Deuteronomy 4:24

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.

Complete Jewish Bible:

For ADONAI your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Berean Standard Bible:

For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

American Standard Version:

For Jehovah thy God is a devouring fire, a jealous God.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For the LORD^{H3068} thy God^{H430} is a consuming^{H398} fire^{H784}, even a jealous^{H7067} God^{H410}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Deuteronomy 4:24

Deuteronomy 4:24 is part of the Old Testament and is set within the context of Moses' final speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. This verse reflects the theological underpinnings of ancient Israel's understanding of God, emphasizing two key attributes: God's consuming fire and divine jealousy.

The image of God as a "consuming fire" conveys His purity, holiness, and the intensity of His presence. It suggests that God's power is overwhelming and that He will not tolerate sin or disobedience. This metaphor would have resonated with the Israelites, who had witnessed the manifestations of God's power in the form of fire, such as the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) and the pillar of fire that guided them through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21).

The description of God as "jealous" is a reflection of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the concept of divine jealousy was tied to the expectation of exclusive loyalty and worship. God's jealousy is not driven by pettiness or insecurity but by a righteous demand for faithfulness from His people, who are called to worship Him alone and to uphold their covenant obligations.

Historically, this verse serves as a warning to the Israelites as they are about to enter a land with many nations practicing polytheistic worship. It reinforces the importance of maintaining their distinctive religious identity and avoiding the worship of other gods, which would be a direct violation of the first two commandments. The verse underscores the seriousness with which the covenant community must regard their relationship with God, who is both powerful and passionately committed to them.

In summary, Deuteronomy 4:24 encapsulates the awesomeness of God's presence and His exclusive claim on the loyalty and worship of the Israelites. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of infidelity to the covenant and the importance of maintaining religious purity in the face of pagan influences. This verse is a call to the Israelites to remember who their God is and to live in a way that honors His holiness and His singular place in their lives.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; 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 deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
3. Strong's Number: H398
   There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָכַל
   Transliteration: ʼâkal
   Pronunciation: aw-kal'
   Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite.
   
4. Strong's Number: H784
   There are 549 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֵשׁ
   Transliteration: ʼêsh
   Pronunciation: aysh
   Description: a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively); burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot.
   
5. Strong's Number: H7067
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קַנָּא
   Transliteration: qannâʼ
   Pronunciation: kan-naw'
   Description: from קָנָא; jealous; jealous. Compare קַנּוֹא.
   
6. Strong's Number: H410
   There are 307 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֵל
   Transliteration: ʼêl
   Pronunciation: ale
   Description: shortened from אַיִל; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity); God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.'