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Exodus 20:7
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Summary
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- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain - This precept not only forbids all false oaths, but all common swearing where the name of God is used, or where he is appealed to as a witness of the truth. It also necessarily forbids all light and irreverent mention of God, or any of his attributes; and this the original word לשוא lashshav particularly imports: and we may safely add to all these, that every prayer, ejaculation, etc., that is not accompanied with deep reverence and the genuine spirit of piety, is here condemned also. In how many thousands of instances is this commandment broken in the prayers, whether read or extempore, of inconsiderate, bold, and presumptuous worshippers! And how few are there who do not break it, both in their public and private devotions! How low is piety when we are obliged in order to escape damnation, to pray to God to "pardon the sins of our holy things!" Even heathens thought that the names of their gods should be treated with reverence. Παντως μεν δη καλον επι ηδευμα, θεων ονοματα μη χραινειν ῥᾳδιως, εχοντα ὡς εχουσιν ἡμων ἑκαστοτε τα πολλα οἱ πλειστοι καθαροτητος τε και ἁγνειας τα περι τους θεους. "It is most undoubtedly right not easily to pollute the names of the gods, using them as we do common names; but to watch with purity and holiness all things belonging to the gods." The Lord will not hold him guiltless, etc. - Whatever the person himself may think or hope, however he may plead in his own behalf, and say he intends no evil, etc.; if he in any of the above ways, or in any other way, takes the name of God in vain, God will not hold him guiltless - he will account him guilty and punish him for it. Is it necessary to say to any truly spiritual mind, that all such interjections as O God! my God! good God! good Heavens! etc., etc., are formal positive breaches of this law? How many who pass for Christians are highly criminal here!
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The Third Word, "Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain," is closely connected with the former two. Although there is no God beside Jehovah, the absolute One, and His divine essence cannot be seen or conceived of under any form, He had made known the glory of His nature in His name (Exo 3:14., Exo 6:2), and this was not to be abused by His people. שׁם נשׁא does not mean to utter the name (נשׁא never has this meaning), but in all the passages in which it has been so rendered it retains its proper meaning, "to take up, life up, raise;" e.g., to take up or raise (begin) a proverb (Num 23:7; Job 27:1), to lift up a song (Psa 81:3), or a prayer (Isa 37:4). And it is evident from the parallel in Psa 24:4, "to lift up his soul to vanity," that it does not mean "to utter" here. שׁוא does not signify a lie (שׁקר), but according to its etymon שׁאה, to be waste, it denotes that which is waste and disorder, hence that which is empty, vain, and nugatory, for which there is no occasion. The word prohibits all employment of the name of God for vain and unworthy objects, and includes not only false swearing, which is condemned in Lev 19:12 as a profanation of the name of Jehovah, but trivial swearing in the ordinary intercourse of life, and every use of the name of God in the service of untruth and lying, for imprecation, witchcraft, or conjuring; whereas the true employment of the name of God is confined to "invocation, prayer, praise, and thanksgiving," which proceeds from a pure, believing heart. The natural heart is very liable to transgress this command, and therefore it is solemnly enforced by the threat, "for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless" (leave him unpunished), etc.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain,.... Make use of the name Lord or God, or any other name and epithet of the divine Being, in a light and trifling way, without any show of reverence of him, and affection to him; whereas the name of God ought never to be mentioned but in a grave and serious manner, and with an awe of the greatness of his majesty upon the mind. The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan restrain this to swearing by the name of the Lord; and so the Jewish writers generally interpret it either of swearing lightly, rashly, or falsely; and to this it may very well be extended, though not limited; and so forbids, as all profane oaths; imprecations, and curses by the name of God, which the mouths of wicked men are full of, so swearing by it in matters trivial, and of no importance; for swearing even by the name of the Lord ought not to be used but in matters of moment and consequence, for the confirmation of a thing, and putting an end to strife, and where a matter cannot be determined and decided without an appeal to God. And great care should be taken that a man swears to that which is true, and not false; for false swearing, or perjury, is a very grievous sin, and as it is strictly forbidden, it is severely punished by the Lord, as follows; see Lev 19:12, this is the third command, and the reason enforcing it follows: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name is vain; will not look upon him as an innocent person, and treat him as such; will not acquit and discharge him as just and righteous; but on the contrary will consider him as a guilty person, a profaner of his name, and a transgressor of his law, and will condemn and punish him, if not in this world, yet in the world to come; and so the Targum of Jonathan, by way of explanation, adds,"in the day of the great judgment;''see Mal 3:5.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:7 In Hebrew, one’s name connotes nature and character (see study note on 3:13-22). To make the name of God empty (NLT, misuse) is to do anything that makes him appear insignificant or worthless. One way to do this is to invoke his name in an oath we do not mean to keep. But there are other, even more significant ways to bring shame on God’s name (see Num 20:12; Amos 2:7; cp. Matt 6:9).
