Institutes 2.8.18 — EXPOSITION OF THE MORAL LAW.
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**EXPOSITION OF THE MORAL LAW.**
The threatening subjoined ought to have no little effect in shaking off our lethargy. It is in the following terms:— I THE LORD THY GOD AM A JEALOUS Or “Strong,” this name being derived from a word denoting strength. The meaning here is the same as if he had said, that our duty is to cleave to him alone. To induce us to this, he proclaims his authority which he will not permit to be impaired or despised with impunity. It is true, the word used is El , which means God; but as it is derived from a word meaning strength , I have had no hesitations in order to express the sense more fully, so to render it as inserted on the margin. Secondly, he calls himself jealous , because he cannot bear a partner. Thirdly, he declares that he will vindicate his majesty and glory, if any transfer it either to the creatures or to graven images; and that not by a simple punishment of brief duration, but one extending to the third and fourth generation of such as imitate the impiety of their progenitors. In like manner, he declares his constant mercy and kindness to the remote posterity of those who love him, and keep his Law. The Lord very frequently addresses us in the character of a husband; 2 Cor. 11:2 ; Eph. 5:30 ; Jer. 62:5 ; Hos. 2:9 ; Jer. 3:1, 2 ; Hos. 2:2 .
Source
source-manifest/institutes— Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, tr. Beveridge 1845 (PD)- evidence_grade: D_doctrinal_textbook