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Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters
Biblical Foundations Award Finalist Have you ever wondered what the Old Testament―especially the Old Testament law―has to do with your Christian life? You are not alone. Some Christian leaders believe we should cast off the Old Testament now that we have the New. Carmen Joy Imes disagrees. In this warm, accessible volume, Imes takes readers back to Sinai, the ancient mountain where Israel met their God, and explains the meaning of events there. She argues that we've misunderstood the command about "taking the Lord's name in vain." Instead, Imes says that this command is about "bearing God's name," a theme that continues throughout the rest of Scripture. Readers will revisit the story of Israel as they trudge through the wilderness from a grueling past to a promising future. The story of Israel turns out to be our story too, and you'll discover why Sinai still matters as you follow Jesus today.
226 pages, Paperback
First published December 10, 2019
354 people are currently reading
2087 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Joy Imes
16 books772 followersI was born in Colorado, but I've also lived in Oregon, Illinois, North Carolina, Alberta (Canada), the Philippines, and now California. I earned a PhD in Biblical Theology at Wheaton College, an MA in Biblical Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a BA from Multnomah University. I'm currently an Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University. I'm married to Daniel and have three almost-grown kids. We love to camp, hike, read, and play pickle ball. When I have time, I enjoy young adult fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
November 19, 2019
Carmen Imes has delivered an invaluable gift to the church today. Bearing God's Name is everything popular-level writing has been yearning for while still proving to be academically charged with hints of new perspective, ancient near eastern backround/comparitive studies, Hebrew translation concerns, literary criticism and much more. I honestly lost count of all the tidbits of biblical theology contained in this book that have needed to reach the common churchgoer for years. She successfully demonstrates how the over-arching theme of carrying God’s name encapsulates the entirety of scripture, reveals the purpose/mission behind the people of God, and expresses the predominantly overlooked and underemphasized continuity between the old and new covenants. After reading Dr. Imes, it will be difficult for anybody to unhitch their faith from the Old Testament and readers will be thoroughly charged with the purpose of carrying God’s name to the nations – a mission that may have previously been unnamed and/or under-nuanced.
Carmen’s writing is replete with personal stories capable of bridging any audience with the insightful wisdom available in her scholarship. This project is an innovative production perfect for small group study. Bearing God’s Name not only includes questions for reflection and suggested sources for digging deeper, but also contains QR codes linking the participant(s) to Bible Project videos that bring the total learning experience to new heights. And, honestly, the digging deeper sections might be worth the price of the book alone, revolutionizing the typical Christian home library if utilized.
I am so excited to see this book in the hands of the church. It is absolutely fresh scholarship at an accessible level and will hopefully reduce the 40-(or so)-year-span it takes for good academics to reach the pew. Bearing God’s Name is going to do a lot of Jesus-followers a lot of good.
Carmen’s writing is replete with personal stories capable of bridging any audience with the insightful wisdom available in her scholarship. This project is an innovative production perfect for small group study. Bearing God’s Name not only includes questions for reflection and suggested sources for digging deeper, but also contains QR codes linking the participant(s) to Bible Project videos that bring the total learning experience to new heights. And, honestly, the digging deeper sections might be worth the price of the book alone, revolutionizing the typical Christian home library if utilized.
I am so excited to see this book in the hands of the church. It is absolutely fresh scholarship at an accessible level and will hopefully reduce the 40-(or so)-year-span it takes for good academics to reach the pew. Bearing God’s Name is going to do a lot of Jesus-followers a lot of good.
May 3, 2023
Love the blend of this book. Academically rigorous, yet warmly devotional. Work in Exodus and Leviticus can sometimes be dry material. However, Imes makes it fun. She's a gifted teacher with an abundantly clear style. I love her use of common vernacular and personal anecdotes. The first three chapters are some of the finest I've read on the purpose of the law. The next seven chapters represent a biblical theology of the third commandment. She connects the dots in ways I've never seen. Here's a great up-and-coming scholar that I think we need to pay attention to for years to come.
