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Q. What does the expression “fearful in praises” mean in Exodus 15:11? I thought we were to come with confidence and bring our praises and prayers?
A. The word, “fearful” is sometimes translated reverenced. So we might read it, “reverenced in praises.” This was drawn out from Moses’ and the children of Israel’s hearts as they witnessed the mighty power of the Lord in their deliverance from the slavery of Egypt and Pharaoh, and in the swallowing up of the Egyptians in the Red Sea.
Psalm 89:7 uses the same word. “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him.” In all our prayers and praises the words we use should express reverence. “Holy and reverend is His name” (Psalm 111:9).
On the other hand we read, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16). And also, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).
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