How we cite our quotes: (Chapter:Verse)
Quote #1
"See, the Lord your God has given the land to you; go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you; do not fear or be dismayed." (NRSV 1:21)
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. (KJV 1:21)
"Do not fear." What do you think—are these supposed to be comforting words, or are they just a cold command? Remember, Moses is talking to a bunch of Israelites whose ancestors never made it to the Promised Land because of fear.
Quote #2
"This day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples everywhere under heaven; when they hear report of you, they will tremble and be in anguish because of you." (NRSV 2:25)
This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that areunder the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee. (KJV 2:25)
Fear is a pretty powerful weapon, and God knows how to use it—not just against the Israelites, but against his enemies, too. He's going to give the Israelites a reputation that will instill the fear of God (literally) in their enemies. Want more of the action? Continue reading in the book of Joshua.
Quote #3
"Do not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you." (NRSV 3:22)
Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you. (KJV3:22)
Teaming up with Superman? Good. Having God on your side? Priceless. The writer of Deuteronomy surrounds this command with a bunch of national stories (like Moses parting the Red Sea) to prove God's power.