“The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life” (Proverbs 20:2).
In the ancient world, a king had all executive, legislative, and judicial power in a country. His edicts, laws, and verdicts were authoritative and irrevocable. There was no separation of power or balance of power. He was sovereign. Like the king of the jungle, he ruled his domain without any interference and quickly killed off any who questioned his authority.
Angering the king in such countries was usually equivalent to signing your own death certificate. Provoking a king’s wrath is one of the most foolish things you can do; the chance of you dying of old age is minimal.
Bottom line: Fear the wrath of a king.
Since it is wise and healthy to fear the wrath of an earthly king, how much wiser is it to fear the wrath of the King of kings? Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth (Mat. 28:18). He is the Blessed and only Potentate/Sovereign (1 Tim. 6:15). In fact, two inspired apostles—Paul and John—borrowed the Latin word used for the first century Caesar—kuriakos—in referring to the “Lord’s Supper” (1 Cor. 11:20) and the “Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10).
Jesus said it best: “My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” (Luke 12:4-5).
Fear the wrath of the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5, 6:15-17).
To not fear and obey Him is to sign your own eternal death certificate.
