The ending paragraphs of chapters 13 and 14 of 1 Chronicles express two different kinds of fear. The first incident is a result of an accident when David and all Israel are bringing the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. “And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah (the cart driver) put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. “   Verse 12 says that David was afraid of God that day.

The Ark was God’s seat in the Tent of Meeting, dedicated in Moses’ time back in the Wilderness. It was a holy spot and was to be treated according to God’s commands. The Levites were to carry the Ark on poles, so David and his friends were not respecting the laws, the Ark, or God by transporting it on a cart like the Philistines had done. And the non-Levite Uzzah actually touched the Ark! David’s fear was born out of the realization he still did not know how to serve this powerful, awesome God. Eventually the problem was solved when Levites consecrated themselves and did the proper carrying in Chapter 15. The experience helped everyone to realize, at least for a little while, that it was important to follow God’s rules.

The second fear occurs after Chapter 14 recounts several of David’s military battles with the Philistines. When the Israelites defeated their foes soundly, “the fame of David went out into all the lands, and the LORD brought the fear of him upon the nations.” God’s plan included the blessing of David and the cursing of his enemies, as promised to Abraham in Genesis 12. While David’s kingship was being established, God protected him and his people by planting terror and dread in the minds of their enemies. The battles did not need to be fought until David’s forces were ready.

So, the fear of the Lord includes obeying his rules and letting him fight the battles. What a great God!