Biblical Answer

God is called jealous because He continually seeks to protect His own honor. This is evident in the way He commands His people not to bow down to idols or serve them, saying, "I the Lord your God am a jealous God" (Ex. 20:5). This jealousy is not driven by a desire for personal gain or recognition, but rather by a desire to maintain His own character and reputation. In other words, God is not jealous of human relationships or possessions, but rather He is jealous for His own glory and honor.

The concept of jealousy in God is often misunderstood by humans, who typically associate jealousy with pride and a desire for personal gain. However, in the context of God's character, jealousy is a positive attribute that reflects His passion for His own honor and reputation. As the Bible says, "My glory I will not give to another" (Isa. 48:11). This jealousy is not a sign of insecurity or weakness, but rather a sign of God's strength and commitment to His character.

In understanding God's jealousy, it is essential to recognize that He is a God who desires a personal relationship with His people. He is not content to simply exist in a distant, impersonal way, but rather He desires to be known and worshipped by His creation. This is evident in the way He commands His people to love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind (Deut. 6:5). In this sense, God's jealousy is not a negative attribute, but rather a positive one that reflects His passion for His people and His desire to be in a loving relationship with them.