“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME.” (Matt. 6:9)
The word “hallow” means sanctify. The same Greek word stands behind both English words. Jesus tells us to pray, “Let your name be sanctified.” Sanctify can mean make holy or treat as holy. When God sanctifies us, it means that HE MAKES US HOLY. But when we sanctify God, it means that WE TREAT HIM AS HOLY.
During the wilderness wandering of the people of Israel, there was a time when they had no water. And the people grumbled against Moses. But God tells Moses to ” SPEAK TO THE ROCK“ and to bring forth water for the people. But Moses’ spirit is bitter, and he speaks rashly and STRIKES THE ROCK TWICE WITH HIS ROD.
The water comes, but so does the stinging word of God to Moses: “BECAUSE YOU DID NOT BELIEVE IN ME, TO SANCTIFY ME (OR: HALLOW ME) IN THE EYES OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, THEREFORE YOU SHALL NOT BRING THIS ASSEMBLY INTO THE LAND WHICH I HAVE GIVEN THEM.” (Numb. 20:12)
God speaks to Isaiah and warns him not to be like the people of Israel. “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The LORD of hosts, HIM YOU SHALL HALLOW; Let Him BE YOUR FEAR, (to be afraid) And let Him BE YOUR DREAD. (to be crushed with fear)” (Isa. 8:12-13)
So when we pray, “Hallowed be thy name,” we mean, “Father, let your name be feared.” Or, more fully, “Father, cause people to have such a HIGH VIEW OF YOU that it is a much more dreadful thing to lose your approval than to lose anything the world can offer.”
-Bill Stockham