Exodus 20:7
7 “You shall not misuse the name of YHWH your God, for YHWH will not hold him guiltless who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7WEB
Classification
The Command
This passage contains a negative command, directed toward : "Do not take the Lord's Name in vain".
Categories
This command is part of the Moral Law. It fits in with commands related to Loving God.
This command contributes to an understanding of the Name of God.
Fulfillment
This command finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who was given the Name Above Any Other Name (Philippians 2:9). It remains obligatory for all people today.
Notes on Interpretation/Application
Ten Commandments
This is the third command in what is called the "Ten Commandments".
Common Application
A common interpretation of this command is that it means we should only utilize God's name when we have a use for it, because God's name is powerful, and the invocation of it is effective in the real world as a reference to God Almighty. Utilizing it without warrant is irresponsible and disrespectful toward God.
Invoking God's Name can also mean to speak as if you were speaking on behalf of God. The topic, Name of God will contain more information on what it means, practically, to invoke God's name.
