What does it mean for God to be "hallowed" among the Israelites? Opening the Text “Do not profane My holy name, for I must be hallowed among the Israelites. I am the LORD who sanctifies you, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 22:32-33) Key Word: “Hallowed” (Hebrew: qāḏash) • Means to set apart, to treat as sacred, to regard with the highest reverence • Carries the ideas of purity, separation from common use, and public honor Why God Must Be Hallowed • He is intrinsically holy—“Who among the gods is like You, LORD? … majestic in holiness” (Exodus 15:11) • His name represents His character; treating it lightly assaults His very person (Exodus 20:7) • Israel was chosen to display His holiness to the nations (Exodus 19:5-6) How Israel Was to Hallow God 1. Obedient Worship • Bring only unblemished sacrifices (Leviticus 22:19-20) • Follow priestly regulations exactly (Leviticus 10:1-3) 2. Daily Obedience • Keep moral and ceremonial commands (Leviticus 19:1-4) • Distinguish clean from unclean (Leviticus 11:44-45) 3. Reverent Speech • Never misuse or trivialize His name (Leviticus 24:10-16; Exodus 20:7) 4. Visible Witness • Live in such a way that surrounding nations see God’s holiness (Deuteronomy 4:5-8) • Failure brings public dishonor to God’s name (Ezekiel 36:20-23) Blessings Tied to Hallowing God • Ongoing covenant fellowship—“I will walk among you and be your God” (Leviticus 26:12) • National protection and provision (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) • Personal sanctification—“I am the LORD who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 22:32) Consequences of Failing to Hallow Him • Nadab and Abihu struck down for unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-3) • Exile under Babylon for long-term idolatry (2 Chronicles 36:15-21) • Ongoing reproach until God vindicates His name (Ezekiel 36:23) New-Covenant Echo Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, “Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9), showing the mandate endures. Believers now hallow God by holy living, Spirit-empowered obedience, and proclaiming the gospel that magnifies His name (1 Peter 1:15-16; 2:9-12). Takeaway For God to be hallowed among the Israelites meant that every aspect of their worship, conduct, and witness had to declare His absolute holiness. Setting Him apart in reverence allowed Israel to enjoy His presence and showcase His glory to the world—a calling that still rests on all who bear His name today. |
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