The Hebrew word emah refers to terror, dread, or profound awe-inspiring fear. It can describe the fear that falls upon enemies (divine terror) or the deep reverence that accompanies encounters with the holy. The word carries both negative (paralyzing dread) and positive (holy fear) connotations depending on context.
Emah is often used for the supernatural terror God sends upon Israel's enemies as an act of covenant warfare. When Israel moved through the wilderness, God sent the emah of His people before them to prepare the way (Exodus 15:16; 23:27). The word thus becomes a theological statement about divine warrior activity — God fights for His people by sending paralyzing dread before them. In contrast, emah also describes the right response of worshipers to God's holiness — a deep, awe-struck fear that recognizes His majesty.