The word “Fear” has been bothering me throughout the Bible. Turns out that it translates differently than how we think of fear today in English. If I am fearful of you, I don’t trust you. That didn’t make sense to me. Now it does. Thank God.
The Hebrew word for “fear” used here (yirah) combines elements of reverence, awe, and respect rather than mere fear or dread, illustrating an attitude of profound recognition of God’s majesty that was central to ancient Israelite spirituality.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
BDH