Problem: James writes, “Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: ‘He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us’?” (Jas. 4:5). However, this quotation is found nowhere in the OT. What is James citing here?
Solution: James was referring to the general message of Scripture, rather than a specific portion of it. That is, he isn’t directly quoting the OT, but he is merely summarizing it. Of course, the Bible does teach that God has given us his Spirit (Ezek. 37:27; Joel 2:28; 1 Cor. 6:19), and he is jealous for us because we are his bride (Jer. 31:32; Eph. 5:23). In the context, God views our love for the world-system as a form of adultery (Jas. 4:4).
James 4:5 – Is this in the OT or not, and why is God jealous?
