Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.
The double declaration of jealousy with great jealousy and jealousy with great fury reveals an intense zeal for Zion. The fury does not signal anger toward her but expresses the strength of divine concern for her. The word comes as God turns again toward Jerusalem after its desolation to take His people back into favor. The promises that follow it unfold that return, describing His coming to dwell in the city and to restore it. That renewed favor gave Israel another opportunity, yet Israel did not fulfill God's purposes.
The double declaration of jealousy with great jealousy and jealousy with great fury reveals an intense zeal for Zion. The fury does not signal anger toward her but expresses the strength of divine concern for her. The word comes as God turns again toward Jerusalem after its desolation to take His people back into favor. The promises that follow it unfold that return, describing His coming to dwell in the city and to restore it. That renewed favor gave Israel another opportunity, yet Israel did not fulfill God's purposes.