FEAR OF GOD: EXODUS 1:16-18

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. Fear

a) In the Old Testament of the Bible fear is translated from ten Hebrew nouns and eight verbs.  The New Testament uses four Greek words. Generally when we think of fear we might equate it to anxiety, dismay, despair, horror, and worry. Fear is that feeling in the pit of our stomach which can be little, such as “butterflies” or it could be great terror, such that prevents us from interacting with others and sometimes even keeps us shut up inside of our house. The Bible calls this kind of fear “the spirit of fear”.

b) Did you know that the Bible actually talks of two different kinds of fear? While “the spirit of fear” may be harmful to us; “the fear of God” is nothing but beneficial.  This type of fear is best explained by the word reverence. Next time you are fearful, remember that it could be a good thing! Choose the fear of the Lord. 

Psalms 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

2. Fear Of God

Exodus 1:16-18 
“When you serve as midwife to the Hebrew women and see them on the birth stool, if it is a son, you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live. So the king of Egypt called the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this, and let the male children live?” 


The End ...

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