What does "do not be afraid of any man" teach about fearing God? Focus Verse (Deuteronomy 1:17) “Do not show partiality in judgment; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God.” Setting of the Command • Moses is appointing judges for Israel. • The instruction comes at the start of Israel’s national life, underscoring that justice must be anchored in God, not human opinion. • The core issue: Whose verdict ultimately matters—man’s or God’s? The Meaning of “Do Not Be Afraid of Any Man” • Judges were to render decisions without letting powerful people sway them. • “Afraid” (Hebrew: gûr) speaks of trembling, intimidation, shrinking back. • Refusing fear of man keeps a person from compromising truth or showing favoritism. What It Reveals About Fearing God • Fear is exclusive; when rightly directed toward God, it cannot be simultaneously directed toward people (Isaiah 8:12-13). • God alone holds ultimate authority: “judgment belongs to God.” • Reverence for Him produces courage before men (Proverbs 29:25; Hebrews 13:6). • By commanding freedom from the fear of man, the verse implicitly calls for wholehearted fear of God—trusting His justice, sovereignty, and protection. Key Contrasts in Scripture • Fear of man: a snare (Proverbs 29:25). • Fear of God: the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7), keeps us from sin (Exodus 20:20), and leads to life (Proverbs 19:23). • Jesus echoes the principle: “Do not fear those who kill the body… Rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). • Apostolic example: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Practical Applications • Decision-making: Evaluate choices by God’s Word, not by human approval. • Speech: Speak truth in love, unafraid of backlash (Ephesians 4:15). • Leadership: Whether parenting, pastoring, or judging, aim to please God first (Galatians 1:10). • Perseverance: When pressured, recall God’s supremacy—He sees, He judges, He rewards. Summary “Do not be afraid of any man” teaches that genuine fear belongs to God alone. Reverence for Him liberates us from human intimidation, enabling just, bold, and faithful living. |
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