BLASPHEMY
Isaiah 52:5. My name continually every day is blasphemed.
The proud and oppressive Babylonians delighted to add to the sorrows of the exiled Jews, by reproaching the name of their God, and by saying that He was unable to defend them and their city from ruin. This sin is awfully prevalent.
I. What is meant by the “name” of the Lord? His perfections, titles, word, &c.
II. The various ways in which it is blasphemed.
1. By denying His existence (Psalms 10:4; Psalms 14:1; Psalms 53:1).
2. By denying His sovereignty (Job 21:14-15; Exodus 5:2).
3. By denying His truth (Genesis 3:4; Isaiah 36:15; 2 Peter 3:3-4).
4. By denying His power (2 Kings 7:2; Psalms 78:19-20; Isaiah 36:15; Isaiah 36:18-20, and 2 Kings 18:30; 2 Kings 18:32-35).
5. By denying His omnipresence and omniscience (Job 22:13-14; Psalms 10:11; Psalms 73:11; Psalms 94:7; Isaiah 29:15; Ezekiel 8:12).
6. By accusing Him of injustice (Jeremiah 12:1; Ezekiel 18:25; Ezekiel 33:17; Malachi 2:17; Malachi 3:15).
7. By murmuring against His dispensations (Isaiah 45:9; Exodus 14:11-12).
8. By false swearing, oaths, and curses, &c.
III. The excuses usually made for it. Ignorance, custom, example, surprise, passion, confirmation of what is said, meaning no harm, inconsistencies of professors, &c. (2 Samuel 12:14; Ezekiel 36:20; Romans 2:24; 2 Peter 2:2).
IV. The evil consequences of it. Destroys the little remains of the fear of God. Leads to the disobedience of all His commands. Sets a horrid example to others, especially to the young, &c.
V. The powerful arguments against it. “The Lord” is our glorious and lawful Sovereign, who sees and hears all things. He is a holy and jealous God, before whose bar we must appear. He is fully able to punish, and has assured us that He will (2 Kings 19:22; 2 Kings 19:28; Isaiah 37:23; Isaiah 37:36-38; Ezekiel 20:27; Ezekiel 20:33; Ezekiel 35:12-14).—Alfred Tucker.
Blasphemy. I. Its nature. II. Its guilt. III. Its awful prevalence. IV. Its certain punishment.—J. Lyth, D.D.