The third commandment warns, “You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain” (Exodus 20:7). This prohibition applies to everyone, but especially to God’s people. Though often “at worship,” Israel was nevertheless guilty of taking God’s name in vain. She exercised plenty of “God talk” but it was empty talk. It was vain, empty, futile talk. And she would be judged for it. To her great surprise. We too can be equally guilty. Our passage addresses the problem of mere “God talk” under three broad headings:

1. God Talk Exclaimed (vv. 18–20)

2. God Talk Exposed (vv. 21–24)

3. God Talk Exiled (vv. 25–27)