“The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” (Isaiah 33:5–6, ESV)
When we think of treasure, we normally think of gold or precious jewels, things of great earthly wealth. Yet there is treasure that is infinitely more precious than that or earthly wealth. Isaiah records that “the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” This is an interesting statement. The word translated as Zion in the ESV Bible literally means, his, as is translated in other versions such as the KJV, NASB, RSV, etc. The NIV translates the statement, “the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure,” which adds another twist on the verse.
So which is it? Is the “fear of the Lord,” “his treasure,” “Zion’s treasure,” or as inferred by the NIV, “the key to this treasure?” Perhaps all three thoughts have merit.
First, it is a treasure for people to fear the Lord. It is those who fear the Lord that experience the blessings of knowing the Lord and the blessings that come with this. Not all people do fear Him. Thus, not all will experience the fullest blessings of God in “stability,”an “abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.” This is true treasure.
Second, this was the treasure for the faithful remnant in Zion. It was for those who would trust in him, calling upon Him for deliverance and protection in the face of the Assyrian threat.
Therefore, third, the key to these blessings is the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord only refers to dread for those who do not have a reverential awe of Him. For us who believe the fear of the Lord refers to that reverence we have for Him. This reverence and the blessings are connected. They are blessings of His grace directed towards us who have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Let us rejoice in our salvation. He has saved us and blesses us today and promises a most glorious future with Him.
Renewing the Heart 