The concept of the "Fear of the LORD" extends beyond the boundaries of Israel and Judah, impacting the surrounding nations in various ways throughout the biblical narrative. This fear is not merely an emotional response but a recognition of the sovereignty, power, and holiness of the God of Israel. It often results in awe, reverence, and sometimes dread among the nations, influencing their actions and interactions with God's chosen people.

Biblical Instances

1. Egypt and the Exodus: One of the earliest and most dramatic instances of the fear of the LORD affecting a foreign nation is seen in the account of the Exodus. The plagues that God sent upon Egypt demonstrated His power and led to a profound fear among the Egyptians. In Exodus 9:16, God declares, "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth." The culmination of these events was the parting of the Red Sea, which left a lasting impression on the nations (Exodus 15:14-16).

2. The Conquest of Canaan: As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, the fear of the LORD was instrumental in their conquests. Rahab, a resident of Jericho, acknowledged this fear, saying, "When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (Joshua 2:11). The dread of Israel's God preceded them, often leading to the surrender or defeat of their enemies.

3. Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant: The Philistines experienced the fear of the LORD when they captured the Ark of the Covenant. The presence of the Ark brought plagues and calamities upon them, prompting the Philistines to return it to Israel with offerings, acknowledging the power of Israel's God (1 Samuel 5-6).

4. Assyrian and Babylonian Empires: The fear of the LORD also played a role in the interactions between Israel and the great empires of Assyria and Babylon. In 2 Kings 19:35, the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to the withdrawal of their forces. This event demonstrated God's protective power over Jerusalem and instilled fear in the hearts of the Assyrians.

5. Persian Empire: The Persian King Cyrus is another example of a foreign ruler who recognized the sovereignty of the God of Israel. In Ezra 1:2, Cyrus proclaims, "The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah." This acknowledgment reflects a reverence for God's authority and a willingness to act in accordance with His will.

Theological Implications

The fear of the LORD upon surrounding nations underscores the universal scope of God's dominion. It serves as a testament to His power and holiness, compelling even those outside the covenant community to recognize His authority. This fear often leads to the fulfillment of God's purposes, whether through the protection of His people, the judgment of nations, or the acknowledgment of His sovereignty by foreign rulers.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the fear of the LORD acts as a catalyst for the unfolding of divine plans, demonstrating that God's influence extends beyond Israel to encompass all nations. This theme highlights the reality that the God of Israel is not a localized deity but the supreme ruler of the entire earth, deserving of reverence and awe from all peoples.