Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of Israel as a nation that instills dread among other nations is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. This notion is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where divine favor and protection are promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The fear of Israel among other nations is often depicted as a direct result of God's mighty acts and the fulfillment of His promises.
Divine Protection and FavorThe dread of Israel among the nations is first established through God's covenant with Abraham, where He promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation (
Genesis 12:2). This promise is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, emphasizing that those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed (
Genesis 27:29). The divine favor bestowed upon Israel is a source of fear for surrounding nations, as it signifies that Israel is under the protection of the Almighty.
Exodus and the Fear of IsraelThe Exodus narrative is a pivotal moment that exemplifies the dread of Israel among the nations. As the Israelites leave Egypt, God's miraculous interventions, such as the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, demonstrate His power and instill fear in the hearts of other nations. In
Exodus 15:14-16 , the Song of Moses proclaims, "The nations will hear and tremble; anguish will grip the dwellers of Philistia. Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; the dwellers of Canaan will melt away; terror and dread will fall upon them."
Conquest of CanaanThe conquest of Canaan further solidifies the fear of Israel among the nations. As the Israelites, led by Joshua, enter the Promised Land, the fame of God's mighty acts precedes them. Rahab, a resident of Jericho, acknowledges this fear, saying, "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the dread of you has fallen upon us, and all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you" (
Joshua 2:9). The miraculous victories, such as the fall of Jericho and the sun standing still at Gibeon, reinforce the perception of Israel as a nation under divine protection.
The United MonarchyDuring the reigns of King David and King Solomon, Israel reaches the height of its power and influence, further instilling dread among neighboring nations. David's military conquests and Solomon's wisdom and wealth establish Israel as a formidable kingdom. In
1 Chronicles 14:17 , it is noted, "And the fame of David went out into all the lands, and the LORD brought the fear of him upon all nations."
Prophetic Warnings and Future HopeThe prophets often speak of a future time when Israel will once again be a source of dread among the nations. This is tied to the eschatological hope of Israel's restoration and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. In
Isaiah 60:12 , it is declared, "For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly destroyed." The prophetic vision includes a time when Israel will be exalted, and the nations will recognize the sovereignty of the God of Israel.
ConclusionThe theme of Israel as a nation that instills dread among other nations is intricately linked to the biblical narrative of divine election, protection, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Throughout history, Israel's unique relationship with God has been a source of fear and awe among the nations, serving as a testament to the power and faithfulness of the God of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index
Deuteronomy 2:25This day will I begin to put the dread of you and the fear of you on the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of you, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of you.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
How Much More Faithful to God the Gentiles are who are Converted ...
... Lord's portion became His people Jacob, and Israel was the ... the demons would be destroyed,
and would dread His name ... believe in Him out of all nations would be ...
/.../chapter cxxxi how much more faithful.htm
"The Fullness of the Time"
... the masses of the people, death was a dread mystery; beyond ... who should establish
his kingdom in Israel, and who should come as a deliverer to the nations. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 3 the fullness of.htm
Achan's Sin, Israel's Defeat
... good fame so much as from his dread of being ... story; Achan was the sinner, all Israel
suffered ... working of that unity in families, communities, churches, nations. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/achans sin israels defeat.htm
The New Jerusalem.
... of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. ... One song employs all nations; and
all cry, "Worthy the Lamb ... strangers yet) A world that does not dread and hate ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the new jerusalem.htm
The Assyrian Captivity
... had become incurable; and upon Israel was pronounced the dread sentence: "Ephraim ...
command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm
Moses and his Writings
... 'Why, I dread those chapters. ... Had Israel absorbed the vices of these nations instead
of destroying them, try to think what the world would have lost! ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.htm
Ahaz
... were to be scattered among the nations of heathendom ... Pekah son of Remaliah king of
Israel came up ... Stricken with a nameless dread of the retributive judgments of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 27 ahaz.htm
The Law of God
... is serviceable, not only to God, that, by the dread of punishment ... 24.) (2.) That
it might distinguish from other nations the Children of Israel, as a ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.htm
The King --Continued.
... house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. ... invoked became their ruin,
and Israel was shattered ... again death turned gladness into dread, and Uzzah's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xi the kingcontinued.htm
Redeemed Souls Freed from Fear.
... His chosen: He would give all the nations of the ... In all Israel's times of disaster,
and calamity, and ... The dread volleys of the Lord's artillery confounded His ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/redeemed souls freed from fear.htm
Resources
Are Israel and the church the same thing? Does God still have a plan for Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual Israel? | GotQuestions.orgDid God divorce Israel? | GotQuestions.orgIsrael: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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