Name

To hallow is to sever or set apart any thing from the common use, to some proper and peculiar end: as the Temple was hallowed, that is, set apart to a holy use; and the priests were sanctified, that is, set apart to the service of God. And all that believe in Christ are sanctified, that is, set apart from sin to serve God. In like manner God's name is hallowed, when it is put apart from oblivion, contempt, profanation, pollution, blasphemy, and all abuses to a holy, reverent, and honorable use, whether we think, speak of it, or use it any manner of way (Leviticus 10:3; Ezekiel 38:23).

Question. How can a sinful man hallow God's name which is pure and holy in itself? Answer. We do not here pray that we might make God's name holy, as though we could add something to it to make it holy: but that we might be means to declare and make manifest to the world by the right usage of it, that it is holy, pure and honorable. The like phrase is used (Luke 7:9): Wisdom is justified by her children: that is, acknowledged and declared to be just. Ezekiel 38:23.

The scope therefore of the first petition, is an [reconstructed: earnest] desire that we might set forth God's glory, whatever become of us: and it may be expressed thus. O Lord open our eyes that we may aright know you, and acknowledge the greatness of your power, wisdom, justice, and mercy, which appears, in your titles, words, creatures, and judgments: and grant that when we use any of these, we may therein honor you, and use them reverently to your glory.