Deuteronomy 32:27

Ver. 27. Were it not that I feared, &c— Houbigant observes, that the original word גור gur, does not so properly denote fear, as caution; for the meaning is, were it not that I took care lest: and therefore I render it, says he, sed deterrent me hostes ipsorum; but their enemies deter, or prevent me; for certainly it is improper to introduce God saying that He feared. The next words, rendered the wrath of the enemy, refer to God's indignation, not that of the adversary; and the whole should be rendered, but that indignation for the adversary deters me, lest their enemies should be alienated, and say, The strength of our hands, and not of the Lord, hath done this. The argument here used, is pretty nearly similar to that which Moses urges, Exodus 32:12.Numbers 14:13.Deuteronomy 9:28.