The concept of "The King's Dread" is not a direct biblical phrase but can be understood through the lens of biblical narratives and principles that describe the fear and reverence associated with the authority and power of a king. In the biblical context, the dread of a king often reflects the broader theme of the fear of the Lord, as earthly kings were seen as God's appointed rulers.

Biblical Context and Examples

1. The Fear of the Lord and Earthly Kings: The Bible frequently draws parallels between the fear of the Lord and the respect due to earthly kings. Proverbs 24:21 advises, "My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious." This verse underscores the importance of reverence for both divine and royal authority, suggesting that the dread of a king is akin to the fear of God, who establishes kingship.

2. King Saul and David: The relationship between King Saul and David illustrates the dread associated with royal authority. In 1 Samuel 24:6 , David refrains from harming Saul, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed." David's respect for Saul, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him, reflects the dread and reverence for the king as God's anointed.

3. King Solomon's Wisdom: Solomon's reign is marked by a profound sense of awe and dread due to his God-given wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:28 , it is written, "When all Israel heard of the judgment the king had rendered, they stood in awe of the king, because they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice." The dread here is not fear of tyranny but a deep respect for the king's divine wisdom.

4. The Role of Kings in Judgment: Proverbs 20:2 states, "The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life." This proverb highlights the king's role as a judge and enforcer of justice, where his wrath is to be feared by those who do wrong. The dread of the king serves as a deterrent against rebellion and lawlessness.

5. The King as God's Instrument: Romans 13:1-4 emphasizes the divine appointment of rulers: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." The passage suggests that the dread of a king is rooted in the understanding that resisting royal authority is akin to resisting God's ordinance.

Theological Implications

The dread of a king in the biblical sense is not merely about fear of punishment but encompasses a broader respect for the divinely instituted order. Kings, as God's representatives on earth, wield authority that demands reverence and obedience. This concept is deeply intertwined with the biblical principle of the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

In the biblical narrative, the dread of a king serves as a reminder of the ultimate sovereignty of God, who appoints and deposes rulers according to His divine will. The reverence for earthly kings is thus a reflection of the greater reverence due to God Himself, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords.