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The name of an object is that by which we distinguish it from every other object. The name of a person is that by which we distinguish him from any other person. The name may be chosen without any thought of adaptation or fitness. It may be chosen arbitrarily, or it may be descriptive of the person or object. We read that, "Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air, and brought them unto Adam, to see what he would call them; and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof." The names of persons in the Bible are always significant. Abram, "the lofty father, became Abraham, the father of a great multitude. Jacob, the supplanter," became Israel, "the prince of God." There is unutterable importance attached, then, to the greatest, the Highest Name. Poor savages in their ignorance and superstition have been groaning, "Tell me Thy name." The Greeks and Romans, with their civilisation and culture and learning, were repeating the entreaty, "Tell me Thy name." And today, in Hindooism, with its unnumbered gods, in Buddhism with its dreams, and in other false systems of religion, there is the same sad undertone to be heard, "Tell me Thy name." In agony, in uncertainty, often in despair, the cry is uttered; and what more important question can come from the human heart than this, "What is the name of God?" There is very much, then, said in the Bible about the name of God. His name means His revealed character; it is not a mere title. The word "Highness" may be associated with great moral debasement The word "Majesty" may be associated with meanness. The word "Grace" may be associated with conduct that is ungracious. The title may be a sign of dignity and honour when there is no dignity or honour in the person wearing it. The name of God is not a mere title of honour. Nor does it mean the entire character of God; for there is no name that can reveal it fully. Language is insufficient to reveal man's being fully; after all that is written and spoken, there is much still lying unrevealed. The channels of language are too narrow to hold the overflowing river of human thought and feeling. We may form some conceptions of God, but we cannot call the idea we have of Him, His name, except so far as that idea is in harmony with the revelation. Jehovah is the great name in the Old Testament; Father is the great name in the New. Eternal Being is Eternal Love. "I have declared unto them Thy name." "Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me."

1. To take God's name in vain is to use it in confirmation of a falsehood. To take an oath is to declare solemnly that we are in the presence of God, and that He hears our words, and that in our testimony we appeal to Him as the searcher of hearts, and the judge of character. And to make this appeal in confirmation of a falsehood is a terrible crime against God and against society. To think lightly of an oath is to think lightly of God. Lying lips are an abomination unto Him.

2. This is also a warning against all profanity. This sin is not so common now as in olden times. Then a gentleman could hardly speak without uttering an oath; now a profane swearer is excluded from all decent society. It is said that this vice was so prevalent in the days of that he delivered no less than twenty sermons against it, and yet found it too hard for all his reason and rhetoric, till at length he entreated and begged his hearers to leave off that sin, if for no other reason, yet that he might choose another subject.

3. This word also forbids any unmeaning, thoughtless use of the Divine name. "The fear of the Lord" is the common Old Testament expression for true piety. I would rather have the reverence that borders on superstition than the boldness which glides into profaneness or blasphemy. Give me the reverence of Samuel Johnson, who never passed a church without uncovering, rather than the inconsistency of the man who says that all places are equally sacred, and acts as if there were no sacred spot on earth. Give me the solemn awe with which the Puritan spoke of the authority and righteousness of God, rather than the liberty which the religious demagogue takes with the great and holy name. God is jealous of the honour of His name. Every man's good name is dear to him; it is worth more than his property, worth more than his exalted position. And God's name is dear to Him. It was a frequent plea with ancient saints in their supplications for help, "And what wilt Thou do unto Thy great name?" Let us "exalt His name together." "Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men. God be thanked for the promise, "From the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto My name, and a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts."

(James Owen.)

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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.