Exodus 20:7
The Ten Commandments
6but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.7You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Humble Thyself
By Gbile Akanni28K1:21:32HumilityEXO 20:7MAT 6:33MAT 7:1MAT 23:12EPH 2:8JAS 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humility and avoiding pride in our actions and achievements. He warns against seeking personal glory and attention instead of glorifying God. The preacher highlights how the presence of God departs when individuals seek to glorify themselves rather than God. He urges the congregation to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God, emphasizing the need for repentance and a change of heart. The sermon is based on James chapter 4, which discusses the consequences of pride and the importance of humility before God.
Jacob
By Alan Redpath4.7K55:13JacobGEN 32:26EXO 20:7PSA 51:17MAT 6:33LUK 18:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life of Jacob and his journey from a man who began well but ended up in a state of spiritual degeneration. The preacher emphasizes that the automatic progress of every Christian is not to go through a linear progression of spiritual growth, but rather, one can jump from a place of spiritual victory to a place of spiritual struggle. Jacob's life serves as an example of this, as he experienced both moments of divine power and moments of being mastered by the flesh. The sermon concludes by highlighting Jacob's ultimate redemption and the importance of ending one's life well.
Change Our Heart's - Part 3
By Richard Owen Roberts1.9K11:24EXO 20:7DEU 34:1MAT 26:39In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's glory before the people. He warns that neglecting to do so will result in God bringing judgment upon those who fail to uphold His holiness. The speaker also highlights the significance of sin in the life of a believer, urging listeners to understand the gravity of their actions. Additionally, the sermon discusses the concept of prayer and how it can anger God if not aligned with His will. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that while God can fully forgive sin through Christ, there may still be consequences that accompany certain sins.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 19-20
By Chuck Smith1.5K51:29EXO 19:9EXO 20:3EXO 20:7JOL 2:13MAT 19:21MAT 22:37In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a right relationship with God in order to have a right relationship with others. He explains that the first law is to have no other gods before God, and uses the example of a rich young ruler who claimed to have kept all the commandments. Jesus challenged him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, revealing that the man's possessions were his god. The preacher highlights the need to serve God in a way that draws attention to Him, rather than ourselves. He concludes by encouraging the listeners to desire and fulfill God's law, and to seek transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Houston Colonial Hills Conference 1995-05 Joshua 24:14
By William MacDonald1.5K29:26JoshuaEXO 20:3EXO 20:7JOS 24:14MAT 6:33EPH 2:7HEB 11:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making decisions in life, particularly decisions that align with God's will. He encourages listeners to be people of prayer and suggests creating a prayer list to stay focused. The speaker also highlights the significance of making a total commitment to the Lord and living according to His blueprint. He references a poem by James Russell Lowell that emphasizes the eternal consequences of choosing between truth and falsehood. The sermon concludes with a reading from Joshua 24:14, where Joshua urges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve, and the people respond by affirming their commitment to serve the Lord.
