"Divine Devotion: Understanding God as El Qanna, the Jealous Protector"

El Qanna- Jealous God

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

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.

James 1:4-8

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

The quote "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us" is part of a larger section where James is warning against worldliness and emphasizing the importance of humility before God. In verse 4, James writes, "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

James then continues in verse 5, "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'?"

This quote is likely a reference to God's jealousy and desire for our full devotion. 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.

"El Qanna" is a name for God that speaks to His fierce protection of His people, His creation, and His glory. God's jealousy is not a sinful or selfish emotion, but rather a righteous zeal for the worship and obedience that is due to Him alone. This concept is seen throughout the Bible and serves as a reminder of God's deep love for His people and His desire to protect them from harm.

PRAYER:

Abba Father,

We thank you for your love, protection, and faithfulness towards us. We acknowledge that you are a jealous God who fiercely protects your people, creation, and glory. We ask that you would help us to live in a way that reflects your character and your desires.

Please help us to be faithful to you, to worship you alone, and to honor you with our lives. Help us to turn away from anything that would distract us from your will and purpose for our lives.

We pray that your jealousy and protection would be evident in our lives. Help us to trust in your promises and to rely on your strength. May we be a people who are known for our faithfulness, obedience, and love for you.

We also pray for your protection over us and over all of creation. We ask that you would guard us from harm and from anything that would seek to harm us. May your glory be seen through us and may we bring honor to your name in all that we do.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Amanda Allen

Write & Blogger

www.KingdomRevelations.com

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