December 15, 2022
Carmen Imes takes a fresh and fascinating look at the misunderstood command to "not take the Lord's name in vain." On her reading, this is much bigger than saying OMG. It's about the vocation of God's people to represent his character (that is, bear his name) to the nations, and it remains our vocation today as new covenant name bearers. Imes traces the theme of the name through the whole storyline of scripture drawing some keen and illuminating insights along the way. And the interesting content is communicated in a buoyant and entertaining style that is a pleasure to read.
July 30, 2025
As a Christian, I haven’t always beared His name in the best way. This book brought a little conviction and lots of grace to that fact. I have a deeper respect for Law and felt a different perspective of it being a gift from God. I learned many new examples of how the OT is reflected in the NT. It would be good for a Book Club and has discussion questions at the end of the book. Dr. Imes’ writing felt academic, but it was easy to understand and she relates things to stories from her own life. Well worth the read!
July 26, 2025
Loved this book so much. A reminder of what it truly means to bear God’s name ❤️
October 22, 2025
Seriously, such a good read. I have too many good things to say about it!
Ignore how long it took me, this book is extremely readable and engaging. (I had to take a break from recreational theological nonfiction, but a little break from class finally allowed me to get it done).
The theology Dr. Imes is putting forward is so applicable and important. Some of her ideas were new to me, but it really seems she is an expert in her field and is basing her ideas on faithful readings of scripture. A lot of great takeaways, and not just from the main point, although the main point is particularly great.
Strongly recommend!!
Ignore how long it took me, this book is extremely readable and engaging. (I had to take a break from recreational theological nonfiction, but a little break from class finally allowed me to get it done).
The theology Dr. Imes is putting forward is so applicable and important. Some of her ideas were new to me, but it really seems she is an expert in her field and is basing her ideas on faithful readings of scripture. A lot of great takeaways, and not just from the main point, although the main point is particularly great.
Strongly recommend!!
November 27, 2020
This book could be called Reading the Exodus Again for the First Time. We may think we know all about the Ten Commandments and Mt. Sinai. But in the hands of Carmen Joy Imes, we have a fascinating and fun (yes, fun) journey into our past, our present, and our future.
She keeps our attention with beguiling insights and everyday illustrations from parking lots, tattoo parlors, Thanksgiving dinners (and breakfasts!), family road trips, the Alamo in San Antonio, and the game of tag.
Her combination of being chatty and substantive is captivating. Moses’s two tablets? Not what you think. Nope. Not the Ten Commandments divided into two parts. Rather, like ancient treaty documents, two copies were produced, one for each party.
“Taking God’s name in vain”—nope. Not about swearing. It is better rendered as “bearing God’s name in vain,” that is, our entire lives are to bear witness to God and give him honor—or not! It’s like all of God’s people wear a tattoo for all to see. The point is to represent him well.
The other commandments? Not “The Ten Party Downers.” Rather they are the Bill of Rights—the Bill of (Other People’s) Rights.
The sacrificial system—not crazy rules to trip people up but a means of grace for finding forgiveness and reconciliation.
Imes also takes us through the rest of the Old Testament to see how these themes of Mt. Sinai and bearing God’s name weave their way through the Psalms and prophets. But wait, there’s more! Jesus and the New Testament writers adopt and rework the Exodus and Mt. Sinai events for new and old purposes. Yes, not just Jews, but all nations are welcomed to bear God’s name.
Perhaps she could have said a bit more about how the honor-shame culture of the ancient world affects our understanding of bearing God's name, and expand on what "in vain" itself means--but these are minor points.
In everyday language Imes gives ordinary people new eyes to see, and be changed by, this pivotal event in the Bible.
--
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
She keeps our attention with beguiling insights and everyday illustrations from parking lots, tattoo parlors, Thanksgiving dinners (and breakfasts!), family road trips, the Alamo in San Antonio, and the game of tag.
