Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for joining our study. Perhaps you are here for a reason. I was "called" to write about this topic after last week's study. In my interview with Museum of the Bible President and CEO, Carlos Campo, PhD, I asked him, "When the Museum presents you with tough challenges, what are your go-to verses?" His response was three "'fear not' passages that reinforce that it's not about my competence, but God's strength and presence that matters."
From that moment, I knew "fear not" was meant to be my next Bible study topic. I believe that means He is targeting someone in reader-land who needs to see these Scripture messages. If that is you, leave a comment or send an email.
In many Bible translations, "fear not" is rendered as "do not be afraid." My preference is the old-style "fear not" because it sounds more authoritative and commanding. But regardless of the translation, the message is the same: God's reassurance that He is with us, because fear is debilitating. Years ago, I read that the devil's favorite tools are fear and doubt, both of which keep humankind in a state of anxiety. Fear and doubt freeze us into inaction, keeping us from making decisions, taking risks, or moving forward as children of God.
Today, we review "fear not" passages from the Torah. Although I was a 10-year-old Hebrew School dropout, I learned that the Torah comprises the first five books of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament.
"Fear not" is spoken directly by God, His angels, or conveyed through human messengers, but the circumstances are similar. The Lord recognizes that the receiver is facing danger, uncertainty, or the unknown. God understands human fear; He created it, as he did all human emotions, because He created us. "Fear not" means "trust me." He is telling you to lean on Him and that He will prop you up in the storm or on the rocky road that lies ahead.
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Ultimately, "Fear not" is a call to faith in Him. That sounds so easy. Two simple words vaporize anxiety. If only it worked that way, but it does not, because we often lose trust when the storm is blinding, and the challenges are overwhelming. Today, I need a "fear not" injection, and I just realized this Bible study topic is for me!
The first "fear not" message appears in Genesis when Abram's future was uncertain, yet he had shown faith in God. The passage begins with the covenant that God made with Abram (before he was renamed Abraham):
"After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: 'Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great'" (Genesis 15:1).
Recognize that "fear not" is about God's strength, which is incalculable. It is not about human strength, no matter how tough we think we are or pretend to be.
In Genesis 26, while Abraham's son Issac endured some trials, he received a similar optimistic, monumental message from God, not long after Abraham died:
"'I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham's sake'" (Genesis 26:24).
Wouldn't we all like to hear that kind of message? God had an intimate relationship with Israel's "founding fathers." With enemies all around, God's people were forging their destiny amid difficult challenges. God knew they needed to be uplifted and shown who He was. Unlike those who worshipped idols, God was unseen, which made His "presence" and reassuring messages so important for them to remain believers in Him as the one and only Almighty God, King of the Universe.
Our last Genesis "fear not" is God speaking to Jacob, Isaac's son. Note that the father, son, and grandson all received divine messages about the future of their people and nation:
"So He said, [to Jacob] 'I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there'" (Genesis 46:3).
The next chapter in the Torah is Exodus. Below, this powerful verse shows Moses's leadership and faith in God. When the Israelites were escaping Egyptian bondage, they were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. The Israelites were paralyzed by fear and expected to be slaughtered when Moses said:
"'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again'" (Exodus 14:13).
Surely, that is one of Moses's greatest statements, assuring his people to ignore the deadly threat and to believe in what their great God would do for them. And Moses delivered!
Another faith through fear statement concerned what the people saw after God gave Moses the Ten Commandments:
"When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance" (Exodus 20:18). So what did Moses say to his people?
"'Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin'" (Exodus 20:20).
When I am full of fear, I believe that God is testing me. Does anyone else feel that way?
There are numerous "fear not" Torah verses, but I fear running out of allotted space for this study. So, we conclude with what Moses conveyed to his flock after God told Moses that Joshua would succeed him and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed" (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Just after I wrote that verse, a minor miracle occurred. I had rolled back my chair and saw a postcard-sized, parchment-colored paper on the floor under my desk. I have no idea how it got there, and it was titled "Gift of the Fear of God" and read:
"This gift keeps us in due respect before God and in submission to his will, turning us away from everything that may displease him. Sometimes, I fear losing fame, recognition, applause; let me fear only losing You. Holy Spirit, give me the Gift of Fear of God. Amen."
Now I am left to contemplate how that message literally just appeared at my feet. Obviously, it is the flip side of this study's message. I can only conclude that God is weighing in, saying, "Have no fear because of Me, but fear Me if you displease Me." Honestly, I am freaked out. If you email me, I will send you a photo of the parchment note and of how it looked under my desk. You can't make this stuff up!
Join us next week for "Fear Not" Part 2, from the Old and New Testaments.
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible" reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2," reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can help support our new exhibit in Orlando, Florida. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com
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