The Message of Baptism
By Rolfe Barnard1.5K45:23BaptismEXO 20:7MAT 3:13JHN 5:24ACT 2:38ROM 6:11CO 10:1GAL 3:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being baptized and making a public profession of faith. He compares the seriousness of being baptized to the high crimes of breaking up a home or causing destruction in a city. The speaker refers to the scene on the day of Pentecost when Peter preached to a crowd who had just crucified Jesus, and they were convicted of their sin. He also shares a story of a Roman general who was willing to be fed to lions alongside persecuted Christians, highlighting the commitment and belief in the power of the Holy Spirit. The speaker expresses his hope for a revival in America and believes that baptism holds the essence of every gospel truth.
Streets (Compilation)
By Compilations1.5K09:47CompilationEXO 20:7JHN 14:6ROM 1:18ROM 2:52CO 5:20HEB 2:31JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He explains that sin is a transgression of God's law and that God will judge each individual based on the Ten Commandments. The preacher highlights various sins such as lying, stealing, adultery, and taking God's name in vain, stating that they are crimes against God. He emphasizes that the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for our sins. The preacher urges listeners to repent and place their faith in Jesus Christ alone for forgiveness and salvation.
Model for Praying - Part 2
By J. Glyn Owen88851:41PrayingGEN 32:28EXO 20:7MAT 4:13JHN 3:172CO 5:172CO 5:20PHP 2:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the good news lies in the fact that Jesus is not just a teacher, but also empowers his disciples to practice what he teaches. The speaker highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, explaining that Jesus' purpose was to save sinners while bringing honor and glory to God the Father. The sermon also touches on the importance of obeying God's commandments and not worshiping idols. Overall, the message emphasizes the need for salvation to bring glory to God and the importance of living in obedience to His teachings.
Debate: How the Solemn League & Covenant Binds the Usa, Canada, Australia, etc., Today (1/3)
By Greg Barrow8631:25:44EXO 20:7JER 6:16EPH 2:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses Mr. Bacon's accusations regarding the binding nature of the solemn covenant. The speaker follows a structured format to establish the original intent of both the national and solemn covenants as everlasting commitments. The purpose of these covenants is to glorify God and preserve the true church. The speaker also discusses the parties involved in these covenants, including Canada and the United States.
Law of Love 3
By Vernon Higham84337:40LoveEXO 20:7JHN 4:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and being, as commanded in the Bible. He explains that although it may seem impossible, God gives us grace to fulfill this commandment. The preacher also discusses the commandment of not having any graven images and explains that it means worshiping God in spirit and truth, rather than relying on external forms. He highlights the need to discipline the flesh and avoid performing in the flesh rather than in the spirit. The sermon concludes by reminding believers of the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives and the role it plays in their salvation and understanding of God's love.
Distraction in the Holy Place
By David Wilkerson82251:28DistractionEXO 20:7MAT 15:7JHN 4:24HEB 4:12REV 2:7In this sermon, the preacher begins by quoting Isaiah's prophecy about hypocrites who draw near to God with their mouths but have hearts far from Him. He emphasizes the importance of approaching God with carefulness, thoughtfulness, and affection, recognizing Him as a glorious king. The preacher highlights the tragedy of offering praise that is not connected to the heart, calling it one of the most tragic passages in Scripture. He urges the congregation to be mindful of any distractions or preoccupations that may hinder their worship and to seek the sanctification of the Holy Spirit in order to truly hear and receive God's word.
The Holiness of God
By Ian Murray81346:21EXO 5:11EXO 15:11EXO 20:7LEV 10:1MAT 6:33ACT 4:12REV 21:27In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt and their journey to the Red Sea. He emphasizes that just as God delivered the Israelites from their enemies, He will also deliver all nations in the future. The speaker also highlights the importance of God's law and how it reveals His character and demands holiness from mankind. He explains that breaking even one commandment is a contemptuous act against God and that the law exposes our need for redemption and salvation.
