What does "the fear of the LORD" mean in Isaiah 33:6? The verse in focus “He will be a sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6) Defining “fear” in Scripture • Not terror that drives away, but reverent awe that draws near • A conscious recognition of God’s absolute holiness, power, and authority • A heart-level response that produces loving obedience (Exodus 20:20; Deuteronomy 10:12) Key dimensions of the fear of the LORD 1. Worshipful Awe – Seeing God as He really is: exalted, sovereign, unapproachable apart from grace (Isaiah 6:1-5). 2. Moral Hatred of Evil – “To fear the LORD is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13). 3. Humble Trust – Confidence in His promises because He cannot lie (Psalm 33:18). 4. Delighting Obedience – Joyfully aligning life with His commands (Psalm 112:1; 128:1). Why Isaiah calls it “Zion’s treasure” • Jerusalem was facing siege, but its real wealth wasn’t gold—it was a people whose hearts trembled at God’s word (Isaiah 66:2). • This inner treasure linked them to the “storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge” promised in the same verse. • The fear of the LORD activates and unlocks those heavenly resources. Old-Testament echoes • Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Proverbs 9:10—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • Psalm 25:14—“The LORD confides in those who fear Him.” • Isaiah 11:2-3—Messiah Himself “will delight in the fear of the LORD,” showing it is perfection, not paranoia. New-Testament continuity • Acts 9:31—early churches “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” • 2 Corinthians 7:1—holiness is “perfected… in the fear of God.” • Revelation 14:7—eternal gospel begins, “Fear God and give Him glory.” Practical outcomes for believers today • Steadfastness in unstable times—He becomes “a sure foundation.” • Clarity—wisdom and knowledge flourish where reverence rules. • Protection from sin—holy awe crowds out casual compromise. • Intimacy with God—He “confides” in those who fear Him. • Unshakable hope—salvation is stored up for those who treasure Him above all. Summary In Isaiah 33:6, “the fear of the LORD” is a priceless, covenant-centered reverence that anchors the believer, opens the vault of divine salvation, wisdom, and knowledge, and turns a threatened city—or a modern life—into a fortress built on God Himself. |
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