A chapter about worship, about the Tabernacle, and specifically about the golden Lampstand/Candlestick and the Table (also overlaid with gold) then loaded with fresh Bread … ending in such a “sad” way!
A man has “blasphemed the Name of the Lord!” While in a fight, in a moment of anger, but still he “slighted, belittled, dishonored” God’s Very name! Leviticus 24:11 … “And the Israelitish woman’s son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: and his mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.”
We learned in verse 10 that the man’s “father was an Egyptian,” likely a half-hearted follower of God anyway. (Part of the “mixt multitude” maybe … as in Numbers 11:4?)
Parents have great influence on their sons, their children. For good or (sorrowfully) for evil.
But Moses did not know what to do with this blasphemous offender! So … “They put him in ward (jail, confinement), that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.” Verse 12
Then shortly, the heavenly Answer came! “The LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation STONE HIM. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever CURSETH HIS GOD shall bear his sin. And he that BLASPHEMETH the name of the LORD, HE SHALL SURELY BE PUT TO DEATH, and all the congregation shall certainly STONE HIM: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he BLASPHEMETH the name of the LORD, SHALL BE PUT TO DEATH.” Verses 13-16, conclusive!
Serious to God, THE HONOR DUE HIS NAME!
So … “Moses spake to the children of Israel, that they should bring forth him that had cursed out of the camp, and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel DID as the LORD commanded Moses.” Leviticus 24, last verse.
Surely this “Word/Instruction from God” has nexus to the Third Commandment. “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.” Exodus 20:7
I’ve related this whole Story in order to share a “quote” this morning, something I read in preparation for this Lesson.
“In the Bible GOD’S DIVINE NAME takes the place which in other religions was occupied by their graven image.”
Wow!
Of course we worship God and God alone (the Godhead) … but the only conception we have of our precious God is … HIS NAME!
His Name becomes His Character, His Person, His Essence!
Think of the nearly countless times in the Bible GOD’S NAME is uplifted, and rightly so!
Exodus 20 continues to teach us along this same line: “Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record MY NAME I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.” Verses 23-24!
Did you get that Last Clause, God speaking … “IN ALL PLACES WHERE I RECORD MY NAME I WILL COME UNTO THEE, AND I WILL BLESS THEE.”
God’s Name … need I say more?
No wonder then His Name is never to be denigrated, cursed, blasphemed!
Psalm 72:19 … “And blessed be HIS GLORIOUS NAME for ever.”
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
“Hallowed be THY NAME,” Jesus taught us to pray! (Matthew 6:9, sometimes called “The Lord’s Prayer.” But for sure, “The Model Prayer!”
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