JEALOUS (Heb. qanno˒)

“jealous”

 (Heb. qanno˒) (1:2; Josh. 24:19) Strong’s #7072: This Hebrew term is related to a root word that can mean “to be eager, zealous for” (1 Kin. 19:10, 14), or even “to be furious” (Zech. 8:2). One of God’s names is Jealous (Ex. 34:14). When the expression “the Lord your God is a jealous God” is used in the OT, it is usually associated with an injunction against idol worship (Ex. 20:5; Deut. 4:24; 5:9; 6:15). God’s jealousy for His people is a claim for exclusive allegiance rooted in His holiness (Josh. 24:19) and His role as their Creator and Redeemer (Pss. 95:6, 7; 96:2–5). We tend to associate jealousy with a self-serving emotion that usually results from feelings of inadequacy. God’s jealousy, in contrast, proceeds from His holiness. Because He alone is the Holy One (Is. 6:3; 40:25), He will tolerate no rival (Ex. 20:5).