How does 2 Chronicles 19:7 emphasize the importance of fearing the Lord? Setting the scene After his near-disaster alliance with Ahab, King Jehoshaphat returned to Judah determined to realign the nation with God’s standards. He appointed judges in every fortified city, then gathered them in Jerusalem and said: “ ‘And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice or partiality or bribery with the LORD our God.’ ” (2 Chronicles 19:7) What the verse underscores about fearing the Lord • Fear of the LORD is not optional; Jehoshaphat speaks it as a command and blessing (“may the fear … be upon you”). • It fuels vigilance: “Be careful what you do.” Reverence produces watchfulness over every decision. • God’s own character—“no injustice or partiality or bribery”—sets the non-negotiable standard for His people. • The verse ties fear of the LORD directly to ethical integrity; reverence and righteousness rise or fall together. Supporting Scriptures that echo these truths • Deuteronomy 10:17—“For the LORD your God is God of gods … who shows no partiality and accepts no bribe.” • Psalm 111:10—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • Proverbs 8:13—“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil.” • Ecclesiastes 12:13—“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” • Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; James 2:1—God shows no partiality, and neither should His people. Why fear matters for leaders, judges, and every believer • It reminds us we answer to a perfectly just Judge. • It guards against hidden motives—partiality, favoritism, or bribe-taking crumble when we remember God sees all. • It shapes public trust; a community led by God-fearing servants experiences stability and equity. • It keeps reforms from being superficial; heart-level reverence produces lasting change. Living it out today • Examine every decision—“Be careful what you do”—as though standing before God’s throne. • Reject compromise: even small “bribes” of convenience or popularity erode integrity. • Memorize key verses on God’s impartial justice (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:17) to keep the standard clear. • Cultivate daily awe—worship, Scripture meditation, obedience—so that fear of the LORD remains fresh and motivating. |
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