Her combination of being chatty and substantive is captivating. Moses’s two tablets? Not what you think. Nope. Not the Ten Commandments divided into two parts. Rather, like ancient treaty documents, two copies were produced, one for each party.
“Taking God’s name in vain”—nope. Not about swearing. It is better rendered as “bearing God’s name in vain,” that is, our entire lives are to bear witness to God and give him honor—or not! It’s like all of God’s people wear a tattoo for all to see. The point is to represent him well.
The other commandments? Not “The Ten Party Downers.” Rather they are the Bill of Rights—the Bill of (Other People’s) Rights.
The sacrificial system—not crazy rules to trip people up but a means of grace for finding forgiveness and reconciliation.
Imes also takes us through the rest of the Old Testament to see how these themes of Mt. Sinai and bearing God’s name weave their way through the Psalms and prophets. But wait, there’s more! Jesus and the New Testament writers adopt and rework the Exodus and Mt. Sinai events for new and old purposes. Yes, not just Jews, but all nations are welcomed to bear God’s name.
Perhaps she could have said a bit more about how the honor-shame culture of the ancient world affects our understanding of bearing God's name, and expand on what "in vain" itself means--but these are minor points.
In everyday language Imes gives ordinary people new eyes to see, and be changed by, this pivotal event in the Bible.
--
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
January 8, 2024
Imes, Carman Joy. Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsityPress, 2019.
The third commandment warns us to take not the name of the Lord thy God in vain. The Westminster standards define that as any irreverent use of God’s name, word, or works, or anything whereby He maketh himself known. All of that is true. What is not immediately obvious, however, is why the Hebrew construction of the command is something different. The Hebrew says not to “bear” the Name of God in vain. Behind the “bearing of God’s Name” is a very rich biblical theology of law and covenant.
Carman Joy Imes reminds us that the Law (Torah) is much more than a legal code. Torah, not unlike other ANE law codes, was not always used like legal codes are today. For example, there really is not any evidence that Hammurabi’s Code was cited as precedent in Babylonian law courts. Rather, it and other ancient laws were often hypothetical and instructional. They make the reader ask the question “How is this law employed in a loving and communal relationship?”
Regarding the third commandment, she notes that we are told not to “bear” God’s name in vain, not merely not to “use” or “speak” it in vain (of course, the latter is most certainly true). Similar to how the High Priest bore the names of the twelve tribes on his garment, so too do we carry God’s name before the world.
We see similar language being used in the New Testament. Jesus said the Father has “placed His seal on him.” We are warned not to use lightly the name that was invoked upon us (James).
Conclusion
Along with her cogently argued case, Imes gives a helpful bibliography. My only criticism, if such it is, is her lack of discussion of God’s Name going before the people of Israel as they conquer Canaan. God’s Name in that scenario is active, almost like a personal agent. That would have strengthened her case immensely.
The third commandment warns us to take not the name of the Lord thy God in vain. The Westminster standards define that as any irreverent use of God’s name, word, or works, or anything whereby He maketh himself known. All of that is true. What is not immediately obvious, however, is why the Hebrew construction of the command is something different. The Hebrew says not to “bear” the Name of God in vain. Behind the “bearing of God’s Name” is a very rich biblical theology of law and covenant.
Carman Joy Imes reminds us that the Law (Torah) is much more than a legal code. Torah, not unlike other ANE law codes, was not always used like legal codes are today. For example, there really is not any evidence that Hammurabi’s Code was cited as precedent in Babylonian law courts. Rather, it and other ancient laws were often hypothetical and instructional. They make the reader ask the question “How is this law employed in a loving and communal relationship?”
Regarding the third commandment, she notes that we are told not to “bear” God’s name in vain, not merely not to “use” or “speak” it in vain (of course, the latter is most certainly true). Similar to how the High Priest bore the names of the twelve tribes on his garment, so too do we carry God’s name before the world.
We see similar language being used in the New Testament. Jesus said the Father has “placed His seal on him.” We are warned not to use lightly the name that was invoked upon us (James).
