In this episode we begin studying the book of Deuteronomy. In chapter 1 we discover the 40 year period of wandering in the wilderness have come to an end.

They are about to cross over the Jordan River. But before they do Moses gives a speech, he mentions past victories and defeats. He begins with their victory over Og and Sihon and ends with the Israelites being defeated by the Amorites.

He said, the Amorites chased them like a bunch of bees and destroyed them. We note that God’s army often rebelled against Him. He was their captain but they refused to follow him onto the battlefield to fight against the giants and in this case they were told not to go up and fight but they went up anyway.

God’s army did not fear their captain but their enemies. Although Moses told them to dread the Lord, they did not dread Him.

The BDB says dread means, to tremble, to fear,  to be terrified.

Isaiah reminds us to dread the Lord, in Isaiah chapter 8 verse 13.

Here’s the text:
 
Isaiah 8:13  Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
 
The fighting men would not follow orders.  They refused to array themselves on the battlefield as ordered by the Lord.

But Christ would not do so. He would follow God’s orders. He would sanctify Him, and fear Him.

He would follow God onto the battlefield and one day He followed Him to the cross and there He died. 

And Jesus warned his followers, those he called friends, that they should fear the Lord.

He told them why in Luke chapter 12 verses 4 and 5. 

Here’s the text: 

Luke 12:4  And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

Luke 12:5  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.