I am a jealous God and will not share my glory with another

        The saying “I am a jealous God and will not share My glory with another” encapsulates two profound truths about the nature of God: His holy jealousy and His exclusive glory. Although this exact wording isn’t found as one sentence in Scripture, it is a powerful summary of two major biblical declarations: Exodus 20:5 and Isaiah 42:8. These verses give insight into God’s divine nature and His rightful demand for undivided loyalty and worship.

1. God's Holy Jealousy

● Exodus 20:5 (KJV):

    "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God..."

● Exodus 34:14:

    "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."

        When God says He is a "jealous God," He is not expressing sinful envy like humans often do. Instead, God’s jealousy is righteous and protective, especially over His covenant relationship with His people. He demands exclusive love, loyalty, and obedience from His followers, much like a faithful spouse expects commitment in marriage.

        Jealousy in this divine sense refers to God’s zeal to maintain the purity of His worship and the loyalty of His people. He cannot and will not tolerate idolatry or spiritual adultery, which is why Israel’s repeated flirtation with other gods in the Old Testament brought judgment.

        God’s jealousy isn’t rooted in insecurity; it’s rooted in love. He knows that false gods bring destruction, and he desires to keep His people close to Him—the true source of life.

2. God Will Not Share His Glory

● Isaiah 42:8 (KJV):

    "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."

● Isaiah 48:11:

    "...and I will not give my glory unto another."

        Glory in the Bible refers to honor, praise, and the weight of divine majesty. God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign Ruler of all. Because of this, only He deserves the ultimate glory.

        When God says He will not share His glory, He is making it clear that:

● Worship belongs to Him alone.

● No idol, false god, or man should receive the honor that belongs to Him.

● He alone is worthy of praise, worship, and reverence.

        This statement is a rebuke to idolatry. Whether it's carved images, self-glorification, money, or anything else elevated above God, He will not compete for attention. He is not one among many; He is the One and Only.

Modern Application: Competing for God’s Glory

        Today, idolatry might not always involve golden statues, but it manifests in many subtle ways: fame, pride, careers, relationships, materialism—even ministry. When any of these take the place of God in our hearts, we are in danger of sharing His glory with another.

        For example:

● When a preacher starts drawing people to himself instead of Christ, he is touching God's glory.

● When we boast in our strength, we rob God of the praise He deserves.

        God's jealousy and demand for glory are not to harm us, but to keep us aligned with His purposes and protect us from spiritual ruin.

Christ, the Fulfillment of God’s Glory

        In the New Testament, we see that Jesus is the full revelation of God's glory.

● John 1:14:

     "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory..."

        Jesus did not compete with the Father’s glory—He revealed it. Everything He did pointed to the Father, showing us the perfect way to live a life that honors God.

        The statements “I am a jealous God” and “I will not share My glory with another” reveal the seriousness of God's holiness and the purity of His worship. God’s jealousy is a reflection of His covenant love, and His refusal to share glory is a safeguard against the corruption of idolatry. As believers, we are called to worship Him alone, giving Him all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise—forever.