The Pulpit Commentary on Nehemiah 5:15

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The practical power of the fear of God.

"But so did not I, because of the fear of God."—"The fear of God," as a description of piety, is more common in the Old Testament; "faith" and "love" in the New. But each includes the other. For this fear is not mere dread, but reverence.

I. THE FEAR OF GOD IS A PRACTICAL PRINCIPLE. It rules the life.

1. As a motive, He who fears God must be concerned to please and obey him. All that is included in such fear tends to this result.

2. As it will secure Divine assistance.

II. THE FEAR OF GOD AS A PRACTICAL PRINCIPLE IS SUPREME AND PREDOMINANT. It recognises God as supreme, regards his favour as most to be desired, his displeasure as most to be dreaded. Hence it raises at once above self-will, the desire to please men, and the influence of human examples and customs. It follows that it will—

1. Rule those whose position renders them largely independent of men. Well is it for the feeble when the mighty govern themselves by this fear; well for nations when their rulers, especially where despotic government prevails, answer to the description of a good sovereign given in the last words of David (2 Samuel 23:3).

2. Restrain from common sins. Such as are not generally condemned, or are very leniently regarded by society.

3. Incite to uncommon virtues. Nehemiah's conduct supplies an illustration and proof of all three propositions.

III. THOSE WHO ARE GOVERNED BY THE FEAR OF GOD WILL ENJOY HAPPY REMEMBRANCES. Nehemiah records with emphasis and evident pleasure," So did not I," etc. Such remembrances are pleasant, as they—

1. Give satisfaction to the conscience, which pronounces the conduct right and good.

2. Afford evidence of sincere piety.

3. Strengthen the hope of future acceptance and recompense.

4. Awaken thankfulness to God. Let the young begin early to live in the fear of God, and they will live pure and noble lives, on which, in old age and in the prospect of death, they will be able to look back with satisfaction.

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