What other biblical examples show God blessing those who fear Him? The Blessing in Exodus 1:21 “And because the midwives feared God, He gave them families of their own.” (Exodus 1:21) God’s response to the Hebrew midwives sets a pattern: holy fear draws tangible favor. Old-Testament Portraits of Blessed God-Fearers • Abraham — “Do not lay a hand on the boy… for now I know that you fear God.” (Genesis 22:12) ‑- Result: “In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (22:18) • Joseph — “I fear God.” (Genesis 42:18) ‑- Result: “The LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man.” (Genesis 39:2) • Job — “There was a man… blameless and upright, fearing God…” (Job 1:1) ‑- Result: “The LORD restored Job’s prosperity… the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than the first.” (Job 42:10, 12) • Ruth — Boaz: “May the LORD repay your work and may you be richly rewarded… under whose wings you have taken refuge.” (Ruth 2:12) ‑- Result: Ruth becomes ancestor of David and the Messiah. • Obed-Edom — “The LORD blessed Obed-Edom and all his household.” (2 Samuel 6:11) ‑- Context: he reverently hosted the ark. • Hezekiah — “He held fast to the LORD… and the LORD was with him; he prospered wherever he went.” (2 Kings 18:6-7) Psalms and Wisdom Promises • “Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose… His descendants will inherit the land.” (Psalm 25:12-13) • “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD… Wealth and riches are in his house.” (Psalm 112:1-3) • “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways… you will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.” (Psalm 128:1-2) • “The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, untouched by evil.” (Proverbs 19:23) New-Testament Echoes • Mary — “His mercy is on those who fear Him, from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:50) • Cornelius — “A devout man who feared God… Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” (Acts 10:2-4) ‑- Result: the gospel comes to the Gentiles, his household receives the Holy Spirit. • Early church — “Walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” (Acts 9:31) What These Examples Teach Us • Fear of the Lord is relational awe, not terror; it aligns the heart with His holiness. • God’s blessings appear in varied forms—family legacy, provision, protection, influence, spiritual fruit. • The pattern spans both covenants: fearing God remains the doorway to His favor. |
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