Deuteronomy 6:15
For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth.
for the LORD your God
The phrase "the LORD your God" emphasizes the personal relationship between God and the Israelites. The Hebrew word for LORD is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and covenant faithfulness. "Your God" indicates possession and personal commitment, reminding the Israelites that they are in a unique covenant relationship with the Creator, who has chosen them as His people.

in your midst
This phrase underscores God's immanence and His active presence among His people. The Hebrew word "qereb" can be translated as "midst" or "inner part," suggesting that God is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of the Israelites. This presence is both a comfort and a call to holiness, as God's nearness demands reverence and obedience.

is a jealous God
The term "jealous" in Hebrew is "qanna," which conveys a deep, protective love that tolerates no rivals. This is not human jealousy, which is often petty or insecure, but a divine attribute that reflects God's passionate commitment to His covenant relationship. God's jealousy is a reminder of His holiness and the exclusivity of worship that He demands, as He will not share His glory with idols or false gods.

Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God
The "anger of the LORD" is a response to covenant unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word "aph" for anger can also mean "nostrils," suggesting the imagery of flaring nostrils in righteous indignation. This anthropomorphic expression communicates God's just response to sin and idolatry, emphasizing that His anger is not capricious but a measured response to the violation of His covenant.

will be kindled against you
The phrase "will be kindled" uses the Hebrew word "charah," which means to burn or to be hot. This metaphor of fire illustrates the intensity and consuming nature of God's wrath against sin. It serves as a warning to the Israelites of the serious consequences of turning away from God and embracing idolatry.

and He will wipe you off the face of the earth
This severe warning uses the Hebrew word "shamad," meaning to destroy or annihilate. It reflects the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy for disobedience. The phrase "face of the earth" emphasizes the totality of the judgment, serving as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in the covenant relationship. It calls the Israelites to fidelity and obedience, highlighting the seriousness of God's holiness and justice.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is described as a "jealous God," emphasizing His desire for exclusive devotion from His people.

2. Israel
The chosen people of God, who are being warned against idolatry and unfaithfulness.

3. Canaan
The land into which Israel is entering, filled with pagan nations and their gods, posing a temptation for Israel to stray from Yahweh.

4. Moses
The leader of Israel, delivering God's commandments and warnings to the people.

5. The Covenant
The agreement between God and Israel, which includes blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
Teaching Points
God's Jealousy and Holiness
God's jealousy is rooted in His holiness and His rightful expectation of exclusive worship from His people. Understanding this helps us appreciate the seriousness of idolatry and unfaithfulness.

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can include anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. We must be vigilant in identifying and removing idols in our lives.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The warning of being "wiped off the face of the earth" underscores the severe consequences of turning away from God. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience.

The Presence of God
The phrase "in your midst" highlights God's intimate presence with His people. This should encourage us to live in a way that honors His presence in our lives.

Covenant Faithfulness
Our relationship with God is based on a covenant that requires faithfulness. Reflecting on this can inspire us to renew our commitment to God and His commandments.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God as a "jealous God" influence your view of His character and your relationship with Him?

2. What are some modern-day "idols" that can distract us from our devotion to God, and how can we guard against them?

3. In what ways does the presence of God "in your midst" impact your daily life and decisions?

4. How can the warnings and consequences described in Deuteronomy 6:15 motivate us to remain faithful to God's covenant?

5. How do the themes of jealousy and faithfulness in Deuteronomy 6:15 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:5
This verse also describes God as a "jealous God," linking to the commandment against idolatry and emphasizing His exclusive claim to worship.

Joshua 24:19-20
Joshua warns the Israelites about God's jealousy and the consequences of forsaking Him for other gods.

Nahum 1:2
Describes God as jealous and avenging, reinforcing the seriousness of His covenant relationship with His people.

1 Corinthians 10:22
Paul warns against provoking the Lord to jealousy, drawing a parallel to the idolatry warnings in the Old Testament.
Family Training is to Propagate the LawR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 6:6-25
The Religious Education of ChildrenJ. Orr Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 20-25
The Creature Displacing the CreatorJ. Orr Deuteronomy 6:10-16
The Peril of ProsperityD. Davies Deuteronomy 6:10-19
Jealousy the Shadow of LoveLyman Abbott.Deuteronomy 6:14-15
The Forbidden PathJ. Wolfendale.Deuteronomy 6:14-15
People
Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Massah
Topics
Anger, Burn, Burning, Causing, Destroy, Destroyed, Destruction, Face, Ground, Honour, Jealous, Kindled, Lest, Midst, Otherwise, Wipe, Wrath, Zealous
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 6:15

     5150   face
     5790   anger, divine
     8773   jealousy

Deuteronomy 6:13-15

     5377   law, Ten Commandments
     6243   adultery, spiritual
     8282   intolerance
     8334   reverence, and God's nature
     8831   syncretism