Conclusion
Along with her cogently argued case, Imes gives a helpful bibliography. My only criticism, if such it is, is her lack of discussion of God’s Name going before the people of Israel as they conquer Canaan. God’s Name in that scenario is active, almost like a personal agent. That would have strengthened her case immensely.
January 10, 2023
Dr. Carmen Joy Imes writes an overview of what happened at Sinai that is both deeply theologically rich and accessible — and the powerful implications for us today. She does a great job sweeping the reader into the journey of Israel and how we inherit what happened at Sinai. I will definitely be coming back to this book!
June 14, 2021
Excellent discussion of what happened at Sinai and why that event still matters today! I was expecting this to be a summary study of Exodus, maybe covenantal theology in the OT. I was pleasantly surprised that it was much more, as Imes looks at how the covenant law given at Sinai courses throughout not only the Old Testament but also the New Testament.
The two-part breakdown of "Becoming the People Who Bear God's Name" and "Living as People Who Bear God's name" employs a transformative angle that makes what happened at Sinai applicable to contemporary Christian readers. Imes' focus on the people of Israel moving from a non-people to the people of God in regards to bearing God's image/name demonstrates the missional emphasis of God as outlined in scripture.
Her scattering of personal stories throughout makes this a delightful read as she unpacks some of the headier discussions regarding covenant theology. I am looking forward both to sharing this with my students and to Imes' future publications!
The two-part breakdown of "Becoming the People Who Bear God's Name" and "Living as People Who Bear God's name" employs a transformative angle that makes what happened at Sinai applicable to contemporary Christian readers. Imes' focus on the people of Israel moving from a non-people to the people of God in regards to bearing God's image/name demonstrates the missional emphasis of God as outlined in scripture.
Her scattering of personal stories throughout makes this a delightful read as she unpacks some of the headier discussions regarding covenant theology. I am looking forward both to sharing this with my students and to Imes' future publications!
December 28, 2021
A really insightful, well-written, and theologically rich book on what it means to be a member of God's chosen community.
This book helped me to see clearly how prototypically reformed and evangelical understandings of the law fall so short of the law's beauty and grace. The law was never intended as a list of do's and don'ts, but instead marked how God's people were to live. It was only the guidelines of what it meant to live in community with God and with neighbor, and more instruction would be needed from God. When Jesus comes, he doesn't do away with the law, but instead inscribes it in our hearts. With it, we receive a more intuitive way of living and communing with God through his Holy Spirit.
I also loved learning about how formative the wilderness was for Israel, and how both God's provision and Israel's failures in the desert would become archetypal of its history.
This book helped me to see clearly how prototypically reformed and evangelical understandings of the law fall so short of the law's beauty and grace. The law was never intended as a list of do's and don'ts, but instead marked how God's people were to live. It was only the guidelines of what it meant to live in community with God and with neighbor, and more instruction would be needed from God. When Jesus comes, he doesn't do away with the law, but instead inscribes it in our hearts. With it, we receive a more intuitive way of living and communing with God through his Holy Spirit.
I also loved learning about how formative the wilderness was for Israel, and how both God's provision and Israel's failures in the desert would become archetypal of its history.
April 19, 2020
From Genesis through Revelation, Carmen Imes traces the idea of what it means to bear the LORD’s name, completely redefining for me the meaning of the commandment to “not take the Lord’s name in vain.” She follows this theme through the whole Bible story, showing how the Old Testament and New Testament are one contiguous story, supporting and affirming each other—something that I love about reading and studying Scripture. She wrote her dissertation on this, but this book condenses these theological concepts into an accessible, interesting read.
January 16, 2021
Great book! I bought this book as an impulse buy when I heard Carmen Joy Imes on The Bible Project podcast, and it was one of the best impulse buys I've made. After months of sitting on my shelf, I decided to read it, and I was not dissapointed. Carmen takes a seemingly simple commandment, and traces it throughout the Bible and does so in such a way that's interesting, academic, and easy to read. I would highly recommend this book to any Christian who wants to learn more about the old testament and what it really means to bear God's name.
