Why is God's name important in the context of Ezekiel 36:21? The Verse at the Heart “But I had concern for My holy name, which the house of Israel profaned among the nations to which they went.” (Ezekiel 36:21) God’s Name: More Than a Label • In Scripture, a name expresses character, reputation, and authority. • God’s revealed name YHWH (“I AM,” Exodus 3:14-15) carries His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and unmatched holiness. • Psalm 9:10 affirms, “Those who know Your name trust in You.” To know His name is to trust His character. How Israel Profaned the Name • Through idolatry (Ezekiel 20:16) • By persistent injustice (Jeremiah 7:5-11) • Through exile—public evidence that their God’s covenant people lived contrary to His ways. Their actions caused surrounding nations to mock the God of Israel, dragging His name through the mud. Why Protecting His Name Matters • Holiness: “I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another” (Isaiah 42:8). God must act in ways consistent with absolute purity. • Covenant faithfulness: “For the sake of His great name the LORD will not forsake His people” (1 Samuel 12:22). Even discipline and restoration arise from loyalty to His promises. • Universal witness: Israel existed so “all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God” (1 Kings 8:60). God’s name on display invites nations to salvation (Acts 4:12). • Motivation for restoration: In Ezekiel 36:22-32, God vows to regather, cleanse, and renew Israel “for the sake of My holy name,” ensuring His reputation remains untarnished. • Future glory: Philippians 2:9-11 pictures every knee bowing “at the name of Jesus,” climaxing God’s commitment to honor His own name. Practical Take-aways for Today • Guard your speech and actions—“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7) points to a lifestyle, not merely vocabulary. • Live distinctively so others “may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). • Trust His unchanging character; when circumstances shift, His name—and thus His nature—remains steadfast. • Proclaim the gospel boldly: salvation carries the authority of God’s name (Acts 4:12). • Worship with reverence and joy, echoing Psalm 8:1: “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” |
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