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3rd Commandment: Do Not Carry the Name in Vain
God forbids Israel to take his name in vain. The most literal translation of “take” is actually “carry.” What is God’s name, and what does it mean to carry it?
Reflect
What can we learn about Yahweh’s character from the fact that he attaches his own name to Israel?
What does the image of Aaron the high priest carrying the 12 tribes’ names into the tabernacle communicate about Israel’s calling to carry Yahweh’s name?
What are some of the different ways you can carry a name “in vain”? What does it look like to carry Yahweh’s name faithfully?
Continue Exploring With Our Guide to the 10 Commandments
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The 10 Commandments
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Episode 1
The 10 Commandments as Wisdom
The 10 Commandments are among the most well-known rules in the Bible and all of history. But what if they are more than just rules? What if they are a pathway to a universe of wisdom?
5:37
Episode 2
1st Commandment: No Other Gods
After Yahweh delivers the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, he enters into a covenant agreement with them at Mount Sinai. His first command to them is, “You shall have no other elohim before me.” What are elohim, and why does God ask for undivided allegiance?
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Episode 3
2nd Commandment: No Idols
In the ancient world, people created statues known as idols to represent deities and spiritual beings. But in the 2nd Commandment, Yahweh forbids the making of idols of himself or any other spiritual being. What is the harm in making idols?
3:36
Episode 4
3rd Commandment: Do Not Carry the Name in Vain
God forbids Israel to take his name in vain. The most literal translation of “take” is actually “carry.” What is God’s name, and what does it mean to carry it?