In the biblical narrative, the afflictions of the wicked are often depicted as a consequence of their rebellion against God and His commandments. These afflictions serve not only as a form of divine judgment but also as a catalyst for producing slavish fear—a fear that is characterized by terror and dread rather than reverence and awe.

Biblical Context

The concept of slavish fear is rooted in the understanding that the wicked, those who live in opposition to God's will, are subject to His righteous judgment. This fear is not the healthy fear of the Lord that leads to wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), but rather a debilitating fear that arises from the anticipation of punishment and the realization of one's own vulnerability before a holy and just God.

Scriptural References

1. Proverbs 28:1 · "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." This verse illustrates the internal turmoil and fear that plagues the wicked. Their conscience, aware of their guilt, causes them to live in constant fear, even when no immediate threat is present.

2. Isaiah 57:20-21 · "But the wicked are like the storm-tossed sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and muck. 'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked.'" The imagery of a restless sea conveys the inner chaos and fear experienced by the wicked, who are unable to find peace due to their estrangement from God.

3. Hebrews 10:27 · "But only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries." This passage speaks to the dread that the wicked face as they anticipate the inevitable judgment of God. Their fear is rooted in the certainty of divine retribution.

Theological Implications

The slavish fear experienced by the wicked is a direct result of their separation from God. Unlike the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom and leads to life (Proverbs 19:23), slavish fear is destructive and paralyzing. It is a fear that stems from guilt and the awareness of impending judgment.

This fear serves as a warning and a call to repentance. The afflictions that produce such fear are intended to lead the wicked to a recognition of their need for God's mercy and forgiveness. However, without repentance, this fear remains a tormenting force, highlighting the stark contrast between the peace enjoyed by the righteous and the turmoil endured by the wicked.

Practical Observations

In the life of the believer, understanding the nature of slavish fear can serve as a reminder of the importance of living in accordance with God's will. It underscores the necessity of maintaining a healthy fear of the Lord, which leads to obedience and trust in His promises. For those who have not yet turned to God, the afflictions and resulting fear can be seen as an invitation to seek reconciliation with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

The afflictions of the wicked, therefore, are not merely punitive but are also redemptive in their potential to drive individuals toward a saving relationship with God. The slavish fear they produce is a testament to the reality of God's justice and the urgent need for His grace.Job 15:24
Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 73:19
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 49:3,5
Howl, O Heshbon, for Ai is spoiled: cry, you daughters of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth; lament, and run to and fro by the hedges; for their king shall go into captivity, and his priests and his princes together.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Was this only the temper of wicked men then ... I speak now of such who through a sense
of sin and of God's justice fly from him of a slavish ungodly fear. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... Afflictions employed as the cure.2. To lead us to ... up to alacrity and exultation should
produce nothing but ... objects, though they see the wicked flourishing in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 of meditating on.htm

On Religion; the Natural and Divine Life; and the Exemplification ...
... the difference betwixt a religious and wicked man is ... of it: he endured the sharpest
afflictions and extremest ... troubled," (which would seem to produce a kind of ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part i on religion the.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... benefits which its glorified author intended it to produce. ... soul to suffer all troubles,
afflictions, and adversities ... laid up for them that fear thee, which ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... any answer to such foolish and wicked propositions; for ... speculative intellect; it
does not produce results in ... get enslaved [1807] by those slavish thoughts and ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... for to do things, but not in God's fear, to what will it amount? will it avail? ...
'Set thou,' said David, 'a wicked man over him; and let Satan stand at his ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... and unless also they left this wicked world behind ... inquiring souls, and which frequently
produce much anxiety ... he could bear these small afflictions with patience ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... gate, and from the way thereto, hath this wicked man turned ... Yes, and they put me
in hope and fear.[48 ... they did, they had custom for; and could produce, if need ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

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