What are the connotations of "Eish Ochlah Hu"?
Ramban: With reference to the fire that Yisrael saw on Har Sinai, it refers to the Midas ha'Din that avenges the sin of Avodah Zarah.
Seforno and Targum Yonasan: It means that Hashem is 'Eish Ochlah Eish', implying that the Fire of Hashem will consume the Soul together with the body.
What is the meaning of "Keil Kana"?
Rashi: It means that Hashem is zealous - that He is angry and punishes those who worship Avodah Zarah.
Seforno: With reference to those who worship Avodah Zarah, it is because there is no existence that can compare to that of Hashem, and that consequently, someone who worships any other god, is ascribing to it what belongs to Hashem alone, and is akin to a woman who gives to another man what is designated for her husband exclusively.
If Hashem is a Keil Kana", why does He react towards the worshippers and not towards the gods that one worships?
Avodah Zarah, 54b: In answer to this question, Rabban Gamliel asked the philosopher who asked it what a king would do if his son brought a dog into the palace and called it by his father's name. With whom would the king be nagry - with the dog or with his son? 1
Because "Keil Kana" means, not a jealous G-d, but a zealous G-d.
How can Hashem be envious, since a Chacham envies only another Chacham, and a Gibor (a mighty man), another Gibor?
Avodah Zarah 55a: In answer to this question, Rabban Gamliel explained to Aggripas the general who asked it that it can be compared to a man who is married to Leah, and who then marries Rachel. If Rachel is more distinguished than Leah, Leah will not resent him for bringing another wife into the marriage, whereas if she is less distinguished than her, 1 she will. 2
