Deuteronomy 4:24
For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֣ה
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
ה֑וּא
H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 8
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
Hebrews 12:29For our God is a consuming fire.Nahum 1:6Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.Exodus 24:17And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.Deuteronomy 9:3Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said unto thee.Isaiah 33:14The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?Exodus 34:14For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:1 Corinthians 10:22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?Deuteronomy 6:15(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.Exodus 20:5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;Zephaniah 1:18Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.
Historical Context
This characterization of God as 'consuming fire' recalls the theophany at Mount Horeb/Sinai where God descended in fire (Exodus 19:18, 24:17). Moses reminds Israel of God's jealous nature regarding worship, particularly relevant as they prepare to enter Canaan where Baal worship and other idolatries were pervasive among the indigenous peoples they would encounter.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's jealousy as righteous covenant love rather than petty envy change your perspective on His commands for exclusive worship?
- In what ways does the image of God as 'consuming fire' both warn you and comfort you regarding His holiness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
Two divine attributes ground Moses' warning: God is esh okhelah (אֵשׁ אֹכְלָה, 'consuming fire') and El qanna (אֵל קַנָּא, 'a jealous God'). Fire in Scripture represents both God's holiness that purifies and His wrath that destroys what opposes Him. At Sinai, Israel witnessed this fire firsthand (Exodus 24:17); Hebrews 12:29 applies this same description to the God revealed in Christ.
Divine jealousy (qanna) is not petty envy but the righteous zeal of covenant love that will not share what belongs exclusively to Him. As a husband rightly refuses to share his wife's affections with another, God refuses divided loyalty. This jealousy flows from His worthiness—He alone deserves worship—and His love—He desires His people's undivided devotion for their good.
The connection between these attributes is crucial: because God is holy fire, idolatry invites destruction; because God is jealous, idolatry constitutes spiritual adultery. Both attributes serve as warnings, but they also reveal God's passionate commitment to His people. A God who did not care about our worship would be distant and indifferent. The jealous, consuming God is intimately concerned with our hearts' allegiances.