Knowing God's Ways - Part 2
By Walter Beuttler80632:53Knowing GodGEN 18:25EXO 20:7JOB 19:25PSA 119:33PSA 145:21MAT 26:27ROM 8:28The sermon transcript is a collection of fragmented thoughts and phrases that touch on various aspects of faith and God's sovereignty. The speaker acknowledges that they may not fully understand or explain God's ways, but they emphasize the importance of giving glory to God in all circumstances. They mention the story of a student who burned down a barn but found redemption through faith. The speaker also references the biblical story of Naomi and highlights the idea that God's ultimate plan can outweigh the bitterness of our experiences. Overall, the transcript encourages believers to trust in God and participate in the sufferings and joys of the Christian journey.
10 Commandments - Part 2
By Shane Idleman71842:45EXO 20:7PSA 15:1PRO 4:23MAT 11:28MRK 2:27GAL 5:22PHP 4:6HEB 4:9This sermon delves into the relevance of the Ten Commandments, focusing on the third commandment about not taking the Lord's name in vain and the fourth commandment about remembering the Sabbath day. It emphasizes the importance of honoring God's name by not making false oaths and the significance of setting aside a day for spiritual rest and growth. The speaker highlights the need to have a right heart attitude in following these commandments, avoiding legalism and arrogance, and truly resting in Christ for spiritual strength and closeness to God.
Why the 10 Commandments Offend
By Shane Idleman59023:11EXO 20:72CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 28:13MAT 5:17JHN 14:21ROM 7:7EPH 5:112TI 4:2JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of the Ten Commandments, particularly focusing on the third commandment 'hallowed be thy name.' It discusses how the Commandments reveal our need for God, the misconception that keeping them saves us, and the role of the Commandments in pointing us to Christ. The sermon also addresses the moral divide in society, the offense of the Commandments, and the need for revival through worship, prayer, and seeking God amidst a culture moving away from Him.
Grace: Invaluable or in Vain
By Lewis Gregory44437:42EXO 20:7MAT 6:332CO 5:192CO 5:21In the video, a young man is shown who has been hurt and is overwhelmed by the presence of God. As he weeps, the congregation also begins to weep and experience the presence of God. This leads to 17 people accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior. Later, the young man's lack of growth and complaining about his circumstances reveal that he is not fully tapping into the power and resources available to him through Christ. The video serves as a reminder that the grace of God is invaluable and should not be received in vain.
10 Commandments: Commandments 3 & 4
By Shane Idleman3242:45CommitmentReverence for GodEXO 20:7PSA 15:1ISA 58:13JER 23:21MAT 5:37MAT 11:28MRK 2:27PHP 4:6COL 3:23HEB 4:9Shane Idleman discusses the relevance of the Third and Fourth Commandments, emphasizing the seriousness of taking the Lord's name in vain and the importance of commitment in our promises. He explains that misusing God's name can involve invoking it as a guarantee for our words, which reflects on our character and integrity. Idleman also highlights the significance of the Sabbath, urging believers to use this day to grow spiritually and draw closer to God rather than treating it as a day of leisure. He warns against the dangers of a hard heart and the need for genuine commitment in our faith and actions. Ultimately, he calls for a return to reverence for God and a deeper understanding of our responsibilities as Christians.
Homily 9 on the Acts of the Apostles
By St. John Chrysostom0EXO 20:7LEV 19:12PSA 15:4PRO 12:22ISA 48:1MAT 5:34EPH 4:29COL 3:8JAS 5:12John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of refraining from swearing oaths, highlighting the seriousness of invoking God as a witness in trivial matters and the need to show reverence for God's name. He emphasizes the detrimental effects of swearing on one's soul and the need to imitate Christ's forgiveness and mercy towards those who wrong us. Chrysostom urges the congregation to uphold a standard of integrity and honesty by avoiding oaths and trusting in God's providence for all things.
