Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

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I like the way the Berean Study Bible has rendered this verse “Above all” compared to the most common rendering of “only” in most bibles,  it puts an emphasis a priority upon the need for me to fear the Lord.

This “fear” spoken of here is used 4 times in 1 Samuel 12.

^{14 If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice,…}

18 …As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

^{20 “Do not be afraid (fear) ,” Samuel replied…}

It is the same Hebrew word translated Yare’ (yaw-ray’) with meanings of 1) to be afraid (vs. 18) or reverent awe (vs. 14, 20 and 24).

So above all else we are to reverently serve and “worship him faithfully with all our heart”. This cannot be a fleeting or superficial act. Samuel has just warned Israel that they are GUILTY (as we all are) of grossly sinning against God. yet He is merciful and willing to forgive those who are genuine and wholehearted in their repentance.

Why should we fear the Lord? Why should we serve and worship Him faithfully with all our hearts? Just like ancient Israel we have but one answer, “consider what great things He has done for you.”