Zech 8:2  This is what the LORD Almighty says: "I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her."

      

Jealousy can be a bad thing and a good thing. It is the strong emotion that is resentful against a rival. Bad examples of jealousy are Joseph's brothers (Gen 37:11), and Saul of David (1 Sam 18:9). Bad jealousy is unreasonable and creates bad feeling.

 

There is a right jealousy though, when someone tries to break into a legitimate relationship. Thus it is right of a husband to be jealous for his wife if a third party starts to make moves toward here. Jealousy here is the motivation that will make him protect her from the predator.

 

The Lord is described as a jealous God: “Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (Ex 34:14). This reflects the 2 nd of the Ten Commandments. Jealousy is God's righteous response when He sees His people being led astray. Jealous means that He is watchful, guarding His people and this jealousy motivates Him to protect them from falling into demonic idol worship which will be harmful for them.

 

The word that comes through Zechariah in today's verse thus tells us that God is watchful on behalf of Jerusalem , and has strong protective feelings for Jerusalem and for its future. Thus He will act to protect it, keep enemies from it and build it back up when it has been broken down, even when that was His prior judgment on it.