The Greatness and Glory of God's Name
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's CharacterThe Name of GodEXO 20:7JOS 7:9PSA 9:10PSA 20:5PSA 91:14PRO 18:10EZK 20:9MAT 28:19ROM 8:28JAS 2:7T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of God's Name, which encapsulates His character, works, and eternal purpose. He explains that the Name of the Lord is not merely a title but a representation of who God is, and it carries immense weight in the life of believers. Sparks highlights God's jealousy for His Name, illustrating how it is central to His actions and the trust placed in His people to honor it. The sermon calls Christians to recognize their role as custodians of God's Name, urging them to live in a manner that reflects His character and purpose. Ultimately, the Name of the Lord serves as a source of strength and assurance for believers, reminding them of God's unwavering commitment to His reputation.
Third River -- Profanity
By Martin Knapp0EXO 20:7LEV 24:15PRO 4:24MAT 5:37COL 3:8Martin Knapp delivers a powerful sermon on the seriousness of taking the name of the Lord in vain, emphasizing that God will not hold guiltless those who do so. He shares the story from Leviticus of a man who blasphemed God's name and faced severe consequences, highlighting the importance of revering and honoring God in all aspects of our lives. Knapp warns against the various ways people can fall into the sin of using God's name in vain, stressing the need for repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ to avoid the eternal consequences of this sin.
The Third Commandment
By A.W. Pink0The Weight of WorshipReverence for God's NameEXO 20:7DEU 28:58PSA 109:17ISA 48:1ISA 65:16JER 23:10ZEC 8:17LUK 6:46JHN 1:12ROM 3:13A.W. Pink emphasizes the gravity of the Third Commandment, which instructs believers not to take the name of the Lord in vain. He explains that this commandment calls for sincere, humble, and reverent worship, highlighting the importance of using God's name with the utmost respect and for His glory. Pink warns against the casual and hypocritical use of God's name, urging that it should only be invoked in truth and righteousness. He also addresses the sin of profane swearing and the cultural disregard for God's name, asserting that such actions provoke God's wrath and lead to severe consequences. Ultimately, Pink calls for a deep reverence for God's name, reminding us that it reflects His majesty and holiness.
Hallowed Be Thy Name
By Derek Melton0EXO 20:7PSA 111:9PSA 145:21PRO 22:1ECC 7:1ISA 59:14MAT 6:9PHP 2:9HEB 10:29Derek Melton passionately preaches about the reverence and honor due to the holy name of God, reflecting on the history of how our forefathers risked everything to worship God freely. He laments the decline of reverence for God's name in society, citing examples of court rulings that go against the beliefs of the majority of the nation. Urging Christians to speak out against injustices and corruption in the judicial system, he calls for deep intercession and active involvement to bring about change and restore the hallowed name of God in government, courts, and schools.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain - This precept not only forbids all false oaths, but all common swearing where the name of God is used, or where he is appealed to as a witness of the truth. It also necessarily forbids all light and irreverent mention of God, or any of his attributes; and this the original word לשוא lashshav particularly imports: and we may safely add to all these, that every prayer, ejaculation, etc., that is not accompanied with deep reverence and the genuine spirit of piety, is here condemned also. In how many thousands of instances is this commandment broken in the prayers, whether read or extempore, of inconsiderate, bold, and presumptuous worshippers! And how few are there who do not break it, both in their public and private devotions! How low is piety when we are obliged in order to escape damnation, to pray to God to "pardon the sins of our holy things!" Even heathens thought that the names of their gods should be treated with reverence. Παντως μεν δη καλον επι ηδευμα, θεων ονοματα μη χραινειν ῥᾳδιως, εχοντα ὡς εχουσιν ἡμων ἑκαστοτε τα πολλα οἱ πλειστοι καθαροτητος τε και ἁγνειας τα περι τους θεους. "It is most undoubtedly right not easily to pollute the names of the gods, using them as we do common names; but to watch with purity and holiness all things belonging to the gods." The Lord will not hold him guiltless, etc. - Whatever the person himself may think or hope, however he may plead in his own behalf, and say he intends no evil, etc.; if he in any of the above ways, or in any other way, takes the name of God in vain, God will not hold him guiltless - he will account him guilty and punish him for it. Is it necessary to say to any truly spiritual mind, that all such interjections as O God! my God! good God! good Heavens! etc., etc., are formal positive breaches of this law? How many who pass for Christians are highly criminal here!
