Daily manna from the Torah by Dr Ketriel Blad

Fear of heaven is the best way to hold sin back in human beings. Where there is no fear of heaven sin can spread and multiply freely.

In Exodus 20:20 it is written: “Moses said to the 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." (ESV) And in Jeremiah 32:40 it is written: “I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.” (ESV) And in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 it is written: “"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? (ESV)

The Eternal intervened in this critical situation by speaking to the Philistine king in dreams. He told him that if he didn’t bring Sarah back to Avraham he would die along with all his people. This caused a lot of fear in him and his men.

The one who understands that the Almighty who is in heaven can do everything, sees all and judges the entire world; becomes aware that if he doesn’t do the right thing he is in danger of death. The one who doesn’t know that “...the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Rom. 1:18 ESV); and the one who doesn’t know that “God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.” (Psal. 7:11 ESV) does not mind his thoughts, nor control his tongue, nor hold his hand from evildoing. The one who knows that “...no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:13 ESV) is afraid of sinning. He who knows that sin carries grave consequences minds his behaviour.