Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: In the context of the Bible, "dreads" can refer to feelings of fear, terror, or apprehension. These emotions are often associated with the anticipation of divine judgment, the presence of God, or the consequences of sin. The term "dreads" is not explicitly used in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. Biblical Instances and Themes: 1. Fear of the Lord: The Bible frequently speaks of the "fear of the Lord" as a profound respect and reverence for God, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This fear is not merely terror but a recognition of God's holiness and justice. In Deuteronomy 10:12, the Israelites are instructed, "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." 2. Fear as a Consequence of Sin: Dread can also be a result of sin and disobedience. In Genesis 3:10, after Adam and Eve sinned, Adam expressed fear: "I heard Your voice in the garden," he replied, "and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself." This fear stems from the awareness of having transgressed God's command. 3. Divine Judgment: The dread of impending judgment is a recurring theme. In the prophetic books, the Day of the Lord is often depicted as a time of great fear and trembling. Joel 2:1-2 describes it as a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness. The anticipation of God's righteous judgment brings dread to those who are unrepentant. 4. God's Presence: The presence of God can evoke dread due to His overwhelming holiness. In Exodus 20:18-19, when the Israelites witnessed the thunder and lightning on Mount Sinai, they trembled with fear and stood at a distance, saying to Moses, "Speak to us yourself, and we will listen. But do not let God speak to us, or we will die." 5. Deliverance from Fear: Despite the presence of dread, the Bible also offers assurance of deliverance from fear through faith in God. Psalm 34:4 states, "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection and provision, as seen in Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." 6. New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, the concept of dread is transformed through the work of Jesus Christ. Believers are reassured of God's love and the absence of fear in perfect love. 1 John 4:18 declares, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love." Conclusion: While the Bible acknowledges the reality of dread, particularly in relation to sin and divine judgment, it also emphasizes the hope and peace found in a right relationship with God. Through faith and obedience, believers can experience deliverance from fear and live in the assurance of God's love and protection. Library Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them "There is no Dread that Fully Pleaseth God in us but Reverent ... Whether Fear is an Effect of Faith? Five Fears Spiritual Declension. The Parable of the Pilgrim Compassion for Souls The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry Letter ix. Religious Culture and Duty. The Nativity Thesaurus Dreads (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Dreads (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 10:24 The thing feared by the evil-doer will come to him, but the upright man will get his desire. ... /d/dreads.htm - 6k Dreadful (23 Occurrences) Dream (82 Occurrences) Resurrection (42 Occurrences) Resources Why did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Dreads (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 10:24 Subtopics Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) Understandest (10 Occurrences) |