Jealousy of God

Character of God - Reading Abstract

Thoennes, K. Erik Godly Jealousy: A Theology of Intolerant Love Christian Focus Publications, Geanies House, Fearn, Ross-shire, Scotland c. 2005

Thoennes breaks the common idea that jealousy is only a negative attribute that comes from personal insecurity (17). Jealousy is an emotion based on a perceived infidelity to covenant exclusively (12). Godly jealousy is seen in three ways in scripture 1) God's Jealousy for his own glory 2) God's jealousy for the faithfulness of His people 3) and Godly human jealousy. Thoennes extracts specific examples from each of these ways and using biblical theology, examines Godly jealousy. The first 2 commandments surface throughout the book as does the metaphor of the unfaithful wife that is also widely used throughout scripture. God's jealousy for His own glory in the Old Testament can be seen when Israel is constantly unfaithful yet God delivers them not for their prosperity, yet for His own glory, so His own name could be praised. God's jealousy for the faithfulness of his people in the OT can be seen through His wrath when the Israelites constantly turned their backs on Him and though the words of the prophets with graphic sexual imagery to describe their infidelity such as in Ezekial. Human jealousy for God is examined in the OT by looking at the acts of Phineas as he killed the Moabite woman, David with his jealousy for God's house, and Elijah as he acted against the constant apostasy. In the NT Thoennes primarily examines the jealousy Jesus had for God for His respect (John2:13-17), and the Godly jealousy through Paul for His honor and denouncing idolatry of every kind. Jealousy is not just an attribute of God, but it's His name as well. He is jealous for His own glory and that jealousy does not conflict with His love (243).

1. How do we atone for God's jealousy towards our family members who are not faithful to Him? Is it our responsibility?

2. What is the balance between our jealousy for God's glory and turning the other cheek? Where do we see human jealousy for God acted out today?

3. If Jesus took the wrath for us on this earth that God's jealousy would have needed to give for unfaithfulness, what is His emotional response?

4. If