Compare Pharaoh's fear in Exodus 1:10 with other biblical examples of misplaced fear. Setting the Scene: Pharaoh’s Fear (Exodus 1:10) - “Come, we must deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more, and if war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.” - Motivated by self-preservation, Pharaoh viewed Israel’s growth as a threat rather than a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:5). - Fear birthed oppression: forced labor (Exodus 1:11), infanticide (Exodus 1:16), and nationwide cruelty (Exodus 1:22). - Pharaoh’s dread ignored the sovereign hand of God and set him on a collision course with divine judgment (Exodus 7–12). Trace the Pattern: Other Instances of Misplaced Fear • Israel at Kadesh Barnea (Numbers 13:31–14:4) – Giants and fortified cities eclipsed the Lord’s promise. – “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!” (13:31) – Outcome: forty years of wandering; an entire generation lost the land they feared to enter. • King Saul (1 Samuel 15:24) – “I was afraid of the people and I obeyed their voice.” – Fear of public opinion outweighed obedience; the kingdom was torn from him (15:26–28). • King Herod (Matthew 2:3, 16) – Disturbed by news of a newborn “King of the Jews.” – Ordered the slaughter of Bethlehem’s infants to protect his throne, fulfilling prophecy yet incurring guilt. • Peter in the High Priest’s Courtyard (Matthew 26:74–75) – Fear of association with Jesus prompted denial. – Bitter tears followed when misplaced fear was exposed. • Disciples in the Storm (Mark 4:38, 40) – “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” – Jesus calmed the sea and asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Fear forgot who was in the boat. Common Threads in Misplaced Fear - Centers on self-interest rather than God’s character. - Magnifies circumstances while shrinking confidence in the Lord. - Produces rash, often destructive decisions. - Ultimately thwarts rather than preserves the very security sought. God’s Antidote to Misplaced Fear - Remember His sovereignty (Isaiah 41:10). - Choose obedience over self-protection (Proverbs 29:25). - Fix on His promises rather than threats (2 Timothy 1:7). - Cultivate reverent fear of God, which displaces lesser fears (Matthew 10:28). Living It Out Pharaoh’s panic, Israel’s hesitation, Saul’s capitulation, Herod’s brutality, Peter’s denial, and the disciples’ alarm all flow from the same root: fearing people, loss, or circumstances more than the Lord. Scripture calls believers to reverse the pattern—trust the Almighty, obey His Word, and watch misplaced fear give way to steadfast faith. |
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