12:14 fear the Lord. A fundamental prerequisite for covenant blessing in Moses’ day (Deut. 6:2, 24; 10:12; 31:12, 13), in Joshua’s (Josh. 4:24; 24:14), and now in the new era of the monarchy, “fear of the Lord” means standing in awe of Him and giving Him the honor and obedience that is His due as God and gracious Father.