Topical Encyclopedia David, the shepherd boy who became the king of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure who exemplified the fear of God throughout his life. His reverence for the Lord is evident in his actions, decisions, and writings, particularly in the Psalms. The fear of God in David's life is characterized by a deep respect, awe, and submission to God's will, which guided him in his leadership and personal conduct.Anointed by Samuel David's journey begins with his anointing by the prophet Samuel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16. Despite being the youngest son of Jesse, David was chosen by God to be king because of his heart, which was aligned with God's purposes. This divine selection underscores David's fear of God, as he was chosen not for his outward appearance but for his inward devotion and reverence for the Lord. Facing Goliath One of the most notable instances of David's fear of God is his confrontation with Goliath, the Philistine giant. In 1 Samuel 17, David's confidence in facing Goliath stems from his trust in the Lord rather than his own strength. He declares, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). David's fear of God is evident in his reliance on God's power and his desire to defend the honor of God's name. Respect for Saul David's fear of God is also demonstrated in his respect for King Saul, despite Saul's attempts to kill him. On multiple occasions, David had the opportunity to harm Saul but refrained, recognizing Saul as the Lord's anointed. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David says, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed" . This respect for God's chosen king, even when unjustly persecuted, highlights David's reverence for God's authority and timing. The Ark of the Covenant David's fear of God is further illustrated in his handling of the Ark of the Covenant. In 2 Samuel 6, when Uzzah is struck dead for touching the Ark, David is initially afraid but later approaches the situation with reverence and care. He ensures the Ark is transported correctly, demonstrating his respect for God's holiness and commands. Psalms of Reverence David's fear of God is perhaps most vividly expressed in the Psalms, where he frequently acknowledges God's majesty, justice, and mercy. In Psalm 25:12, David writes, "Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose" . David's psalms reflect a heart that is deeply aware of God's greatness and his own dependence on divine guidance. Repentance and Humility David's fear of God is also evident in his response to personal sin. After his transgression with Bathsheba, David is confronted by the prophet Nathan and responds with genuine repentance. Psalm 51 is a poignant expression of David's contrition and his plea for God's mercy, underscoring his fear of God and desire for a restored relationship with Him. Throughout his life, David's fear of God is a guiding principle that shapes his actions and decisions. His reverence for the Lord is a testament to his deep faith and commitment to living in accordance with God's will. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 5:7But as for me, I will come into your house in the multitude of your mercy: and in your fear will I worship toward your holy temple. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 119:38 Library Ephesians v. 15, 16, 17 Book I. Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla Among the People, and with the Pharisees Matt. I. 17 According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ... The Tabernacle of the Most High Centenary Commemoration Carey's Last Days Church Fabrics and Services. Resources What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow 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 Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |