Blessed Be The Name

Blessed be the Name Exodus 20:7 Context • God thunders His ten words/commands from Sinai with sights and sounds that terrify the people of Israel. • The 10 Commandments can be divided into two sections: 1. Commands about God: 1-4 2. Commands about Man: 5-10 • Exodus 20:7 is a natural consequence – Because God is singular (no other gods) and utterly unique (unpicturable), we must speak about Him thoughtfully. The Prohibition – Disingenuous Use 1. “Uplifting” God’s name means more than mere speech. 2. “Vain” is a multifaceted concept: • • • • • • Spreading a false report (Exodus 23:1) Living out days in futility (Job 7:3) Good-for-nothing men who pursue iniquity (Job 11:11) Two-faced companion (Psalm 41:6) False worship (Psalm 24:4; 31:6) Hypocritical worship (Isaiah 1:13) 3. God prohibits the use of His name for anything that is false, disingenuous, or half-hearted. The Prohibition 4. God’s “name” highlights His character, especially His deliverance and provision: • • • • Hagar called on God’s name following His deliverance of Hagar through the provision of Ishmael (Genesis 16:7ff) Abraham called on the name of the LORD following God’s deliverance through the provision of a treaty (Genesis 21:33) The town’s ladies bless the LORD for Naomi’s deliverance from poverty through the provision of an heir (Ruth 4:14) Daniel blesses the name of God who provided an interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream and delivered Daniel’s life (Daniel 2:20) The Punishment – Certain Judgment 1. “Not hold him guiltless” • • The idea sounds somewhat passive “he will not acquit” In reality, this accountability is quite active – see the cautionary tale of Joab (1 Kings 2:9) 2. Notice the repetition – God repeats the offense to reinforce it’s importance 3. It’s an unspecified punishment, but a kind and persistent warning. The Positive – Our Fundamental Purpose 1. God’s people are instructed to bless the name of the LORD at all times (Psalm 113:1-2) 2. Lesson #1 of New Testament praying is this – “Hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9) 3. God’s name is glorified as we glorify the name of Christ (John 17:1-10)