Elohim - God, Judge, Creator - Names Of God

Elohim - God, Judge, Creator:
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Elohim occurs over 2000 times. Elohim is first used in Gen 1:1.

Elohim in the Septuagint: theos…the standard Greek word for god, "a transcendent being who exercises extraordinary control in human affairs or is responsible for bestowal of unusual benefits" (BDAG). It specifically refers to the monotheistic God of Israel.

Meaning and Derivation: Elohim is translated as "God." The derivation of the name Elohim is debatable to most scholars. Some believe it derived from 'êl which, in turn, originates from the root word, 'wl (which means "strong"). Others think that Elohim is derived from another two roots: 'lh (which means "god") in conjunction with 'elôah (which means "fear"). And still others presume that both 'êl and Elohim come from 'eloah.

Commentary:
The third commandment concerns the manner of our worship, that it be done with all possible reverence and seriousness.

We have here, a strict prohibition: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. It is supposed that, having taken Jehovah for their God, they would make mention of his name (for thus all people will walk every one in the name of his god) this command gives a needful caution not to mention it in vain, and it is still as needful as ever.

We take God's name in vain by hypocrisy, making a profession of God's name, but not living up to that profession. Those that name the name of Christ, but do not depart from iniquity, as that name binds them to do, name it in vain their worship is vain (Matthew 15:7-9), their oblations are vain (Isaiah 1:11,13), their religion is vain, James 1:26.

By covenant-breaking if we make promises to God, binding our souls with those bonds to that which is good, and yet perform not to the Lord our vows, we take his name in vain (Matthew 5:33), it is folly, and God has no pleasure in fools (Ecclesiastes 5:4), nor will he be mocked, Galatians 6:7.

By rash swearing, mentioning the name of God, or any of his attributes, in the form of an oath, without any just occasion for it, or due application of mind to it, but as a by-word, to no purpose at all, or to no good purpose.

By false swearing, which, some think, is chiefly intended in the letter of the commandment so it was expounded by those of old time. Thou shalt not forswear thyself, Matthew 5:33. One part of the religious regard the Jews were taught to pay to their God was to swear by his name, Deuteronomy 10:20. But they affronted him, instead of doing him honour, if they called him to be witness to a lie.

By using the name of God lightly and carelessly, and without any regard to its awful significancy. The profanation of the forms of devotion is forbidden, as well as the profanation of the forms of swearing as also the profanation of any of those things whereby God makes himself known, his word, or any of his institutions when they are either turned into charms and spells, or into jest and sport, the name of God is taken in vain.

A severe penalty: The Lord will not hold him guiltless magistrates, who punish other offences, may not think themselves concerned to take notice of this, because it does not immediately offer injury either to private property or the public peace but God, who is jealous for his honour, will not thus connive at it. The sinner may perhaps hold himself guiltless, and think there is no harm in it, and that God will never call him to an account for it. To obviate this suggestion, the threatening is thus expressed, God will not hold him guiltless, as he hopes he will but more is implied, namely, that God will himself be the avenger of those that take his name in vain, and they will find it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. - Matthew Henry