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The Third Word, "Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain," is closely connected with the former two. Although there is no God beside Jehovah, the absolute One, and His divine essence cannot be seen or conceived of under any form, He had made known the glory of His nature in His name (Exo 3:14., Exo 6:2), and this was not to be abused by His people. שׁם נשׁא does not mean to utter the name (נשׁא never has this meaning), but in all the passages in which it has been so rendered it retains its proper meaning, "to take up, life up, raise;" e.g., to take up or raise (begin) a proverb (Num 23:7; Job 27:1), to lift up a song (Psa 81:3), or a prayer (Isa 37:4). And it is evident from the parallel in Psa 24:4, "to lift up his soul to vanity," that it does not mean "to utter" here. שׁוא does not signify a lie (שׁקר), but according to its etymon שׁאה, to be waste, it denotes that which is waste and disorder, hence that which is empty, vain, and nugatory, for which there is no occasion. The word prohibits all employment of the name of God for vain and unworthy objects, and includes not only false swearing, which is condemned in Lev 19:12 as a profanation of the name of Jehovah, but trivial swearing in the ordinary intercourse of life, and every use of the name of God in the service of untruth and lying, for imprecation, witchcraft, or conjuring; whereas the true employment of the name of God is confined to "invocation, prayer, praise, and thanksgiving," which proceeds from a pure, believing heart. The natural heart is very liable to transgress this command, and therefore it is solemnly enforced by the threat, "for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless" (leave him unpunished), etc.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain,.... Make use of the name Lord or God, or any other name and epithet of the divine Being, in a light and trifling way, without any show of reverence of him, and affection to him; whereas the name of God ought never to be mentioned but in a grave and serious manner, and with an awe of the greatness of his majesty upon the mind. The Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan restrain this to swearing by the name of the Lord; and so the Jewish writers generally interpret it either of swearing lightly, rashly, or falsely; and to this it may very well be extended, though not limited; and so forbids, as all profane oaths; imprecations, and curses by the name of God, which the mouths of wicked men are full of, so swearing by it in matters trivial, and of no importance; for swearing even by the name of the Lord ought not to be used but in matters of moment and consequence, for the confirmation of a thing, and putting an end to strife, and where a matter cannot be determined and decided without an appeal to God. And great care should be taken that a man swears to that which is true, and not false; for false swearing, or perjury, is a very grievous sin, and as it is strictly forbidden, it is severely punished by the Lord, as follows; see Lev 19:12, this is the third command, and the reason enforcing it follows: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name is vain; will not look upon him as an innocent person, and treat him as such; will not acquit and discharge him as just and righteous; but on the contrary will consider him as a guilty person, a profaner of his name, and a transgressor of his law, and will condemn and punish him, if not in this world, yet in the world to come; and so the Targum of Jonathan, by way of explanation, adds,"in the day of the great judgment;''see Mal 3:5.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:7 In Hebrew, one’s name connotes nature and character (see study note on 3:13-22). To make the name of God empty (NLT, misuse) is to do anything that makes him appear insignificant or worthless. One way to do this is to invoke his name in an oath we do not mean to keep. But there are other, even more significant ways to bring shame on God’s name (see Num 20:12; Amos 2:7; cp. Matt 6:9).