God is a Jealous God: Embracing His Passionate Pursuit

Have you ever been so jealous it drove you mad? Or have you found yourself on the receiving end of someone else's envy? I've danced on both sides of that fiery emotion, and I bet you have too. If you've ever navigated any kind of relationship, you've likely encountered its sting. But jealousy isn't just a human trait—it's also a facet of God's character, reflected in His name "El Qanna" from the Hebrew word for "jealous."

"El Qanna" is one of the many names used to describe God in the Bible, derived from the Hebrew word "qanna," which means "jealous." This name speaks profoundly to God's passionate commitment to His people, His creation, and His glory.

God's jealousy is not about mere protection in the conventional sense but reflects His deep desire for exclusive devotion and faithfulness from His covenant people. It signifies His unwavering zeal to maintain the purity and integrity of His relationship with humanity, ensuring that His honor and glory remain untarnished. This divine jealousy is a righteous fervor that upholds the sanctity of His creation and preserves His rightful place as the sole object of worship.

Through this attribute, God actively seeks to guard the sacred bond between Himself and His people, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and allegiance to Him alone.

In the Old Testament, the concept of God's jealousy is often linked to His covenant relationship with Israel. God made a covenant with Israel and promised to be their God and protect them if they followed His commandments. In return, God expected Israel to be faithful to Him and worship Him alone.

When Israel turned away from God and worshipped other gods, God's jealousy was kindled.

This is seen in the book of Exodus, where God tells Moses,

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God" (Exodus 20:2-5).

God's jealousy is not a sinful or selfish emotion, but rather a righteous zeal for the glory and honor that is due to Him alone. As the Creator of the universe, God has the right to demand the worship and obedience of His creation. He also has a deep love for His people and a desire to protect them from harm. This is seen in the book of Deuteronomy, where God tells Israel,

"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. . . It is a jealous God who is among you, lest the anger of the Lord your God be kindled against you, and he destroy you from off the face of the earth" (Deuteronomy 4:24, 5:9).

The concept of God's jealousy is also seen in the New Testament. In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul writes,

"Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, 'He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us'?"

Here, Paul is quoting from the book of James (James 1:4-5) to emphasize that God's jealousy is not limited to the Old Testament, but is a characteristic of God that is still present in the New Testament era.

The Spirit that dwells in us is the Holy Spirit, who is given to believers as a seal and guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). God has a deep love for His people and desires that we live in obedience and devotion to Him alone.

The phrase "He yearns jealously" suggests a strong emotional response, a passionate longing for something or someone. In this case, it is God's passion for our souls, for our complete devotion and allegiance. The word "jealous" in this context refers to God's righteous anger towards anything that would threaten our relationship with Him.

God desires that we be set apart for Him, that we live holy and pure lives, and that we reject the values and priorities of the world around us.

Have you ever noticed how unique God's jealousy is compared to other so-called gods in various religions? In many belief systems, gods are portrayed as distant and indifferent, unconcerned with the affairs of mortals. But in the Christian tradition, God reveals Himself as "El Qanna," the God who is jealous for His people. This isn't a petty jealousy born of insecurity or ego; it's a divine passion rooted in love and righteousness. Unlike gods of myth and legend who remain aloof, God passionately desires a relationship with His creation.

His jealousy is not a flaw but a testament to His unparalleled commitment and fervor. It's a jealousy that fiercely protects, guides, and loves beyond measure—a jealousy that sets Him apart as the one true God, deeply invested in the lives and hearts of those He calls His own.

Abba Father,

Thank You for Your jealousy. It brings me joy to know that You desire me so deeply, that You passionately ensure nothing comes between us. Even when I stumble and make mistakes, Your unwavering love continues to fight for me. This is what the world needs—a God who longs for us to be close to Him and who detests anything that separates us. Help me to always seek Your presence, knowing that You are relentlessly pursuing a relationship with me. In Jesus Name....Amen.

Amanda Allen, the author of Kingdom Revelations, holds the copyright to her works and art. Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source.