Dictionary of Bible Themes: 1185 God, zeal of

1185 God, zeal of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 1000 God » 1010 God, nature and qualities of » 1015 God » 1185 God, zeal of

The intense and protective commitment of God to his people and to his purposes which seeks a passionate and obedient response. The zeal of God is often linked with the idea of the “jealousy of God”, in which God refuses to contemplate his people giving their allegiance or affection to another.

God in his zeal demands exclusive loyalty from his people

Exodus 20:5 The jealousy of God implies that he seeks for and insists on exclusive loyalty which is due to him and which will benefit those who give it. See also Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; Deuteronomy 5:9; Joshua 24:19; Nahum 1:2

God's zeal for the honour of his name

Isaiah 42:8 See also Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 32:51; Isaiah 48:9-11; Ezekiel 20:9,14,22; Ezekiel 36:20-23; Ezekiel 39:7,25

God's zeal on behalf of his people

Zechariah 1:14 See also 2 Kings 19:31 pp Isaiah 37:32; Joel 2:18; Zechariah 8:2

God's zeal to establish the Messiah's reign

Isaiah 9:7

God's zeal is aroused by his people's idolatry

Deuteronomy 32:16 See also Deuteronomy 29:20; Deuteronomy 32:21; 1 Kings 14:22; Psalm 78:58; Ezekiel 8:3,5; Ezekiel 16:38; Ezekiel 23:25; 1 Corinthians 10:21-22

God's zeal in judgment

He judges the nations

Ezekiel 36:5-6; Ezekiel 38:18-19; Zephaniah 1:18; Zephaniah 3:8

He restrains his zeal in judgment

Ezekiel 16:42 See also Numbers 25:11

God's people appeal for his zeal to be shown

Isaiah 63:15 See also Psalm 74:10-11; Isaiah 26:11

God's people reflect his zeal

Numbers 25:11-13 See also 1 Kings 19:10,14; Proverbs 23:17; Romans 12:11