Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 6 - Verse 15

This verse emphasizes the jealousy of God, stating that He is a jealous God among His people. The term "jealous" in this context does not refer to a feeling of envy, but rather to a passionate devotion and protection. God demands exclusive worship and loyalty from His people, and any form of idolatry or disobedience stirs His jealousy. The verse serves as a warning to the Israelites to remember their covenant with God and not to provoke His anger, as the consequences could be severe. The mention of God's anger being kindled against them highlights the seriousness of the situation, as it could lead to their destruction from the face of the earth. This verse underscores the importance of maintaining a faithful and obedient relationship with God, as He expects His chosen people to honor Him above all else.

One of the key theological interpretations of this verse is the concept of God's jealousy. The Hebrew word for "jealous" used in this verse is "qanna," which refers to God's intense love and desire for his people's loyalty. In this context, God's jealousy signifies his exclusive claim over the Israelites as his chosen people and his expectation for them to worship him alone. This verse emphasizes the severity of God's response if his people turn to other gods, highlighting the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to the Lord. The phrase "lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth" underscores the consequences of forsaking God and worshipping idols. It serves as a warning to the Israelites about the potential repercussions of provoking God's divine wrath through idolatry and disobedience. Overall, this verse conveys the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in the relationship between God and his people, emphasizing the need for wholehearted devotion and worship.