Who Feared the Word of the LORD?
The phrase “fear of the Lord” appears frequently throughout the Bible, encompassing both reverence and awe toward God as well as recognition of His power, justice, and authority. Understanding who feared the word of the LORD involves examining both the immediate biblical narratives and the broader theological context.
1. Definition of “Fear of the LORD”
In Scripture, “fear” often transcends mere fright. It can indicate:
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Reverence and awe – an acknowledgment of God’s majesty and holiness.
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Obedience and submission – responding appropriately to God’s commands and warnings.
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Recognition of consequences – understanding the seriousness of disobedience.
The Hebrew word used is yirah, which can mean fear, terror, or respect depending on context.
2. Immediate Biblical Examples of Those Who Feared God’s Word
Several groups and individuals in the Bible explicitly showed fear of the LORD, particularly in response to His spoken word or prophetic warnings:
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Pharaoh and the Egyptians (Exodus 9:20-30)
During the plagues in Egypt, Pharaoh’s officials and people began to fear the word of the LORD as Moses and Aaron delivered God’s warnings. The plagues, such as the death of livestock, boils, and hail, demonstrated the power behind God’s word. While Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart, others in Egypt recognized the authority and feared the consequences of disobedience. -
The Israelites (Exodus 20:18-21)
At Mount Sinai, when God gave the Ten Commandments, the people of Israel feared the word of the LORD. They witnessed thunder, lightning, and the sound of the trumpet, and trembled in awe. Their fear led them to request that Moses speak to God on their behalf, indicating both reverence and trepidation. -
Prophets and Servants of God
Prophets like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah displayed fear of God’s word—not out of terror for themselves alone, but out of recognition of the magnitude of His message and their responsibility to convey it faithfully. This fear was coupled with obedience and humility, as they understood the consequences of misrepresenting God’s commands. -
Those Who Repented
In several passages, fear of the LORD led people to repentance. For instance, in 2 Chronicles 19:7, God commends judges to act in the fear of the LORD, demonstrating that such fear inspires justice and obedience. People who recognized God’s word as authoritative and holy were motivated to change their behavior in accordance with it.
3. Theological Significance
The fear of the LORD is foundational in biblical teaching:
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Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” This indicates that true wisdom starts with acknowledging God’s authority.
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Psalm 111:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” Those who fear God take His word seriously and live accordingly.
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Divine Protection and Guidance – The fear of the LORD often brings blessing, guidance, and deliverance, as those who fear His word avoid paths leading to destruction.
4. Summary
In essence, those who feared the word of the LORD were not only those who experienced literal terror at God’s power, such as the Egyptians during the plagues, but also those who recognized His holiness, authority, and justice, such as the Israelites, God’s prophets, and the righteous who sought to live in obedience. This fear is not mere panic—it is a profound respect that drives reverence, obedience, and wisdom.