September 6, 2021
An excellent book in the theme of understanding the Bible in the terms and setting of the inspired writers. Applying the learning from anthropology and archeology to understand the ancient Middle Eastern mind the Bible comes alive and understanding deepens. Mrs. Carmen Joy Imes builds upon this research to provide a laymen's understanding of what it was to be a nation of people selected by God to represent Him on earth. She then applies this understanding to the Gospels and letters of Paul and the Apostles. An excellent work - one to challenge you and deepen your spiritual understanding.
February 21, 2020
Brilliant book in which I learnt something new every chapter. Theologically rich whilst being immensely readable. Not so much changed than enhanced my understanding and appreciation for the Exodus narrative, particularly the law given and covenant made at Sinai, and how it’s still significant to us to this day.
August 26, 2020
Dr. Carmen Imes has highlighted and brought out the significance and meaning of what it truly means to bear Yahweh's name. She reminds all followers of Jesus that we should not take the blessing and the privilege for granted, but she calls us to be a part of the mission of God challenging our ethics and values, rethinking our mission in our everyday life.
This book is a must read!
This book is a must read!
September 7, 2020
A very well-done work of biblical theology on the 2nd commandment. I was actually going to buy Dr. Imes' dissertation, "Bearing Yhwh's Name at Sinai", but it was too expensive so I decided to read this instead. Well, I'm not disappointed at all. She skillfully wrote it to be easy enough for the laypeople to follow but still insightful enough for the academics!
May 2, 2020
This was a well written book.
I appreciated the truth that was shared, “Bearing God’s Name.” I have a new and better understanding of the commandment, Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.
I appreciated the truth that was shared, “Bearing God’s Name.” I have a new and better understanding of the commandment, Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.
January 12, 2020
Beautiful exploration of the exodus narrative and the New Testament revelation of the Jesus’ mission. Highly recommended for a pre-scholar level.
March 5, 2025
During my 9 months of study in the Pentateuch, Abi sent Dr Carmen my way and I walked through Leviticus with many thanks to her helpful YouTube videos. What I loved about those teachings is exactly what I loved about this book - Dr Carmen is succinct and accessible. She’s dealing with intimidating topics and she does so in effective and applicable ways. I loved the way she thread the Sinai covenant through all of scripture and into our lives today. Her words on liminality were especially meaningful to me.
“You are who you are because of who He is and who He says you are. You become your truest self as part of this extraordinary community of men and women being transformed from the inside out- who are becoming and living as His people.”
“You are who you are because of who He is and who He says you are. You become your truest self as part of this extraordinary community of men and women being transformed from the inside out- who are becoming and living as His people.”
January 13, 2025
Few years ago I heard of this thesis that bearing God's name is more about representing God right. It was this book that presented the thesis and I longed to read it through the years.
Now having read it, I can say that it does a very good job in technically presenting the intention of the phrase from Sinai and how this task is transmitted to the gentile christians. For that, I hugely recommend it.
Now, my very expectation was to understand how it matters in the modern context...and that was barely even explored. It is indeed a volatile concept with various application based on everyone's experience and wisdom, but I believe we would have benefited a lot from some more practical examples.
Now having read it, I can say that it does a very good job in technically presenting the intention of the phrase from Sinai and how this task is transmitted to the gentile christians. For that, I hugely recommend it.
Now, my very expectation was to understand how it matters in the modern context...and that was barely even explored. It is indeed a volatile concept with various application based on everyone's experience and wisdom, but I believe we would have benefited a lot from some more practical examples.
November 26, 2022
A deep literary study into Exodus and the story of what it means to be God’s people. Opened up my eyes to so many new ideas and taught me so much more about certain words, hyperlinks, and their meaning
July 6, 2024
Robust scholarship combined with accessible prose and application make this book a real gem. Love the way Imes demonstrates that the OT law was and is a gift, and that its mission remains relevant today as believers endeavor to bear God’s Name to the world. Greatly enriched my understanding of the beautiful implications of God’s commands throughout Scripture. Highly recommend!
March 23, 2021
This book opened my eyes to the true way we are image bearers of God, not only as his created beings but now sealed in Christ. We truly bear his name! I read this book for a women's bible study, and our sharpened all of us to see God, his word, and his works as so much bigger.
November 16, 2019
What, exactly, does it mean to not take the name of YHWH your God in vain? From the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms to our grandparents and Sunday School teachers, we have heard many applications of this directive. Is it a prohibition on the flippant or irreverent expressions of the name of our Lord? Does it include being disrespectful of the elements of God's communal and public worship? Could it also comprise the debasing of the Scriptures? Carmen Joy Imes, associate professor of Old Testament at Prairie College, in Three Hills, Alberta, contributor to "Discovering the Septuagint: A Guided Reader," and recently elected member of the board of directors of the Institute for Biblical Research, addresses this commandment in her soon-to-be-released (December 2019) 240 page softback "Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Matters." This easily accessible volume is written for men and women interested in the Scriptures, whatever their background.
Imes takes on what is normally numbered as the 3rd Commandment by most Protestants (the 2nd Commandment for Catholics, Orthodox and a few others). The author is sensitive to the classic Protestant perceptions of the 10 Commandments, and this precept in particular. Rightly, I think, does she observe, show "me the inside of your sanctuary, and I'll tell you how your church counts the commandments" (47). Nevertheless she takes a bit of her own path and marches forward. For example, based on language and the structure of Exodus 20:2-7, she claims that these verses are not three injunctions but two, so that they essentially say "Worship only Yahweh" and "Represent him well" (52). And so, to represent Yahweh well is the overall focus of her analysis.
The author walks the reader through the story line of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, coming back around to rightly bearing YHWH's name. Her approach is a refreshing strategy to telling the old, old story. The way she shows the ongoing value of the Old Testament, as well as the Decalogue pleased my heart. Imes notes that the Sinai directives don't begin with the thunderous voice of God, but they spring forth from the redemptive hand of God. In other words, God first redeemed his people from their enslavement and then in essence says, "I've made you a free people; now here's how free people live." The author also keeps together what some modern day religious leaders put asunder; "God's grace coexists with his justice. They are both integral to his character" (79). The Gospel of Jesus is clearly announced in this volume as she proclaims Jesus is YHWH in the flesh and maps out the role of his life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. In the end, as "believers we've been branded with his name, and that reality should change the way we do everything" (186). And this last line is the backbone of what it means to represent YHWH/Jesus well.
"Bearing God's Name" is a wonderful little volume, overall. I did take issue with a few of the author's moves (placing the command to not make images of God and worship them under the first commandment, and the Sabbath, to name a couple). But through-and-through Imes wove together a useful and valuable codex for pastors and people who want to grasp the Scriptures better, and especially for comprehending what it means to bear the name of God rightly. I highly recommend the book.
I'm ever so grateful that, upon my request, IVP Academic sent me a copy of the manuscript used for this review. And I'm just as appreciative that the publisher only asked me to put forth an honest assessment. I have dutifully and delightedly done so .
Imes takes on what is normally numbered as the 3rd Commandment by most Protestants (the 2nd Commandment for Catholics, Orthodox and a few others). The author is sensitive to the classic Protestant perceptions of the 10 Commandments, and this precept in particular. Rightly, I think, does she observe, show "me the inside of your sanctuary, and I'll tell you how your church counts the commandments" (47). Nevertheless she takes a bit of her own path and marches forward. For example, based on language and the structure of Exodus 20:2-7, she claims that these verses are not three injunctions but two, so that they essentially say "Worship only Yahweh" and "Represent him well" (52). And so, to represent Yahweh well is the overall focus of her analysis.
