JEALOUSY

JEALOUSY

In Godly jealousy is there any sense of vindictiveness. The Hebrew word might be rendered with equal accuracy "zealous." That is to say, it is a word that marks intensity, even fiery intensity. It is certainly used to describe that which is evil in some cases. It is equally true that it is used, as in the case of God, to refer to that which has in it no element such as that of petty vindictiveness, which we as Americans tend to associate with the word.

            The declaration that God is a jealous God simply emphasizes the irrevocable nature of His laws, and the fact that we cannot escape from them. These laws we need to remember are all the outcome of His love, and are in the interests of men.

            Jealousy is used in three senses in Scripture; (1) as intolerance of rivalry or unfaithfulness; (2) as a disposition suspicious of rivalry or unfaithfulness; and (3) as hostility towards a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage. Sense 3 approximates envy. God is jealous for His people Israel in sense 1, that is, God is intolerant of rival gods (Exod. 20:5; 34:14; Deut. 4:24; 5:9) One expression of God's jealousy for Israel is God's protection of His people from enemies. Thus God's jealousy includes avenging Israel (Ezek. 36:6; 39:25; Nah. 1:2; Zech. 1:14; 8:2). Phineas is described as jealous with God's jealousy (Num. 25:11, 13, sometimes translated zealous for God). Elijah is similarly characterized as jealous (or zealous) for God (1 Kings 19:10, 14). In the New Testament Paul speaks of his divine jealousy for the Christians at Corinth (2 Cor. 11:2).

    Num. 5:11-30 concerns the process by which a husband suspicious of his wife's unfaithfulness might test her. Most often human jealousy involves hostility towards a rival. Joseph's brothers were jealous (Gen. 37:11) and thus sold their brother into slavery (Acts 7:9). In Acts 17:5 a jealous group among the Jews incited the crowd against Paul. Jealousy, like envy, is common in vice lists (Rom. 13:13; 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20-21). Jealousy is regarded as worse than wrath or anger (Prov. 27:4). James regarded jealousy (or bitter envy) as characteristic of earthy, demonic wisdom (James 3:14) and as the source of all disorder and wickedness (James 3:16).