Fear of the Lord

God’s been talking with me about the fear of the Lord.  Fear in Merriam-Webster is defined as “to have a reverential awe of” and reverence is defined as:

Profound respect mingled with love and awe (as for a holy or exalted being or place or thing)

Wow.  Yes.  Profound (deep) respect… but it must have the love and an awe (the power to inspire fear or reverence). I wanted to research and find out more about what God says about the fear of the Lord and His promises to those that fear Him.  Here’s what I found.

And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. Genesis 22:12

CONTEXT: Abraham is just about to sacrifice Isaac and God stops him.

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God hold nothing back from Him.

And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: Genesis 42:18

CONTEXT: Joseph’s brothers are in Egypt asking Him for food.  He is telling them to return with Benjamin.  In context it seems as thought the phrase means that they should not worry – he is safe and will do them no harm.

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God are honorable.

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive. Exodus 1:17

CONTEXT: Egypt just before Moses was born.  Pharoh ordered the midwives to kill all the hebrew male babies, but the midwives would not.  As a result, “God dealt well with the midwives” and “because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses” Exodus 1:20-21

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God do the right thing (have integrity) and as a result, God blesses them.

He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: Exodus 9:20

CONTEXT: Moses has just told Pharoh about the plague of the hail coming in judgement since they will not release the hebrews.  There are two things I get from this: 1) Only some believed God (v21 says those that didn’t believe left their cattle in the fields, also repeated in Exodus 14:31) and 2) when you take God at His word, and are obedient (Another obedience verse Hebrews 11:7), you are protected. (Another protection verse 2 Chronicles 17:10)

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God listen to what He says, believe it, and are obedient to it – as a result, they are protected.

Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: Exodus 18:21

CONTEXT: Moses is preparing to select judges to help him lead. (other leadership verses 2 Chronicles 19:7, Nehemiah 7:2)

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God are honest and hates covetousness (greed).  Fear of the Lord is imperative for being a good leader.

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:14

CONTEXT: During the giving of the law.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God bless and do not curse; they are kind and not cruel.

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:32

CONTEXT: During the giving of the law.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God honor their elders.

Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 25:17

CONTEXT: During the giving of the law.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God do not oppress (put down or burden) others.

Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. Leviticus 25:36

CONTEXT: During the giving of the law – speaking of “thy brother” who is poor or down and out – one who has been given you as a servant (v43).  Another example is Job 6:14.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God treat their brothers and sisters fairly and kindly and don’t try to take what little they have.

Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children. Deuteronomy 4:10

CONTEXT: God is about to give Moses the commandments. He adds in Deuteronomy 5:29 that it will be well with those that follow them, and in Deuteronomy 6:2 that their days would be prolonged, and they would be preserved (Deuteronomy 6:24) – which is all for their good (Deuteronomy 10:11-13). More verses Deuteronomy 31:12, 1 Samuel 12:14, Psalm 112:1, Proverbs 10:27, Proverbs 13:13, Proverbs 14:27, Ecclesiastes 7:18, Ecclesiastes 8:12, Ecclesiastes 12:13

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God obey His commandments and teach their children to as well – when they do God prolongs their life, preserves them, and makes it “well with them”.

And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. Deuteronomy 14:23

CONTEXT: during the giving of the law.  Those that fear tithe and those that tithe God pours out a blessing on that is very great (Malachi 3:10). Other verse Acts 10:2

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God tithe and on them God pours out a great blessing.

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. Joshua 24:14

CONTEXT: Joshua giving the “-ites” the opportunity to live with Israel (also references serving in truth 1 Samuel 12:24). Other blessing verses Psalm 115:13 “He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great”, Psalm 128:1 “Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways”, Psalm 128:4 “Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD”.  Other verse Jeremiah 2:19

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God serve Him sincerely and in truth and serve no other gods.

Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. 2 Kings 4:1

CONTEXT: Widow with the small jar of oil that was multiplied.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God are provided for.

But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies. 2 Kings 17:39

CONTEXT: God encouraging the Israelites to turn from their backslidden ways. Other verse Proverbs 14:26

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God are delivered – rescued!

And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them. 2 Chronicles 14:14

CONTEXT: Godly king of Judah Asa and his army fighting the Cushites. (another victory verse 2 Chronicles 20:29)

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God are given victory and strength.

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. Job 1:1

CONTEXT: eschewed means “1) to abstain from – as something wrong, inappropriate, distasteful, or harmful; 2) to keep free of  – escape”. And are able to stay free from sin Proverbs 16:6. Other verses Proverbs 3:7, Proverbs 8:13.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God stay free from sin.

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. Job 28:28

CONTEXT: Job speaking to one of his friends. Other verses Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 14:2

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord is wisdom.

But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. Psalm 5:7

CONTEXT: Psalm of David. Other worship and praise verses Psalm 22:23, Psalm 96:9, Revelation 14:7

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God worship (praise) Him.

Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah. Psalm 9:20

CONTEXT: Psalm of David.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God know they are not god.

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. Psalm 15:4

CONTEXT: v1 Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?”

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God are honored and will abide with the Lord.

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. Psalm 19:9

CONTEXT: Psalm of David.

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord is clean (pure) and lasts forever.