The author walks the reader through the story line of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, coming back around to rightly bearing YHWH's name. Her approach is a refreshing strategy to telling the old, old story. The way she shows the ongoing value of the Old Testament, as well as the Decalogue pleased my heart. Imes notes that the Sinai directives don't begin with the thunderous voice of God, but they spring forth from the redemptive hand of God. In other words, God first redeemed his people from their enslavement and then in essence says, "I've made you a free people; now here's how free people live." The author also keeps together what some modern day religious leaders put asunder; "God's grace coexists with his justice. They are both integral to his character" (79). The Gospel of Jesus is clearly announced in this volume as she proclaims Jesus is YHWH in the flesh and maps out the role of his life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. In the end, as "believers we've been branded with his name, and that reality should change the way we do everything" (186). And this last line is the backbone of what it means to represent YHWH/Jesus well.
"Bearing God's Name" is a wonderful little volume, overall. I did take issue with a few of the author's moves (placing the command to not make images of God and worship them under the first commandment, and the Sabbath, to name a couple). But through-and-through Imes wove together a useful and valuable codex for pastors and people who want to grasp the Scriptures better, and especially for comprehending what it means to bear the name of God rightly. I highly recommend the book.
I'm ever so grateful that, upon my request, IVP Academic sent me a copy of the manuscript used for this review. And I'm just as appreciative that the publisher only asked me to put forth an honest assessment. I have dutifully and delightedly done so .
March 19, 2021
Bearing God's Name was truly eye-opening. I am grateful to have been a part of the Bible study that used this book for its centerpiece. Imes takes us through key elements of the Old Testament and connects them to their importance in the New Testament. Don't miss this book. I have a greater understanding after reading this book, and I am not a new Christian. This is a must-read and I will keep it for reference.
November 7, 2020
Beautifully made
I loved every single word written in this book. I had to slow down sometimes, pondering how meaningful and relevant is the gift of God’s instruction. I can’t wait to read it again very soon. Thanks, Professor Imes.
I loved every single word written in this book. I had to slow down sometimes, pondering how meaningful and relevant is the gift of God’s instruction. I can’t wait to read it again very soon. Thanks, Professor Imes.
April 4, 2020
You may have heard from certain preachers that the Old Testament is not relevant to Christians today because of many reasons. That is so far from the truth. As the author states, “Far from irrelevant or obsolete, the Old Testament story tells us who we are. It tells us whose we are. And that changes everything.”
I have honestly enjoyed every page of this book. In this book the author looks at a biblical theology of Sinai, what it meant for the people of Israel, and what it means to you today. Throughout the book, she focuses on a largely misinterpreted command, not to “take the name of the LORD your God in vain” and how that in fact means that we are to correctly bear HIs name.
The book is split up into two parts. In Part 1, she covers the Sinai narratives (Exodus 19 to Numbers 10), what that meant for Israel’s identity and vocation, discusses the Ten Commandments, and also looks at other laws (Book of Leviticus). Part 1 is worth the price of this book alone. If you are in a reading plan at the moment going through the OT, or if you want to understand the OT better, you should get this book.
In Part 2, she covers what the story after Sinai, how Israel fails, how the prophets hope for future covenant renewal, how Jesus was the perfect Name-Bearer as the God-Man, and how through Jesus we have been granted membership in the covenant at Sinai. Part 2 was also amazing.
As you can see, I’ve kept several notes throughout this book. This book definitely taught me more about the Old Testament, and also made me enjoy reading and studying it as well. The Old Testament is very relevant today, as we continue to learn who God is and what He has done for us.
*Book graciously provided by @ivpress for an honest review.
I have honestly enjoyed every page of this book. In this book the author looks at a biblical theology of Sinai, what it meant for the people of Israel, and what it means to you today. Throughout the book, she focuses on a largely misinterpreted command, not to “take the name of the LORD your God in vain” and how that in fact means that we are to correctly bear HIs name.
