One-minute read.
According to Expositor’s Bible Commentary, this verse contrasts two types of fear:
- Tormenting Fear: conscious guilt (you know you did something wrong)
- Salutary Fear: reverential fear of God and His sovereignty.(1)
Moses doesn’t want people to worry that God came to punish them for their sins but to respect His all-knowing place in their lives and the love He has for them. A salutary fear of the Lord keeps us from sinning, motivating us to obey Him instead.
For example, my salutary fear of the Lord guides my decisions and actions. Instead of doing what I want, like venting my irritation at the slow cashier who seems utterly unaware of time, I bite my tongue, put a smile on my face, and remember the Lord loves her, and He expects me to do so as well. Respect for God makes me act differently and stops me from sinning.
Moses wants the Israelites to understand the difference. Instead of feeling guilty for their sin, He wants them to respect the Lord and sin less. We will never achieve perfection, but we can try to obey and serve God to the best of our ability, confessing our sins when we falter and trying again.
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You for helping us to sin less as we trust and obey You. Please bless our efforts, help us make better choices, and fulfill Your purpose for our lives.
IJNIP. Amen
(1) Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament 2004.
