Deuteronomy 4:24

A consuming fire . When God spoke to Israel at Sinai, his glory appeared "like devouring (consuming) fire on the top of the mount" ( Exodus 24:17 ); and in allusion to this Moses here calls God "a consuming fire." He is so to all his enemies, and to all who disobey him; by severe inflictions he will punish, and, if they persist in their hostility and rebellion, will ultimately destroy them (comp. Deuteronomy 9:3 ; Isaiah 10:16-18 ; Amos 5:6 ; Zephaniah 1:18 ; Hebrews 12:29 ). A jealous God ; LXX ; θεὸς ζηλωτής God has a burning zeal for his own glory; he guards it with jealous care; and 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" ( Romans 1:25 ; cf. Exodus 20:5 ; Deuteronomy 6:14 , Deuteronomy 6:15 ; Deuteronomy 32:16 , etc.; Psalms 78:58 , etc.; Nahum 1:2 ). He is jealous also over his people, because he loves them, and will not endure any rival in their affection and devotion.

HOMILETICS