What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.  His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. Psalm 25:12-13

CONTEXT: Psalm of David.

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God will dwell at ease (free from care or worry) and shall inherit the earth.

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

CONTEXT: Psalm of David.

PRINCIPLE: God shares His secrets and covenant with those who fear Him.

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Psalm 31:19-20

CONTEXT: Psalm of David. Other verse 1 Peter 3:2

PRINCIPLE: God has great goodness for those who fear Him, they will be hidden in the secret of His presence, protected from gossip.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33:18-19

CONTEXT: Other verses Malachi 3:16-18

PRINCIPLE: God watches over those that fear Him, they will be delivered and protected in hardship.

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7

CONTEXT: Psalm of David. Another protection verse Psalm 115:11 “…He is their help and their shield.”

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God have angels all around them for protection.

O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. Psalm 34:9

CONTEXT: Psalm of David.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God will not lack.

Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. Psalm 60:4

CONTEXT: A miktam of David.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God are given a banner (victory).

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. Psalm 66:16

CONTEXT: Other verses that touch on testimony Psalm 119:74, Psalm 119:79, Isaiah 59:19

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God listen to testimonies.

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. Psalm 89:7

CONTEXT: A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. Other verses Matthew 10:28, Acts 13:16, Hebrews 12:28

PRINCIPLE: all should greatly revere the Lord.

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. Psalm 103:11

CONTEXT: Psalm of David. Other mercy verse Psalm 103:17

PRINCIPLE: Great is God’s mercy towards those who fear Him.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Psalm 103:13

CONTEXT: A psalm of David. Pity means to “sympathetic heartfelt sorrow for one that is suffering physically or mentally or that is otherwise distressed or unhappy  – compassion“.  Other mercy verse Psalm 118:4

PRINCIPLE: God has compassion on those who fear Him.

He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. Psalm 111:5

CONTEXT: Psalm.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God will be provided for and God will remember His promises to them.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

CONTEXT: Psalm.

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. Psalm 119:63

CONTEXT: Also verse Proverbs 9:10

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God are friends to others who fear God.

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. Psalm 145:19

CONTEXT: Psalm of David.

PRINCIPLE: the Lord will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him, He will hear their cry, and save them.

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. Psalm 147:11

CONTEXT: Psalm.

PRINCIPLE: the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

CONTEXT: Proverb of Solomon.

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:5

CONTEXT: If you seek knowledge and understanding, then you shall understand the fear of the Lord (v3-6)

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord brings knowledge.

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 8:13

CONTEXT: Proverb of Solomon. Other verse 2 Corinthians 7:1 “…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God perfect holinesshate evil and evil ways; pride; arrogance; and a mouth that is disobedient, gossips, or stirs up trouble.

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. Proverbs 15:33

CONTEXT: Proverb of Solomon.

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom.

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. Proverbs 19:23

CONTEXT: Proverb of Solomon.

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord brings life, contentment, and leaves you untouched by troubles.

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Proverbs 22:4

CONTEXT: Proverb of Solomon. Other verses Acts 13:26, Hebrews 4:1

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord brings wealth, honor, and life.

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long. Proverbs 23:17

CONTEXT: Proverb of Solomon.

PRINCIPLE: those who fear God don’t envy sinners.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30

CONTEXT: Proverb of King Lemuel.

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God shall be praised.

And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure. Isaiah 33:6

CONTEXT: Distress and help.

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord is our treasure.

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. Jeremiah 32:40

CONTEXT: the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. The army of the king of Babylon was then besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was confined in the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace of Judah.

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God will not leave Him.

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days. Hosea 3:5

CONTEXT: God is instructing Hosea on a prophetic act and telling him what will bring the Israelites back to God.Other verse Haggai 1:12

PRINCIPLE: sometimes we have to go through hardships to come to a place of a fear of the Lord.

Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows. Jonah 1:16

CONTEXT: the Lord just caused the storm and Jonah was just tossed overboard – those left on the ship are the ones who feared the Lord. Other verses Acts 5:5, Acts 5:10-12

PRINCIPLE: demonstrations of God’s power can bring us to a place of reverence, fear of the Lord.

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachi 4:2

CONTEXT: the day of the Lord.

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God prosper.

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. Acts 2:43

CONTEXT: Pentecost. Other verse Revelation 11:11

PRINCIPLE: the power of God comes with the fear of the Lord.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Acts 9:31

CONTEXT: Early church.

PRINCIPLE: the fear of God brings multiplication.

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Acts 10:35

CONTEXT: Peter at Cornelius’ House

PRINCIPLE: nations that fear God are accepted by Him.

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Acts 19:17

CONTEXT: Paul preaching.

PRINCIPLE: the fear of the Lord magnifies Him.

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:21

CONTEXT: Paul’s letter.

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God submit (yield) to one another.

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:22-23

CONTEXT: Paul’s letter.

PRINCIPLE: those that fear God work as though they work for Him.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15

CONTEXT: Peter’s letter.

PRINCIPLE: be ready to share your own testimony with humility and Godly fear.

Wow!  God has a LOT to say on this topic… 6 hours after starting, I’m posting this blog 🙂

5 Replies to “Fear of the Lord”

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