In Deuteronomy, chapter four, verse twenty-four, the descriptive phrase refers to God’s holy jealousy, anger, and judgment against those who depart from His Word and righteous ways to some form of idolatry. God is a jealous God and will not tolerate unfaithfulness on the part of his people by them worshipping other gods. This type of jealousy is holy and righteous. Likewise, in the marriage union, there should be a sacred jealousy that guards the affection and love of one spouse for the other. Marriage partners must expect exclusive love and loyalty, demanding that each remain faithful and true in the marriage relationship.
A just and terrible God, who, notwithstanding his distinctive relation to you, will severely punish you if you provoke him. A jealous God who, being espoused to you, will be highly incensed against you if you follow after other lovers or commit whoredom (so to speak) with idols and bear no rival or partner. When God spoke to Israel at Sinai, his glory appeared “like devouring (consuming) fire on the top of the mount” in Exodus twenty-four seventeen. However, in allusion to this, Moses calls God “a consuming fire.” He is so to all his enemies and those who disobey him; by severe inflictions, he will punish and, if they persist in their hostility and rebellion, will ultimately destroy them.
God has a burning zeal for his glory and guards it with jealous care. He will not spare those who do him dishonor, especially those who are guilty of idolatry, whereby they “change the truth of God into a lie.” He is jealous of his people because he loves them and will not endure any rival in their affection and devotion. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. To those that come not to him with love and reverence but rebel against him.