The Third Commandment
R. W. Dale, D. D. Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain. The name of God stands for Himself and for that which He has revealed of Himself, not for our thoughts about Him. It is not surprising that this great name was invested with a superstitious sanctity. Even the Jews used it rarely. There is a tradition that it was heard but once a year, when it was uttered by the high-priest on the great day of atonement. In reading the Scriptures it became customary never to pronounce it, but to replace it with another Divine name, which was regarded as less awful and august. The Third Commandment requires something very different from this ceremonial homage to His name. His name stands for Himself, and it is to Him that our reverence is due. I. WE MAY TRANSGRESS THE COMMANDMENT IN MANY WAYS. 1. By perjury. 2. By swearing. 3. By the practice of finding material for jesting in Holy Scripture. 4. By the habit of scoffing at those who profess to live a religious life, and taking every opportunity of sneering at their imperfections. II. It is not enough to avoid the sin of profanity; WE ARE BOUND TO CULTIVATE AND TO MANIFEST THAT REVERENCE FOR GOD'S MAJESTY AND HOLINESS WHICH LIES AT THE ROOT OF ALL RELIGION, We have to worship Him. It is the "pure in heart" who see God, and only when we see God face to face can we worship Him in spirit and in truth. (R. W. Dale, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. WEB: "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.