The Fear of Isaac - E-Books

Genesis 31 introduces a unique expression that often goes unnoticed—the reference to God as “the Fear of Isaac.” This phrase appears in the context of Jacob’s confrontation with his uncle, Laban. Laban, after being divinely warned not to harm Jacob, abandons his vengeful plans. Jacob, reflecting on God’s intervention, declares:

“Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed” (Genesis 31:42).

Later in the same chapter, Jacob swears an oath: “The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their father judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac (Genesis 31:53).

This phrase, "the Fear of Isaac," reveals something profound about Isaac's relationship with God—something so significant that it became a title by which God was identified.

The Submission of Isaac

While much is written about Abraham’s faith and obedience, we often overlook the extraordinary submission of Isaac, which provides a glimpse into why God was called “the Fear of Isaac.”

In Genesis 22, God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. Abraham’s obedience is remarkable, but equally astounding is Isaac’s submission. Consider the situation: Isaac was a young man in his prime years, easily capable of resisting an elderly father. Yet, when Abraham bound him and placed him on the altar, Isaac did not fight back. He willingly submitted, trusting both his father and God.

Isaac’s submission was not passive; it was rooted in a deep reverence for God’s will. His attitude exemplifies the fear of the Lord—a profound respect and awe that places God’s will above all else. This mirrors the essence of Proverbs 3:5-6, which calls us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Isaac’s reverence for God and trust in His plan left such an impression that generations referred to God as "the Fear of Isaac." This title encapsulates an attitude of submission and awe that we, too, are called to emulate.

Submission to His Will

The fear of the Lord is often misunderstood as mere terror or dread, but biblically, it signifies reverence, awe, and submission to God’s authority. In Deuteronomy 10:12, Moses asks, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul?”

The fear of the Lord motivates us to submit fully to His will, trusting that His plans are higher and better than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). Isaac exemplified this fear by laying down his life in obedience, foreshadowing the ultimate act of submission seen in Jesus Christ.

The Submission of Jesus

Isaac’s submission points us to the ultimate example of godly fear and submission: Jesus Christ. Hebrews 5:7-8 provides a striking insight into why God the Father always heard Jesus’ prayers:

“In the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”

Even as the Son of God, Jesus demonstrated a godly fear—a profound reverence for the Father’s will. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Garden of Gethsemane. In anguish, knowing the suffering that awaited Him, Jesus prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

This moment encapsulates the fear of the Lord. Jesus, though fully divine, submitted to the Father’s plan with reverent trust. His submission was not out of weakness but strength—a strength rooted in His perfect understanding of God’s sovereignty and purpose.

Living in Submission

The fear of the Lord is not just an Old Testament principle; it remains central to our relationship with God today. Isaac’s submission on Mount Moriah and Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane both highlight the same truth: reverent submission to God is the essence of the fear of the Lord. It’s a fear that acknowledges His holiness, trusts His sovereignty, and surrenders to His will.

May we, like Isaac and Jesus, walk in godly fear, submitting to God’s plans with reverence and trust. Let us echo the words of Jesus: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)