When it comes to the Bible, there is often more going on than what first meets the eye. This is certainly true with the third commandment: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7, ESV)Another much-neglected dimension of this commandment is what we could call ‘hypocritical use.’ In … Continue reading The hypocritical use of God’s name
Exodus 20:7
Bearing the Name
Let’s take a quick look at a much-neglected aspect of the third commandment which says: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” (Exodus 20:7, ESV)It has to do with the word “take.” In Hebrew it’s the word “nasa’.” It means to take, to bear, or to carry.It’s telling that … Continue reading Bearing the Name
Taking God’s name in vain
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7, ESV).Let’s be honest. Attitudes have radically changed about how we use God’s name.Up until recently it was actually illegal in England to misuse God’s name. Today … Continue reading Taking God’s name in vain
