If only one God exists, why would God be a "jealous God" (Exodus 20:5)? How can you be jealous of nothing?

Answer 1

I think it means jealous in the sense that he wants US to love him, after all, that's why he made us.

Answer 2

Good question. I don't see what's so wrong with taking on the view that there may be other gods, but only one who created the Garden of Eden and did the Exodus and all that stuff. There's some term for this (not "polytheism", but something else). It would also explain why some of the creation story is in plural ("Let us create...")

Answer 3

I like your question...

Aren't people generally jelous of nothing? Jelousy is a perception, and it's usually wrong. A boyfriend jelous of his girlfriend because he sees her talking to a stanger... is she really hooking up? lets say she isn't. So then he is jelous of a non existent threat.

I think a better question is, how can we (as the Bible says) "Be ye perfect as I am perfect" when God in the Old Testament (as you quote) is Jelous and Angry. Aren't these aspects of mental problems?

I dont mean to offend, just generaly curious.

Answer 4

Although there is only one GOD, there are many gods/idols, which in the Old Testament, were usually statues or other items made of precious metal, which people worshiped.

In this contemporary world, idols/gods are often not tangible, such as prestige, pride, consumerism, status (often based on what "goodies" we possess) or relationships (trophy wife or husband, honor roll children). Look at how these "gods" are "worshiped" in today's world, unfortunately.

God bless.

Answer 5

Because the bible was written by men and men are greatly influenced by what their society is like at the time. For instance, many people worshiped other God/ddesses. To try to convert others, a man wrote that all people should follow his God. They also thought the earth was flat - so a man referenced the four corners of the earth. The bible, in my opinion, was man's way to get others to follow his God.

Answer 6

The LORD God is our God, (as Christians). So the LORD God saved us from our sins. Brought us out of darkness into His Marvelous Light.

So, also, Gods identity thief is the devil who steals Gods identities in his other false religions, to lead people away from the true LORD God.

So, when God saves us & we know it, but the devil tempts us to go after other gods (wannabe gods, not the real one); Then God gets Mighty Jealous (If we go after other gods). And His Name is Mighty Jealous. And the iniquities go on to the 3rd & 4th generations of those who hate God (idolaters, blasphemers, etc...)

See, God is jealous of something.

Answer 7

There were other tribal gods at the time. Whoever put those words in Jehovah's mouth was trying to give him a leg up in the battle for God You Should Follow.

Answer 8

The word used for "jealous" in that passage means "intolerant of unfaithfulness." "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength." That about sums it up.

It's not the same word used for human jealousy as in the fear that you will lose your beloved to someone else.

Answer 9

A husband could easily become jealous that his wife directs her attentions and energies ANYWHERE but toward him.

(2 Corinthians 11:2) For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, for I personally promised you in marriage to one husband that I might present you as a chaste virgin to the Christ.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20010615/article_02.htm

Answer 10

The main difference between Christianity and Ancient Indian Wisdom is their assertion of who and what constitutes Reality. Christianity's entire basis revolves around their belief that Christ is Lord, and the only way to the Lord. Indian Wisdom, found in the Upanishads, Baghavad Gita, and early forms of Buddhism, state their conviction that "Atman equals Brahman," that atman, being the smallest essence of a human being, is equal to Brahman, the absolute, highest essence of reality. So in other words, an Indian mystic would say "your soul is reality," to anyone interested in hearing the truth (1).
Now, turn back to Christianity which posists Christ as the only Lord of Reality. If the ancient mystics adopted this belief, they would essentially declare that "your soul is not reality," but "jesus's soul is reality." So in other words, my atman, your atman, and everyone elses atman is not Brahman, but, of course, Jesus's atman is brahman. This is not only highly erroneous and dangerously egoitistical, but a slap in the face to anyone who believes and follows in the truth. Not only will Christians never find the God outside of themselves, but they will never look for Him inside of themselves, because their church tells them not to. Will Christians change this doctrine of theirs, or are they too terrified of the truth? Regardless, the fact remains that Jesus Christ is not just the Lord, but he is actually you. You are that same essence. Meditate on this and you will realize it yourself. No need for my words to tell you so.

Answer 11

What God is saying here is that he does not want us putting anything in our lives above Him. If we do that is idolatry, and a sin in the eyes of the Lord. So there is not other God but God, but we as humans can put many things above God. God does not want us to do that, He wants us to put Him first. This is more for our own good, not God's. God bless.