I wonder if the phrase "an axe to grind" may have originated in Deuteronomy? Here is the passage...
"For instance, a man may go into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and as he swings his ax to fell a tree, the head may fly off and hit his neighbor and kill him. That man may flee to one of these cities and save his life. Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue him in a rage, overtake him if the distance is too great, and kill him even though he is not deserving of death, since he did it to his neighbor without malice aforethought."
The highways to flee are both road of mercy and judgment. The innocent can flee but the guilty will be apprehended.
What do you think about the punishment for a false witness? "The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against his brother, then do to him as he intended to do to his brother." This punishment might just silence someone speaking out of turn.
The Psalm says..."the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." This is a wonderful passage to ponder in Advent. How can we fear the Lord and live a "fear not life." If we disrespect the Lord will our lives not consumed with fear. Obviously, the passage is a call to respect the Lord. If we do, then the words of the angel ring true..."fear not."
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