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Revelation 21:17--4a |
Revelation 21, Page 22c-4a | ||
Significant Words and Comments: Commentary on Revelation 21:17 expansion (30 July 2008): Commandment or Structure #4: “Thou shalt not take the name of Yehuveh . . vain.” This is a two-sided presentation. There are several ways in which we “take the name of Yehuveh”—positively in praise, in thanksgiving, in appeal for help in need, as assurance of our truthfulness (swear by), as our identity; or negatively in blasphemy, as a curse, as assurance of our honor when we are lying. The command is that we never use “the name of Yehuveh” in a dishonorable manner. Obviously, we are not to curse or blaspheme His name, but this command has significance vastly more inclusive that our words. If we claim Yehuveh’s blessing while refusing to live by His instructions, we are taking His name in vain! If we claim to be His people but live lives which misrepresent Him, we are taking His name in vain! This is a boundary which will forever protect and uplift us. Exodus 20:7. (30 July 2008) “The name of Yehuveh” is simply His identity, therefore the phrase is used interchangeably with Yehuveh. To evoke His name in any manner is to address Him. Using “the name of Yehuveh” in any manner is not some magic formulae for profound powers, but simply speaking to or of Him. While songs boast that “there is power in the name,” Torah makes no such statement! All power is in Yehuveh, not in the use of His name in some magical formulae. Aside: in a very subtle reverse consideration, this sentence is an assurance that it will never be “in vain” that we “call upon the name of Yehuveh” in righteous appeal! Detail #4:1: We praise Yehuveh, the name of Yehuveh, for His goodness. “Oh that men would praise Yehuveh for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” “I will praise Yehuveh according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of Yehuveh most high.” “Ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of Yehuveh your Elohim, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and My people shall never be ashamed.” If we claim to know Yehuveh’s name and are not praising Him, our claim is vain (empty)! Psalms 107:8; Psalms 7:17; Joel 2:26. Also: Deuteronomy 12:7, 12, 18; 26:10, 11; 2 Chronicles 32:25; Psalms 9:2, 13, 14; 22:22; 33:1, 2; 34:3; 35:28; 40:5; 51:14, 15; 71:15, 16; 78:4; 79:13; 92:1, 2, 8; 98:2; 102:15, 21; 103:2, 20-21; 105:1; 107: 15, 21, 31; 111:3, 4; 112:1; 113:1; 116:17-19; 134:1; 135:1-3, 20; 145:7, 10; 147:1; 148:5, 13; Isaiah 26:8; 56:6; 59:9; 63:7; Jeremiah 33:9; Daniel 4:2, 3; 6:27; Hosea 2:8; Jonah 1:16; 2:9; Micah 6:4, 5. Detail #4:2: We must “call upon the name of Yehuveh” only in truth. “It shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of Yehuveh shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as Yehuveh hath said, and in the remnant whom Yehuveh shall call.” Calling upon Yehuveh is more than voicing His name in our prayers. Deuteronomy 26:17-18 describes this “calling” in the language of confirming a covenant: “Thou hast avouched Yehuveh this day to be thy Elohim, and to walk in His ways, and to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments, and to hearken unto His voice: and Yehuveh hath avouched thee this day to be His peculiar people, as He hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all His commandments.” We call upon Yehuveh’s name in doing all He asks; we take His name in vain if we ignore or rebel against His words. Joel 2:32. Also: Genesis 4:26; 12:8; 13:4; 16:3; 21:33; 26:25; 28:10; Deuteronomy 26:17, 18; 2 Samuel 6:2; 1 Kings 18:24; 2 Kings 5:11; Psalms 105:1; 116:2, 4, 13, 17; Isaiah 12:4; 44:5; 48:1; 63:19; Jeremiah 3:17; 33:16; Zephaniah 3:9. Gael Bataman Originally Written: 30 July 2008 Latest Update: 30 July 2008 Return to Zadok Home Page Continue . . . Return One Page Go to Revelation Intro |