Unholy fear, distinct from the reverential fear of the Lord, is characterized by dread, anxiety, and terror that arise from a lack of trust in God and His promises. This type of fear is often associated with the consequences of sin, disobedience, and the absence of faith. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how unholy fear is realized in the lives of individuals and nations.

Biblical Instances of Unholy Fear

1. Adam and Eve: The first instance of unholy fear is found in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they experienced fear for the first time. Genesis 3:10 records Adam's response to God: "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself." This fear was a direct result of their sin and separation from God.

2. The Israelites at Mount Sinai: When God descended upon Mount Sinai to give the Law, the Israelites were filled with fear. Exodus 20:18-19 describes their reaction: "When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance. 'Speak to us yourself, and we will listen,' they said to Moses. 'But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.'" Their fear was rooted in their awareness of God's holiness and their own sinfulness.

3. Saul and the Philistines: King Saul's fear of the Philistines and his lack of faith in God's deliverance led to his downfall. In 1 Samuel 28:5 , it is written, "When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid and trembled violently." This fear drove Saul to seek guidance from a medium, further distancing himself from God.

4. The Disciples in the Storm: In the New Testament, the disciples experienced unholy fear during a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Mark 4:40 recounts Jesus' rebuke: "Then Jesus said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'" Their fear was a result of their lack of trust in Jesus' power and presence.

Consequences of Unholy Fear

Unholy fear often leads to irrational decisions, disobedience, and a departure from God's will. It can paralyze individuals, preventing them from fulfilling God's purposes for their lives. In the case of the Israelites, their fear of entering the Promised Land resulted in a 40-year wilderness wandering (Numbers 14:29-34). Similarly, Saul's fear led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:26).

Overcoming Unholy Fear

The Bible encourages believers to overcome unholy fear by placing their trust in God. Isaiah 41:10 offers reassurance: "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." The antidote to unholy fear is faith in God's presence, power, and promises.

Conclusion

Unholy fear is a common human experience that arises from sin and a lack of faith. The Bible provides numerous examples of how this fear is realized and the consequences it brings. Believers are called to trust in God and His promises, overcoming unholy fear through faith and reliance on His strength.Proverbs 1:27
When your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish comes on you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 10:24
The fear of the wicked, it shall come on him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... by whom his blood was righteously shed for his unholy sheddings of ... the Proceeding,
if anyone likes to create names: for we shall have no fear of bodily ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

Sleep Not
... be awake; and, if it be true, as I fear it is ... I shall come up into this pulpit and
I shall preach to ... to say that when false doctrines and unholy practices have ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers
... I fear the times are ill adapted to any special effort ... as they do, because they dare
not make unholy alliances with ... God had said to him "In Isaac shall thy seed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/hearken and look or encouragement.htm

The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... the execution of judgment (xviii.20; xix.2). "Fear God and ... Earth, when all shall
be holy, where now all is unholy. ... so as to open the Book, and shall loose the ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm

The Iranian Conquest
... strike down the she-demon of the unholy light, the ... reanimated beings devoted to the
Mazdean law shall live an ... whose voice inspires the demons with fear, or the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Religious Revolution
... in 1529 put an end to this unholy strife ... wrung from the Catholic princes owing to
the fear of Turkish ... the followers of Luther and Zwingli, which shall be dealt ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.org

How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org

Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus