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 #4Thou 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 #4:1We 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 #4:2We 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


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