Biblical Answer

The Bible says "fear not" many times because God desires to reassure His people of His presence, power, and provision in their lives. When we are faced with uncertainty, danger, or difficulty, God wants us to remember that He is our Rock, our Refuge, and our Savior. He wants us to trust in Him, not in our own abilities or circumstances. This is why He repeatedly says "fear not" to remind us that we don't have to be afraid because He is with us and will take care of us. He wants us to have a reverent obedience to His commands, not out of fear of judgment, but out of awe and wonder at His greatness and goodness.

The concept of "fear" in the Bible is often misunderstood. In English, "fear" typically conveys the idea of fright and dread. However, in the Bible, "fear" means to be overwhelmed, to be controlled by something. To fear the Lord is to be overwhelmed with wonder before the greatness of God. It's a sense of reverence and awe, not just a negative emotion. This is why the Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7). When we keep the Lord's commands, we demonstrate our reverence for Him and our trust in His goodness. This is not a fearful obedience, but a joyful and willing submission to His will.

In the Bible, "fear not" is often linked to the expectation of judgment, which is a reminder that God is a holy and just God who will ultimately judge all people. However, this fear is not a fearful fear, but a reverent fear that acknowledges God's power and authority. It's a fear that motivates us to live a life that honors God and reflects His character. When we fear God, we are not afraid of Him, but we are afraid of what He will do if we don't live according to His ways. This fear is a catalyst for spiritual growth, not a hindrance to it. It's a reminder that God is our Creator, our Savior, and our Judge, and that we should live our lives in reverence and awe of Him.