Deut 20:2-4 - 2 And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, 4 for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’
The priest speaks for God and encourages them with God's words. Even as we go into battle, we are commanded to not be faint, to not be fearful or to panic or to be in dread of them. Not only will God be with us, but that he will fight for us and will give the victory. It is good for us to understand that if we do allow our heart to be faint and we do fear or panic, we will miss out doing the will that God has for us. Fear is the opposite of faith. Fear does not please God. Fear does not trust God. Fear keeps us from doing God's will.
Fear God
Exodus 18:21 -Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
In this passage, it is clear that the people who fear God are trustworthy and they hate bribes. They are reliable and they are to be leaders. Why is this so? Because people who fear God are afraid of doing wrong, so they do right. Those who are not trustworthy or do not hate a bribe do fear God. So clear and so true. Does this apply to you? Does your fear of God make you trustworthy and honest?
