of God to think about is Qanna, Jealous. God is a jealous God but not in the human terms of jealousy which is almost always thought of in a negative sense. In humans it is not a character trait or action that is considered good. However, let’s rethink this in terms of God. God’s jealousy is one of protective love. The Lord seals every believer to Himself through the Holy Spirit. Unlike human beings, God does not experience feelings of insecurity, fear or anxiety about His relationship with people. He is righteously angry when His children choose to devote their time and attention to lesser things. When God’s children turn their backs on Him, in His mercy an grace He pursues them.
We see the name Jealous referred to multiple times when God is talking to them about worshipping idols. First in the 10 Commandments He lays down his standard for our behavior concerning worship. Exodus 20:5 “ You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,” God did not want the Israelites worshiping idols of wood or stone as He abhorred this practice. It offended Him as He desires them to worship Him alone.
When they were headed to the promised land, God warned them of His jealousy and the consequences. Exodus 34:13-14 “You shall tear down their altars and break their pillars and cut down their Asherim (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),” He also warned them of His jealous nature if they abandoned Him for idol worship. Deuteronomy 4:23-24 “ Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and make a carved image, the form of anything that the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
Joshua warned the people as they entered the promised land as they were to fight people who worshipped idols. Those who would forsake the worship of the one true God would not be able to be forgiven and that they would be consumed. Joshua 24:19-20 “But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the Lord, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.”
During the New Testament times, Paul mentions God’s jealousy too. The Corinthians were arguing about whether or not they could eat food that had been offered to idols. Paul tells them that their is nothing wrong with the meat but do they really want to eat food that has been a part of a pagan ritual and offered to a demon. He is saying you can’t have it both ways- like your cake and eat it too. Consider the source and intention of the food and then decide. As a Christian he said there is nothing wrong with eating the food but consider how others might view it. 1 Corinthians 10: 21-24 “ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” As they were to consider their actions, Paul reminds them that God is a jealous God and wants all of their devotion and worship to be towards Him not on any idols.
How does this effect you and me? I am encouraged and uplifted that God is jealous for my devotion and love. He loves me so much and sent Jesus because of His love to save me. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Why would I want to place someone or something on such a pedestal of worship to arouse His jealousy? Imagine God’s seeing people reading, golfing, working, being entertained instead of spending time in worship, be it alone or in a fellowship group. Wouldn’t that arouse God’s jealousy as we idol away our time neglecting Him?
Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am committed to a God who loves me and is jealous for my love towards Him. Seek to lean into Him this week and some spend time in prayer and study. He will bless you for your devotion.
Linda
Jealous does not seem an appropriate attribute to associate with God. However, that is exactly what God calls himself in Exodus 34:14. “Do not worship any other god, for the 
bear much fruit in our lives. John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” He alone is the source of our power for living. In John 15:10 Jesus tells us that abiding involves keeping His commandments- loving and worshiping only Him. “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”
Fearless Living 