Yes. It is an odd tone, but I think it's a necessary one at the time given the audience. From my understanding, life was very much on the ropes for people back then. The message of obedience was a necessary one because social cohesion went a long way to ensuring the survival of communities and nations. The stories that are told and the beliefs that were held help reinforce this mindset. This idea gets pulled into weird directions sometimes, for example a military victory is proof in being held in God's favor or a hardship comes about because an individual or a group of people have done something that dissapoints God.

When you get to The New Testament, the tone changes. Theologically speaking, Jesus and his revelation are meant to replace the laws and requirements of The Old Testament and his message is something new. He still speaks of obedience, yes, but he also speaks heavily of compassion and justice. This happens literally centuries after The Old Testament was written and the world is a different place now, more advanced, more stable, and more connected. Yeah, it's not a bed of roses, but it's better than what was before. This stability brings about a lifestyle security that allows people to think with a slightly higher level of motivation. The message is no longer "Fear God and fear thy neighbor," but "Love God and love thy neighbor." In both though, there is still a message to obey. It just comes across differently.