What does it mean to "fear the LORD" in Deuteronomy 17:19? Setting in Deuteronomy 17 “When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It is to be with him always, and he is to read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to observe carefully all the words of this law and these statutes.” (Deuteronomy 17:18-19) What “fear the LORD” means here • A learned posture: “so that he may learn.” • Produced by continual exposure to God’s Word. • Evidenced by careful obedience “to observe carefully all the words.” • Anchored in relationship: “his God.” Reverence rooted in Scripture • The king hand-copies the Torah, carries it, reads it daily. • God’s Word shapes mind and heart until awe becomes instinctive. • Exodus 20:20: “God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him will keep you from sinning.” • Psalm 111:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding.” • Without Scripture, fear drifts toward dread; with Scripture, it becomes worshipful respect. Obedience flowing from fear • Deuteronomy 10:12 links fear with walking, loving, and serving. • Genuine fear shows in doing “all the words of this law,” not selective compliance. • Acts 9:31 records the New Testament church “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit,” tying reverence to practical holiness. Humility that guards the heart • Verse 20 explains the purpose: “not to consider himself better than his brothers.” • Godly fear levels pride—leaders and commoners stand equally under God’s authority. • Isaiah 66:2: “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My word.” Blessing tied to godly fear • Longevity and stability: “so that he and his sons may reign many years.” • Proverbs 14:27: “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” • Reverent obedience positions a person—and a nation—for lasting prosperity under God’s favor. How this shapes us today • Keep a personal, accessible copy of Scripture; read it habitually. • Let the text teach you to reverence God—allow awe to deepen as understanding grows. • Translate reverence into prompt, detailed obedience in everyday choices. • Cultivate humility; accept Scripture’s authority over status, talent, or title. • Expect God’s promised fruit—wisdom, protection, and stability—as you walk in the fear of the LORD. |
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