The concept of fear and respect for the Jews is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is reflected in various passages throughout the Scriptures. This theme encompasses both the reverence for the Jewish people as God's chosen nation and the fear of the consequences of opposing them.

Divine Election and Covenant

The Jews, as descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, hold a unique position in biblical history as the recipients of God's covenant promises. In Genesis 12:2-3 , God promises Abraham, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you, and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you." This covenant establishes the Jews as a people set apart, invoking both fear and respect from surrounding nations.

Fear of God's Judgment

Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous instances where fear of God's judgment upon those who oppose the Jews is evident. In the book of Esther, Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews results in his downfall and the elevation of Mordecai, a Jew, to a position of power. Esther 8:17 states, "In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, the Jews rejoiced with gladness, joy, and honor. And many of the people of the land became Jews themselves, for the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them." This fear is not merely of the Jewish people but of the God who protects and vindicates them.

Respect for Jewish Wisdom and Law

The wisdom and law given to the Jews through Moses also command respect. Deuteronomy 4:6-8 highlights this: "Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' For what nation is great enough to have a god as near to them as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him? And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?" The respect for the Jewish law and wisdom is a testament to their unique relationship with God.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reaffirms the special status of the Jews. In Romans 11:28-29 , he writes, "Regarding the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are loved on account of the patriarchs. For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable." This passage underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant with the Jews and the respect due to them as a result of their election.

Fear and Respect in Eschatology

Prophetic literature also speaks to the fear and respect for the Jews in eschatological terms. Zechariah 8:23 prophesies, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'In those days, ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."'" This future vision portrays a time when the nations will recognize the Jews' special relationship with God and seek their guidance.

In summary, the biblical narrative presents a complex interplay of fear and respect for the Jews, rooted in their divine election, the wisdom of their laws, and the protective hand of God over them. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the unique role of the Jewish people in God's redemptive plan.