Q56. What reason is given for the third commandment?
The reason is that even if people who break this commandment escape punishment from other people, the Lord our God will not let them escape his righteous judgment.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
1 Samuel 2:12, 17, 22, 29
“Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. … Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD. … Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. … Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?”
1 Samuel 3:13
“For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.”
Deuteronomy 28:58–59
“If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD; Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What is the reason given for the third commandment?
- 2
Why does God say that people who break this commandment will not escape his judgment, even if other people do not punish them?
- 3
Does knowing that God will judge this sin change how you think about using his name?
Illustration
At school, you might pass notes when the teacher is not looking and never get caught. But God is always the teacher who sees. Even if no one around you corrects you for misusing God's name, God himself will hold you accountable. His judgment cannot be avoided.
Application
This is a sobering warning. No one gets away with dishonoring God. Ask God to give you a holy fear of his name and to forgive you for the times you have used it carelessly. Thank him that in Christ there is forgiveness for this sin.