3rd Commandment: No Name Misuse

The third of the ten commandments prohibited the misuse of the name of the LORD. The COMMAND against taking the name of the LORD in vain (uselessly) was a clear limitation for the sons of Israel. When they made vows they were to swear by His name and keep their promises (Deut. 6:13; 10:20), and they were to value His name by giving it honor and taking it to heart (Mal. 2:2). But there was also a liability when His name was misused by His enemies (Ps. 139:19-20) or when a prophet misled the people by using the LORD's name falsely (Deut. 18:20-22). The CONSEQUENCES for taking the name of the LORD in vain demanded punishment. The judge (the LORD) is righteous and just - He cannot be bribed or tricked. His judgment of the guilty will be severe and final - requiring execution based on the evidence (Lev. 24:15-16; Deut. 28:58-62).