“For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you, lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.”
This verse is part of the larger context of the passage known as the Shema, which begins in Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.” The Shema is a foundational statement of faith for the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of loving and worshiping the one true God.
Deuteronomy 6:15 focuses on an aspect of God’s character: His jealousy. The mention of God’s jealousy may seem puzzling or contradictory to some, as we often associate jealousy with negative human emotions. However, in the biblical context, God’s jealousy is understood as a righteous and protective zeal for His people’s exclusive devotion.
The verse serves as a warning to the Israelites that they should not worship or serve any other gods, for the LORD their God demands their complete loyalty. The Israelites were constantly surrounded by polytheistic cultures and faced the temptation to follow after other gods. God’s jealousy, therefore, is a response to the unfaithfulness and idolatry of His people.
The verse also warns of the consequences of turning away from God. It says that if the Israelites were to provoke God’s anger by abandoning Him and embracing other gods, His wrath would be kindled against them, resulting in their destruction from the face of the earth. This emphasizes the seriousness of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
It is worth noting that this verse should be understood within the larger theological framework of the Bible. God’s jealousy is always depicted in the context of His love for His people. Just as a husband would be jealous if his wife were unfaithful to him, God’s jealousy arises from His deep love and desire for an exclusive relationship with His chosen people.
In summary, Deuteronomy 6:15 highlights God’s jealousy and the need for the Israelites to remain devoted solely to Him. It serves as a warning against idolatry and emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God’s covenant. Understanding this verse helps us appreciate God’s desire for a loving and faithful relationship with His people and reminds us of the importance of wholeheartedly worshiping and serving Him.
