misusing the Name

Exodus 20:7

Some argue that the original sense of this command is against using God’s name in making a false oath. Others say that the sense is broader, that the falsity prohibited includes the concept of emptiness (hence the translation, “in vain”). Still another understanding, also based on linguistic analysis, suggests the command has to do with not using God’s name in connection with magic arts.

On the basis of linguistic analysis, there seems to be no consensus among scholars of the Hebrew Scriptures.

So let’s run at it from where we’ve been: God’s name has been itself a means of revelation, indicating he is a dynamic God who will be experienced as the people go forward in faith. The actions that happen in that context further have revealed his power and purpose. Let’s combine that experience of the significance of God’s name with as much as possible of what is suggested by linguistic analysis, pop that all in the oven, and what comes out, I think, is what we started with, the NIV translation. Just don’t misuse God’s name (in any way)!

The positively expressed counterpart to this will come in Jesus’ teaching in which he outlined the essential components of authentic prayer life, which includes 'hallowing' God’s name (Matthew 6:9).

Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.