They feared the LORD, yet served their own gods (2 Kings 17:33)
Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge and Proverbs 9:10 that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. So it is good that the people feared the LORD, right?
My "fear" (excuse the pun) is that people misunderstand what the "fear of the LORD" really is. In 2 Kings 17, the people were fearing the LORD because He sent lions into the land and some people were being killed. They feared for their lives and wanted to find a way to appease the LORD so He would no longer be angry. This was a common practice for the pagan nations. Figure out what the gods want, give it to them, then they'll return the favor with rain, good crops, protection and pleasure.
But this is not how things work with the God of the universe. He is not impressed with our sacrifices or rituals. He just wants us to believe Him, have faith in Him and obey His commands (Hebrews 11:6).
The fear of the LORD that is mentioned in Proverbs is a healthy reverence for who God is and His holiness. When He gives is a mere glimpse of His holiness and our sinfulness, it should bring us to fear and trembling (Isaiah 6:1-5). That healthy fear should drive us to want to be closer to God and to desire holiness and to be cleansed. We will long to repent and obey the commandments of God (Romans 2:4).
Ultimately, the Assyrians failed to understand what God told the children of Israel years earlier, "To obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22).
Lord, help us to not try and do ritualistic things to please You. May all our works be for Your glory and not because we fear You'll be angry with us otherwise.
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