Exodus 20:7 - You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God...

You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Many of us see this Scripture as a prohibition on cursing, but that is not the intent of the commandment. The misuse is actually more about using God's name as a magical charm to uphold your word - like in a court.

People who are quick to swear to God about their conduct should think twice, because this is more along the line of what God was condemning. God will hold us to an account for how we associate His name with our character or actions.

Today's Commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor Grace NYC

Discussion at: facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse

Exodus 20:4 - You shall not make for yourself an idol...

4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.

4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Statues abounded to ancient Gods, but the God of Israel forbid them to make one to Him. Why? We don't find the answer for thousands of years later when God's true image came to the earth in Jesus Christ. God would not allow any other concept to compete with Jesus, who is the very image of God to creation. It is God's revelation of Himself that we are to live by, not one made by men.

Today's Commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor Grace NYC

Discussion at: facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse