The triple exhortation to fear, serve, and obey the Lord characterizes the basic conditions for a good relationship between the Lord and his people.1 Israel must not replace loyalty to the Lord with loyalty to a human leader.2 They may have a new king and thus a new political structure, but obedience to the Lord was still vital for their future in the land of Canaan.3 The Lord remains sovereign over his people even though they now have a king.4
14 If you will fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well.