The Spirit of Knowledge and Fear of the Lord
“And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord.” — Isaiah 11:2–3 (NLT)
The final two aspects of the Spirit's rest focus on the core of our relationship with the Father. While Counsel and Might provide us with strategy and strength for the world, Knowledge and Fear of the Lord anchor our hearts in the presence of God Himself.
Knowledge: Knowing God, Not Just About Him
Knowledge — דַּעַת (Hebrew: daʿat) means intimate knowing, experiential awareness; used to describe a relational understanding rather than just intellectual facts.
There is a vast difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them. This Spirit of Knowledge isn't about collecting data; it’s about a heart-level, intimate connection.
Jesus’ Example: Jesus lived in a state of constant, real-time connection with the Father. He described it in John 10:15: "Just as my Father knows me and I know the Father." It was an intimate and constant bond that we are now invited into through the Holy Spirit.
The Risk of Disconnection: Hosea 4:6 warns that people are destroyed by a lack of this knowledge. This isn't just about missing out on a benefit; it's about the danger of living disconnected from our Source.
How it Helps You:
Recognize God’s unique voice amidst the noise of life.
Understand what truly matters to Him.
Grow in trust, even when external circumstances don’t make sense.
Fear of the Lord: Joyful Awe That Leads to Trust
Fear (of the Lord) — יִרְאָה (Hebrew: yirah) means reverence, awe, moral respect; not terror, but a deep honor that leads to joyful obedience.
The "Fear of the Lord" is often misunderstood as being scared. In reality, it is a profound sense of awe at God’s holiness and goodness. It is the choice to honor His voice above all others because you trust Him completely.
Jesus’ Example: Jesus didn't just "fear" God; He delighted in it (Isaiah 11:3). He found actual joy in honoring the Father and doing what pleased Him (John 8:29). His obedience wasn't a burden of "have to"; it was a delight of "want to."
The Foundation of Life: Proverbs 9:10 calls this the "foundation of wisdom." True growth begins when we respect God's perspective more than any human opinion.
How it Helps You:
Say "no" to things that pull you away from God’s best for you.
Stay humble and grounded when you succeed.
Trust God’s path even when it’s the "hard way."
Supportive Scriptures
Philippians 3:10: "I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead."
Jeremiah 9:24: "But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me..."
Hosea 6:6: "I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings."
Psalm 112:1: "How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands."
Reflective Questions
On Knowledge: What is one thing that often gets in the way of you spending "relationship time" with God versus just "learning about" Him?
On Relationship: If you could ask God one question today—not for information, but just to get to know His heart better—what would it be?
On Awe: When you think about "fearing God," do you feel pressure or joy? What would it look like for you to delight in honoring Him this week?
