Isaiah 52:5

My name continually every day is blasphemed.

God pitiful, yet indignant

1. The captives are so dispirited that they cannot praise Him; but, instead of that, they are continually howling, which grieves Him, and moves His pity.

2. The natives are so insolent that they will not praise Him; but, instead of that, they are continually blaspheming, which affronts Him and moves His anger. (M. Henry.)

Blasphemy

I. ITS NATURE.

II. ITS GUILT.

III. ITS AWFUL PREVALENCE.

IV. ITS CERTAIN PUNISHMENT. (J. Lyre, D. D.)

Blaspheming God’s name

I. WHAT IS MEANT BY THE NAME OF THE LORD? His perfections, titles, etc.

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; Exodus 5:2).

3. By denying His truth (Genesis 3:4; Isaiah 36:15; 2 Peter 3:3).

4. By denying His power (2 Kings 7:2; 2 Kings 18:30; 2 Kings 18:32; Psalms 78:19).

5. By denying His omnipotence and omniscience (Job 22:13; 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; Malachi 2:17; Malachi 3:15).

7. By murmuring against His dispensations (Isaiah 45:9; Exodus 14:11).

8. By false swearing, oaths and curses, etc.

III. THE EXCUSES USUALLY MADE FOR IT. Ignorance, custom, example, surprise, passion, confirmation of what is said, meaning no harm, inconsistencies of professors, etc. (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.

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 (2Ki 19:22; 2 Kings 19:28, Isaiah 37:23; Isaiah 37:36;Ezekiel 20:27; Ezekiel 20:33; Ezekiel 35:12). (A. Tucker.)