What Happened to the Name Jehovah?
“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold guiltless anyone who takes his name in vainā (Exod. 20:7 NET).
The Word āLORDā in the scripture above is a translation of the Hebrew word for Godās Name, āJehovah,ā or āYahweh,ā or even āYehovah.ā Scholars and Hebrew rabbis are not 100% sure what the exact rendering of this name should be. What happened? Why this confusion?
This is a great example of the dangers of a religious spirit. God gave the commandment above to the Jews that āYou shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.ā The Israelites took this commandment and made another commandment out of it, somewhat out of āreverence for God.ā They interpreted this commandment as meaning they should not even call the name of God; that is, verbally mention Jehovah. This might seem wonderful because it appears to show much reverence for God, but it was a terrible error, a dangerous trap of the religious spirit. Godās command was clear; nothing needed to be added or removed from it. You will be surprised that the same Israelites had more respect for their own commandments, created out of Godās commandments, than Godās direct commandments. Jesus called it their ātraditionsā (Matt. 15:6). If we are not careful, we will create a religion out of Godās commandments, which I typically call āChristian religion,ā for ourselves. Watch out for manmade commandments and doctrines in Christianity!
MEDITATE
What is the meaning of taking Godās name in vain? See a few examples in Lev. 19:12, 24:11.
APPLY THE WORD
Your best protection against Christian religion is to know the truth. Learn to study the Word of God yourself and take it as it is without the coloring of different denominations and ministries. Until you are established in the truth, you will remain a victim of human additions to Godās Word (Eph. 4:14).
PRAY
Ask the Lord to help you escape the commandments of men that may appear as commandments of God.
Recommended Read: Grow in the knowledge of God
Must Read!: What is a Daily Devotional?
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