See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’ (Deuteronomy 1:21 ESV)
Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they are about to actually, finally, really, physically enter the Promised Land. They pause for a long recitation of God’s activities since leaving Egypt. It’s a gripping story, but I can almost imagine the Israelites saying, “We heard this already. We were there for some of it.”
But Moses repeats the story anyway.
Maybe the purpose of Moses’ repetition is found in this sentence. On the cusp of a war with armed, trained, fierce enemies… maybe they were a little afraid.
Moses reminds them of the reports of the spies. Ten of the spies had reported that Canaan, as their Promised Land was still temporarily known, was defended by forts, weapons, and giants. And now it was time to face those enemies.
As they prepare to cross into Canaan… the signs of fear were probably there. A few lumps in throats. A few nervous twitches. A few furtive glances at the horizon, or over the next hill. A few whispered conversations around campfires.
And Moses’ answer is to repeat the theme that God has been displaying for over 40 years. He is on their side. They do not need to be afraid.
Maybe some folk rolled their eyes. “We’ve already heard that.”
Maybe some folk complained about Moses needing a new sermon.
Maybe some folk sarcastically mouthed Moses’ words along with him.
“Fear not.” “Don’t be afraid.”
But it appears that the repetition was effective.
Some things are worth repeating.
Fear not, because God repeats it.