The Superlative Example

Jehovah sets the superlative example in exercising proper jealousy.  His motives are pure and clean, prompted by the desire to keep his people from spiritual and moral corruption.  Of his ancient people, figuratively spoken of as Zion, he said: "I will be jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and with great rage I will be jealous for he."  (Zechariah 8:2)  Just as a loving father is ever alert to protect his children from harm, Jehovah is alert to protect his servants from physical and spiritual danger.

To safeguard his people, Jehovah provided his Word, the Bible. It contains much encouragement for them to walk wisely, and it is rich in examples of those who did. At Isaiah 48:17, we read:  "I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way which you  should walk."  How comforting it is to know that his jealousy moves him to care for and to watch over us!  If he were not jealous in this good way, we would suffer all kinds  of harm because of our inexperience.  Jehovah's expressions of jealousy are in no way selfish.

So, then, what makes the difference between godly jealousy and improper jealousy?  To find out, let us consider the example of Miriam and that of Phinehas. Notice  what moved them. 

Next time: Miriam and Phinehas

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002