Jealousy

This is one of the two words that inspired this study.  We discussed it briefly at the Feast, but I thought it worth noting here.  We all think of “jealousy” as something associated with the flesh, and in most cases this is a correct assessment, for when Paul is describing the “works of the flesh” he includes, “emulations” and “envyings,” (Gal 5:20, 21) which have the meanings of “to be eager to imitate,” and simply “jealousy” in a more general sense respectively.  Of course, to “imitate” the godly behavior of someone is not a bad thing; the connotation of that word is sort of like seeking to outdo someone in a rivalry.  If you notice that someone can play the piano well, and you start taking lessons, not because you like the playing and want to be able to do likewise, but because you want to outperform the first individual, this is an example of “emulation.”

The actual word “jealousy” as translated in the King James Version, is never actually used in an explicitly negative way, except potentially once in Proverbs 6:34.  In fact, there is actually a “Law of Jealousy” described in Numbers 5:11-31 in which a husband who is “jealous,” because his wife has had an affair can take her to the priest who, by the performing of a symbolic ritual, can make divine pleasure manifest in her very flesh.  There may be some benefit to studying the details of this ritual in light of spiritual “adultery” that a Church may commit, and if anyone obtains any inspiration while reading that chapter regarding the SDA Trademark, the fall of the Apostolic Church, or any other examples following the same principle, I’d be interested in hearing it.

Uniformly, divine jealousy is described as an enduring characteristic of Yahweh.  It is borne out of a fervent love for His people, and a desire to keep them safe from evil influences.  “Then will Yahweh be jealous for His land, and pity His people.” (Joel 2:18)  Even humans may have a godly jealousy, which is a desire to protect the reputation, integrity and safety of something that is precious.  Paul says to the Church and of the Church, “I am jealous over you with godly jealousy, for I have espoused you to one Husband, that I may present you as a chaste Virgin to Christ.” (2Cor 11:2)

In seeking to comprehend all the words in this lexicon, and “jealousy” is certainly a good example, see how it sounds with the word “godly” before it.  Jealousy is a work of the flesh, if we look at it from a strictly human perspective, but “godly jealousy” is a vital aspect of divine love.  Fear is the result of a kind of selfishness in the carnal mind, but “godly fear,” that is, “the fear of God,” is “the beginning of wisdom” (Psa 110:11) and “the beginning of knowledge.” (Pro 1:7)