Is fearing God opposed to loving him?
No. Biblical fear is reverent recognition of holiness and authority within covenant love. It rejects casual presumption, not trusting affection.
PSALM 111 — THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS WISDOM'S BEGINNING
Is fearing God opposed to loving him? Study Psalm 111 with context, apologetic analysis, and cross-references.
Psalm 1113 questions
Source linked
Commentary provenance
Dr. Lucas D. Shallua Commentary · PSALM 111 — THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS WISDOM'S BEGINNING
The precise difficulties
- Is fearing God opposed to loving him?
- Does verse 6 justify later conquest?
- Why call obedience the source of understanding?
Verse and question study
Does verse 6 justify later conquest?
It recalls Israel's unique inheritance within redemptive history. No modern nation or church receives authorization to seize land by analogy.
Why call obedience the source of understanding?
Some moral truth becomes clear through practiced allegiance. This does not reject reason; it recognizes that rebellious desire can distort perception.
Historical and literary context
Psalm 111 is an anonymous Hallelujah hymn and a carefully constructed acrostic: after the opening “Praise the LORD,” each half-line follows successive Hebrew letters. Psalm 112 mirrors its form and vocabulary, portraying the person shaped by the God praised here. The compact alphabetic structure aids memorization and suggests comprehensive praise. English Psalm 111 is Psalm 110 in Greek/Latin numbering.
Apologetic note
The hymn commends investigation: great works are “studied” by those delighting in them. Faith is not protected from inquiry but invites examination within a moral posture willing to follow truth. The acrostic form itself joins intellectual order and worship.
Chapter cross-references
- Exodus 34:6–7 God reveals gracious and compassionate character
- Deuteronomy 8:2–18 Israel remembers provision and covenant
- Psalm 19:7–11 Trustworthy instruction makes wise
- Psalm 112:1–9 The reverent person reflects God's character
- Proverbs 1:7 Fear of the LORD begins knowledge
- Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the LORD begins wisdom
- Luke 1:68–75 God remembers covenant and sends redemption
- John 6:48–51 God provides life-giving bread in Christ
- Romans 11:33–36 God's works and judgments inspire worship
- Ephesians 1:7–10 Redemption comes through Christ
- James 1:22–25 Understanding requires practiced obedience
- Revelation 15:3–4 God's works and ways are great and just
Source and editorial status
Dr. Shallua’s Commentary
This study preserves the hard questions, explanations, context, apologetic note, and references from Dr. Shallua's Commentary.