A Jealous God (And Two Jealous Dogs)

With the icy weather conditions keeping us home a few days, our house was a little fuller than usual. I think our two dogs enjoyed it the most. There’s something about having everyone home that makes them extra affectionate—and extra competitive. 

I noticed how jealous they would get when the other was receiving attention. If I was petting Ellie Mae, Winnie would slowly (and not so subtly) inch closer until they were both well inside my bubble. If one got a treat, the other was immediately at my side, making sure they weren’t being left out. Their message was clear: “That affection is for me too.”

Watching them, I was reminded of something in Scripture that often makes people uncomfortable. In the Ten Commandments, God describes himself as “a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5). We don’t usually like that word. Jealousy, in our experience, often feels petty, insecure, or even harmful. But the jealousy God describes is something different.

God’s jealousy is not about insecurity. God is not worried about losing power or popularity. Instead, God’s jealousy is the jealousy of a loving, committed relationship. It’s the kind of jealousy that says, “You matter too much to me for me to be indifferent.” It’s the jealousy of a spouse who has promised faithfulness, a parent who fiercely protects their child, a shepherd who will not abandon the flock.

In the commandments, God’s jealousy is tied to covenant. “I am the Lord your God… you shall have no other gods before me.” In other words, “I have chosen you. Don’t give your heart to something that cannot love you back the way I can.” In a strange way, my dogs had the right instinct. They wanted closeness. They wanted to be near. They didn’t want to miss out on relationship. And God, in a far deeper and holier way, wants the same from us. Not because God needs us to survive—but because God knows we need God to truly live.

So maybe when we hear that God is jealous, we can hear it not as a threat, but as a promise: You are not replaceable. You are not forgettable. You are deeply wanted.

May God hold you,
Rev Chris Hester