Topical Encyclopedia Profane swearing, or the irreverent use of God's name and sacred things, is a sin that has been addressed throughout the Bible. The act of swearing profanely is not merely a personal sin but one that can bring judgment upon entire nations. The Bible provides several instances where nations were visited with divine retribution due to their collective disregard for the sanctity of God's name.Biblical Prohibition and Consequences The Third Commandment explicitly forbids the misuse of God's name: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7). This commandment underscores the seriousness with which God views the sanctity of His name and the consequences of violating it. Israel's Warning and Judgment The nation of Israel was repeatedly warned against profaning God's name. In Leviticus 19:12, the Israelites are instructed, "You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD" . Despite these warnings, Israel often fell into the sin of profane swearing, among other transgressions, leading to divine judgment. The prophets frequently called out the nation for its sins, including the misuse of God's name, which contributed to their eventual exile. Judgment on Other Nations The Bible also records instances where other nations were judged for their irreverence and blasphemy. The prophet Jeremiah speaks of God's judgment on Moab, a nation that had become arrogant and blasphemous: "Moab will be destroyed as a nation because he vaunted himself against the LORD" (Jeremiah 48:42). This passage highlights that profane swearing and arrogance against God are not limited to Israel but are sins that can bring judgment upon any nation. The Example of Babylon Babylon serves as another example of a nation judged for its blasphemy and pride. In Isaiah 47:10-11, the prophet declares, "You felt secure in your wickedness and said, 'No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge have deluded you, for you have said in your heart, 'I am, and there is none besides me.' But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away" . Babylon's downfall was a direct result of its blasphemous self-exaltation and disregard for the sovereignty of God. The Call to Repentance Throughout Scripture, the call to repentance is extended to nations and individuals guilty of profane swearing. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises restoration to those who turn from their wicked ways: "if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land" . This verse emphasizes the possibility of redemption and healing for nations that repent and honor God's name. Conclusion The Bible consistently teaches that profane swearing is a serious offense that can lead to divine judgment on individuals and nations alike. The reverence for God's name is a fundamental aspect of biblical teaching, and the consequences of failing to uphold this reverence are clearly illustrated in the Scriptures. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 23:10For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourns; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 4:1-3 Library Jesus --"All Blessing and all Blest" From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Chapter xxi From the Beginning of 1785 to the End of 1786 Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: Instruction for the Ignorant: The Holy War, Memoir of John Bunyan The Doctrine Resources Is it a sin to cuss / swear / curse? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did oaths involve putting a hand under someone's thigh (Genesis 24:9)? | GotQuestions.org What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons believe? | GotQuestions.org Swearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Profane Swearing of all Kinds is Desecration of God's Name and is Forbidden Profane Swearing: Nations Visited For Profane Swearing: Punishment For Profane Swearing: Son of Israelitish Woman Profane Swearing: The Wicked: Addicted To Profane Swearing: The Wicked: Clothe Themselves With Profane Swearing: The Wicked: Love Profane Swearing: Woe Denounced Against Swearing Falsely: Blessedness of Abstaining From Swearing Falsely: False Witnesses Guilty of Swearing Falsely: Fraud often Leads To Swearing Falsely: Hateful to God Swearing Falsely: Saints Abstain From Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Addicted To Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Plead Excuses For Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Shall be Cut off For Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Shall be Judged on Account of Swearing Falsely: The Wicked: Shall Have a Curse Upon Their Houses For Swearing Falsely: we should not Love Related Terms Nergalsharezer (2 Occurrences) |
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