The book is split up into two parts. In Part 1, she covers the Sinai narratives (Exodus 19 to Numbers 10), what that meant for Israel’s identity and vocation, discusses the Ten Commandments, and also looks at other laws (Book of Leviticus). Part 1 is worth the price of this book alone. If you are in a reading plan at the moment going through the OT, or if you want to understand the OT better, you should get this book.
In Part 2, she covers what the story after Sinai, how Israel fails, how the prophets hope for future covenant renewal, how Jesus was the perfect Name-Bearer as the God-Man, and how through Jesus we have been granted membership in the covenant at Sinai. Part 2 was also amazing.
As you can see, I’ve kept several notes throughout this book. This book definitely taught me more about the Old Testament, and also made me enjoy reading and studying it as well. The Old Testament is very relevant today, as we continue to learn who God is and what He has done for us.
*Book graciously provided by @ivpress for an honest review.
March 1, 2020
The Old Testament is one of the issues quite unknown to most Christians. We see a lot of its content from afar, so that we lose its spiritual wealth.
From the Hebrew Bible, we know topics such as creation, the exodus and some stories of the kings. Ah! And we also know the ten commandments, but many believe they are things of the past. That nothing or little has to do with us.
However, the reality is not so. In this book, Professor Carmen Joy Imes, does a fantastic job of exposing a profound idea that taking the name of God in vain, is not only to use his name lightly, but that we, the people of God, are name bearers. We carry the name of God.
Thus, the history of Israel is our history as well.
Our journey begins in the desert and ends in our time, we know a lot about the people of Israel and God's revelation to them, and we also know how all this relates to us.
Do not think that this is a reading full of technicality and complex terms, but quite the opposite is a writing that addresses deep topics with language accessible to every reader.
At the end of each chapter you can find reference to other works to deepen the idea presented in that chapter. I personally enjoyed chapters 2, 3 and 8.
It is worth mentioning that this book was chosen as one of the finalists for Best Books in Old Testament Studies in 2019 by The Center for Biblical Studies and Biblical Foundations.
From the Hebrew Bible, we know topics such as creation, the exodus and some stories of the kings. Ah! And we also know the ten commandments, but many believe they are things of the past. That nothing or little has to do with us.
However, the reality is not so. In this book, Professor Carmen Joy Imes, does a fantastic job of exposing a profound idea that taking the name of God in vain, is not only to use his name lightly, but that we, the people of God, are name bearers. We carry the name of God.
Thus, the history of Israel is our history as well.
Our journey begins in the desert and ends in our time, we know a lot about the people of Israel and God's revelation to them, and we also know how all this relates to us.
Do not think that this is a reading full of technicality and complex terms, but quite the opposite is a writing that addresses deep topics with language accessible to every reader.
At the end of each chapter you can find reference to other works to deepen the idea presented in that chapter. I personally enjoyed chapters 2, 3 and 8.
It is worth mentioning that this book was chosen as one of the finalists for Best Books in Old Testament Studies in 2019 by The Center for Biblical Studies and Biblical Foundations.
September 9, 2022
Very interesting book exploring the “Not taking God’s name in vain” commandment. I like how the author gave reason for the importance of Sinai, and how it connected and maintains relevance to the New Testament.
I also really appreciated the author’s distinction between bearing the name of God, and bearing the image of God.
Big takeaways:
The Law as a demonstration of God’s grace (wow!)
and
The Law given AFTER the deliverance from Egypt, not as a condition of deliverance from Egypt.
Very insightful book on some little-discussed ares of Scripture. Would definitely recommend to those who struggle with modern day applicability of the OT law/the law vs grace argument.
I also really appreciated the author’s distinction between bearing the name of God, and bearing the image of God.
Big takeaways:
The Law as a demonstration of God’s grace (wow!)
and
The Law given AFTER the deliverance from Egypt, not as a condition of deliverance from Egypt.
Very insightful book on some little-discussed ares of Scripture. Would definitely recommend to those who struggle with modern day applicability of the OT law/the law vs grace argument.
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