Deuteronomy 6:14-15

     5844   emotions

Library
Home-Education.
SECTION I. THE CHARACTER OF HOME EDUCATION. "Scratch the green rind of a sapling, or wantonly twist it in the soil, The scarred and crooked oak will tell of thee for centuries to come; Wherefore, though the voice of instruction waiteth for the ear of reason, Yet with his mother's milk the young child drinketh education." We come now to consider one of the most important features of the Christian home, viz., as a school for the education of character. This is important because of its vital bearing
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Real Nature and Purpose of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: A large and complex library] Turning from the Jewish and mediaeval traditions and theories which so easily beset us, we ask, What is the real nature of the Old Testament as it is revealed in this new and clearer light? The first conclusion is that it is a library containing a large and complex literature, recording the varied experiences, political, social, ethical, and religious, of the Israelitish race. The fact that it is a library consisting of many different books is recognized
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law.
Text: 2 Corinthians 3, 4-11. 4 And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned
'But when the Pharisees had heard that He had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him, and saying, 36. Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38. This is the first and great commandment. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Parable of the Good Samaritan.
(Probably Judæa.) ^C Luke X. 25-37. ^c 25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [For the term lawyer see pp. 313, 314, The lawyer wished to make trial of the skill of Jesus in solving the intricate and difficult question as to how to obtain salvation. Jesus was probably teaching in some house or courtyard, and his habit of giving local color to his parables suggests that he was probably in or near Bethany, through
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is Neighbour to Us: the First, Concerning the Love That, Unasked, Gives in Our
THE period between Christ's return from the Feast of the Dedication' and His last entry into Jerusalem, may be arranged into two parts, divided by the brief visit to Bethany for the purpose of raising Lazarus from the dead. Even if it were possible, with any certainty, chronologically to arrange the events of each of these periods, the variety and briefness of what is recorded would prevent our closely following them in this narrative. Accordingly, we prefer grouping them together as the Parables
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Eclipse and Rediscovery of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: Jesus' study of the Old Testament] The opening chapters of the Gospels record only three or four meagre facts regarding the first thirty years of Jesus' life. The real history of those significant years ran so far beneath the surface of external events that it completely escaped the historian. The history of the mental and spiritual life of the Master is recorded in his mature character and teachings. The fugitive hints, however, vividly illustrate the supreme fact that he ever grew
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. These two short treatises were found among Mr. Bunyan's papers after his decease. They probably were intended for publication, like his 'Prison Meditations' and his 'Map of Salvation,' on a single page each, in the form of a broadside, or handbill. This was the popular mode in which tracts were distributed; and when posted against a wall, or framed and hung up in a room, they excited notice, and were extensively read. They might also have afforded some trifling profit to aid
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius Cæsar and under the Pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas - a Voice in the Wilderness
THERE is something grand, even awful, in the almost absolute silence which lies upon the thirty years between the Birth and the first Messianic Manifestation of Jesus. In a narrative like that of the Gospels, this must have been designed; and, if so, affords presumptive evidence of the authenticity of what follows, and is intended to teach, that what had preceded concerned only the inner History of Jesus, and the preparation of the Christ. At last that solemn silence was broken by an appearance,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

On the Symbols of the Essence' and Coessential. '
We must look at the sense not the wording. The offence excited is at the sense; meaning of the Symbols; the question of their not being in Scripture. Those who hesitate only at coessential,' not to be considered Arians. Reasons why coessential' is better than like-in-essence,' yet the latter may be interpreted in a good sense. Explanation of the rejection of coessential' by the Council which condemned the Samosatene; use of the word by Dionysius of Alexandria; parallel variation in the use of Unoriginate;
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and Return of the Seventy - the Home at Bethany - Martha and Mary
ALTHOUGH, for the reasons explained in the previous chapter, the exact succession of events cannot be absolutely determined, it seems most likely, that it was on His progress southwards at this time that Jesus designated' [3870] those seventy' [3871] others,' who were to herald His arrival in every town and village. Even the circumstance, that the instructions to them are so similar to, and yet distinct from, those formerly given to the Twelve, seems to point to them as those from whom the Seventy
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Worship of the Synagogue
One of the most difficult questions in Jewish history is that connected with the existence of a synagogue within the Temple. That such a "synagogue" existed, and that its meeting-place was in "the hall of hewn stones," at the south-eastern angle of the court of the priest, cannot be called in question, in face of the clear testimony of contemporary witnesses. Considering that "the hall of hew stones" was also the meeting-place for the great Sanhedrim, and that not only legal decisions, but lectures
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Christian Home
Scripture references: Ephesians 6:1-9; 5:25-33; Colossians 3:17-25; 1 Corinthians 7:12-17; Mark 10:2-12; 7:9-13; 5:19; 1 Timothy 5:4; Luke 15:6; Titus 2:1-15; Exodus 20:12,17; Deuteronomy 6:1-9. THE HOME What is a Home?--It has been answered that, "It is the unit of society." It has also been pointed out that this unit must be kept clean, pure and right, in all its relations, or society and the state will suffer grave consequences. Certainly, in the past, the institutions of society and state have
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

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