The Name

The Name

Throughout the ages the Jewish people have been extremely careful to honor the name of God. Some won’t even spell the whole name in order to avoid dishonoring it.

Books with the name of God in it are not carelessly thrown out, but are respectfully disposed of through burial. The Torah is treated with great respect and this is good.  As it is written, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7

While our efforts to respect things that bear the name of God and are associated with Him are good, we should not forget to be careful to bear the name of God with respect within our personal lives. When you claim to believe in God and then disregard the will of God in your life you are taking the name of a believer in vain because your profession of faith means nothing. Yeshua taught this truth, “‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21. Taking God’s name in vain is not only a matter of speaking God’s name in a disrespectful tone, but of disrespecting God in how we live.

“Therefore the Lord said: ‘Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.’” Isaiah 29:13-14. Acknowledging the Lord with tender words while disobeying God is folly. All of our efforts to outwardly respect the name of God mean nothing while inwardly disrespecting him.

Picture originally found here

Related Articles

More From Traditions

Circumcision - Jewish Tradition

Circumcision - Jewish Tradition

Male circumcision is a well known Jewish tradition. Avraham (Abraham) was called by God and…
Circumcision - Jewish Tradition

Kippah

A yarmulke in Yiddish, or a kippah in Hebrew, is a small head covering. Kippah literally means…
Kippah

Shabbat Candles

One of the most well known Jewish customs connected with the observance of Shabbat (the…
Shabbat Candles

Tallit

A tallit is a prayer shawl. Tallitot (plural of tallit) are rectangular in shape and have…
Tallit

A Salty Jewish Tradition

The Torah says “And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall…
A Salty Jewish Tradition

Seinfeld: Jewish Food

You will get a real laugh from this excerpt from the show Seinfeld.
Seinfeld: Jewish Food

Jewish Wedding Rings

Even though we have modernized we still hold some sacred old traditions dear amongst the Jewish…
Jewish Wedding Rings
Plate of lox, as featured in Allan Sherman's song

There is Nothing Like a Lox

Do you like Jewish food? What is your favorite? Bagels and cream cheese? Blintzes?
There is Nothing Like a Lox
Bar Mitzvah

Bar Mitzvah

When a young boy reaches the age of thirteen, he is termed a bar mitzvah, which literally means…
Bar Mitzvah

How to Make Kiddish

Kiddush, like candles, sanctifies the Sabbath. Making kiddush is a simple religious act that…
How to Make Kiddish

613 Mitzvot

The basic concept in Judaism relating to practice is the Mitzva, a commandment from HaShem.
613 Mitzvot

The Cantor

Music is very important in Jewish life and has a significant role in the worship services.…
The Cantor

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation