The concept of the "Fear of God" extends beyond the individual and the nation of Israel to encompass the surrounding kingdoms in biblical narratives. This fear, often manifesting as awe, reverence, or dread, is a recurring theme that underscores God's sovereignty and power over all nations, not just His chosen people.

Biblical Instances

1. The Exodus and Egypt: One of the earliest and most dramatic demonstrations of the fear of God upon a foreign nation is seen in the Exodus narrative. The plagues that God sent upon Egypt were not only judgments but also signs intended to instill fear and demonstrate His supremacy over the Egyptian gods. 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 led to the Egyptians urging the Israelites to leave, acknowledging the power of the God of Israel.

2. The Conquest of Canaan: As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, the fear of God fell upon the Canaanite kingdoms. Rahab, a resident of Jericho, confesses this fear in Joshua 2:9-11 , saying, "I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, so that all who live in the land are melting in fear because of you." This fear was a divine strategy to weaken the resolve of Israel's enemies and facilitate their conquest.

3. Philistines and the Ark of the Covenant: In 1 Samuel 5-6, the Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant, only to experience a series of calamities that lead them to return it to Israel. The fear of God is evident as the Philistines recognize the power of the God of Israel, saying, "Send the ark of the God of Israel away; let it go back to its own place, or it will kill us and our people" (1 Samuel 5:11).

4. Assyrian Threat and Deliverance: During the reign of King Hezekiah, the Assyrian army besieged Jerusalem. In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God sent an angel to destroy the Assyrian forces, leading to their retreat. This event, recorded in 2 Kings 19:35-36 , instilled fear in the surrounding nations as they witnessed the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem, reinforcing the power and protection of the God of Israel.

5. Babylonian Recognition: In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon experiences a humbling encounter with the God of Israel. After being restored from a period of madness, he acknowledges God's sovereignty, stating, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just" (Daniel 4:37). This acknowledgment reflects a fear and reverence for God that transcends national boundaries.

Theological Implications

The fear of God upon surrounding kingdoms serves multiple purposes in the biblical narrative. It acts as a testament to God's universal authority and His ability to influence the affairs of all nations. This fear often leads to the recognition of God's power and sometimes results in the acknowledgment of His sovereignty by foreign rulers. It also serves as a protective mechanism for Israel, as the fear of God can deter aggression from hostile nations.

Furthermore, the fear of God on surrounding kingdoms highlights the theme of divine justice and judgment. It underscores the idea that God holds all nations accountable for their actions and that His will ultimately prevails in the affairs of humanity. This fear is not merely punitive but also revelatory, revealing God's character and His desire for all nations to recognize His lordship.