Exodus 34:13 Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and cut down their Asherah poles.
Verse 14 is a huge stumbling block for me this morning, but as I have been doing some searching and reading, I realize I am looking at the word “jealous” with completely human connotations. Google says that human jealousy arises “from the perceived threat of losing a valued relationship or possession to a rival.”
Exodus 34:14 Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Google goes on to say that “divine jealousy is described as a righteous, protective, and loving passion for the well-being of the relationship.” God is not jealous in the way that I am jealous. God knows that my following false gods will be detrimental not only to my wellbeing but also to my relationship with Him.
Exodus 34:15 “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices.
Precious Savior, It is always a thrill to be able to study a verse that causes me to stumble and come up with an explanation that makes sense in the realm of who God is and who He is to me. Thank You for the ability to read and study, to seek and understand. Draw me closer always. Amen.
Exodus 34:16 And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same.
Have a blessed day.