Expert: Scott Talbot - 10/26/2010

Question
What were the Israelites doing against which the commandment “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” was given by God?

Answer
Hi Lenin. Nice to hear from you.

When the Bible talks about taking the Lord's name in vain, it goes beyond the idea of merely using God's name as a curse word or careless expletive.

One's "name" involves more than just the word or title used to describe someone. It also involves his character. One's name is merely a representation of who he is. His name is his reputation.

In the Old Testament, names had meaning. And the names God chose to use for Himself are descriptive as to His character and being. For example, when He called Himself "I AM," (Yahweh, Jehovah), this title described His self-existence--the fact that He was not created but has the source of His existence within Himself. It also describes His eternal nature, the fact that He is without beginning or end. This sets Him apart from all created beings and from all mankind.

Other names for God describe His plurality (three-in-one) (Elohim), as well as His completeness or "fulness." Still others describe His sovereignty, His providence, His grace and mercy.

So, to take God's name in vain can include the idea of treating God with apathy, carelessness, or disdain. It can refer to the minimizing of God in one's mind and actions, or the debasing of God to a level lower than His true identity.

Israel did this by failing to fully obey God, by failing to exalt Him to His rightful place, by failing to worship God and ascribe to Him the value and worth that are due Him. They continued to pursue other "gods"--false deities and idols of other nations. They failed to completely put their faith and trust in Him.

So we, when we disrespect or under-value God, are taking God's "name" in vain.

I hope this helps.

Scott