The third commandment teaches us not to make God’s name, which refers to his character and reputation, empty or meaningless.
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20.7).
Usually, when we consider the misuse of God’s name, we think about swear words that use his name.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus may have been referencing not using God’s name in vain, when he taught people about making promises to emphasize what they were saying.
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’
“But I say to you: Do not swear at all. . .
Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5.33-37).
It’s Important
How much does God value His own name? The first request in the Lord’s Prayer reveals that God’s name is crucial. It should be treated as unique and sacred.
“Our Father in heaven,
may your name be revered as holy.” (Matthew 6.9)
Isaiah highlighted the significance of God’s name. The term symbolizes his character, essence, and reputation.
Notice the use of God’s name in these verses. I will highlight “name” to show the importance of God’s name.
Hear this, O house of Jacob,
who are called by the name of Israel
and who came forth from the loins of Judah,
Who swear by the name of the Lord
and invoke the God of Israel
but not in truth or right.
For they call themselves after the holy city
and lean on the God of Israel;
the Lord of hosts is his name. (Isaiah 48.1-2)
The Israelites mention God’s name when they pray, but they don’t stay true to him. They are not really serving him, instead, they follow substitutes for God as verses 4-5 show.
For my name’s sake I defer my anger;
for the sake of my praise I restrain it for you,
so that I may not cut you off.
For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it,
for why should my name be profaned?
My glory I will not give to another. (Isaiah 48.9 and 11)
Just like us, the Israelites were rebellious and deserved judgment. However, for the sake of his character and reputation (his name), God chose not to judge them. Instead, he provided rescue to these disobedient people.
Listen to me, O Jacob,
and Israel, whom I called:
I am he; I am the first,
and I am the last.
My hand laid the foundation of the earth,
and my right hand spread out the heavens;
when I summon them,
they stand at attention. (Isaiah 48.12-13)
The Israelites violated the third commandment by misusing God’s name. They professed to serve and know him, yet they also indulged in idol worship.
God wanted them to understand that he alone is God, and he is the Creator of everything.
His reputation, as both the maker of all things and a lover of humanity, is tied closely to his name.
Today’s Application
For those who choose to follow this commandment, there are actions we can take.
(1) Let’s choose to never use God’s name in a disrespectful or irreverent manner, such as using it as a curse word or casually without genuine purpose or reverence.
(2) Let’s not make false or insincere oaths or promises in the name of God.
(3) Let’s make sure we don’t engage in prayer without genuine devotion or intention, treating it as a mere ritual or habit rather than sincere communication with God.
(4) Let’s use the Lord’s Prayer and other passages, like in Isaiah, to understand the importance of God’s name. Let’s include it in our prayers and devotion.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 