Why Is God Jealous? (Joshua 23-24)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Why does God refer to himself in Scripture as a “jealous God,” and how can this be a good thing? 

Many say it isn’t and see this as one more reason not to believe in the God of the Old Testament. At first glance, the concept of jealousy seems to stand in direct contrast with a God of love. But let’s take a closer look. In the last two chapters of Joshua, Joshua warns the people to follow God, and in Joshua 24:14-15, he says these famous words that hang in many homes today:

¹⁴ “Therefore, fear the Lord and worship him in sincerity and truth. Get rid of the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and worship the Lord. ¹⁵ But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship—the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.”

After the people reaffirm their commitment to God, Joshua makes this statement that Trent Butler calls “perhaps the most shocking statement in the OT.”^[1] Joshua says to the people in Joshua 24:19-20, ¹⁹ “You will not be able to worship the Lord, because he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions and sins.” As Marten Woudstra notes, “It is evident from other parts of the book (e.g., 23:8) as well as from this chapter (v. 31) that these words, although their seriousness should not be minimized, should nevertheless not be taken in an absolute sense. Joshua simply wants to confront Israel with the seriousness of the solemn promise it has just uttered.”^[2]

Joshua then goes on to say in verse 20, “If you abandon the Lord and worship foreign gods, he will turn against you, harm you, and completely destroy you, after he has been good to you.” The idea of God's jealousy does not denote petty human-like envy but instead emphasizes God's exclusive claim on the loyalty and worship of his people. James Montgomery Boice said, “Rightly understood, the idea of jealousy is central to any true concept of God.”^[3] In this context, “jealousy” refers to God's passionate desire for the Israelites’ devotion and faithfulness and His intolerance for idolatry or the worship of other gods. It underscores the seriousness of the covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the expectation of wholehearted commitment and fidelity.

Wayne Grudem defines God’s jealousy as “God continually seeking to protect his own honor.”[4] After all, if there is no equal to God and serving him is the way humans experience the highest form of enjoyment, it makes sense that God would want his people to forsake all rivals. Trent Butler puts it this way:

Yahweh’s uniqueness lies precisely in his jealousy over against his worshipers. He loves them so much that he wants their undivided love in return. He will not share them with any other god. God turns his jealous indignation against the unfaithful worshiper, not against the rival lover. He punishes the people who try to serve him along with some other god. God’s jealousy cannot tolerate this. He has given undivided love and wants the same from them.^[5]

The fact that God is jealous for our affection shows the depth of his care for us. Unlike the spouse who doesn’t care if their partner cheats, God values his relationship with his people. He values the relationship he has with you.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, I praise you for your steadfastness and the call to serve you with all my heart and soul. Your commitment to your people shows me I can trust you.

Release | I release the distractions and idols that sometimes sway my focus from you. Help me to lay aside anything that hinders my service to you, whether it’s habits, fears, or misplaced loyalties. Help me serve you wholeheartedly.