Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
John connects Exodus 19 (“a kingdom of priests”) to intercession for the nations, then reinterprets “do not take/bear the name of the Lord in vain” through Exodus 28 (the priest “bearing” names before Yahweh)—how does this reshape what it means to “bear God’s name,” and what responsibilities come with representing God to the world?
Another way to ask: How does linking “bearing God’s name” with priests carrying people’s names in prayer change what that phrase means? If we represent God to the world, what duties come with that?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on John’s teaching, “bearing God’s name” is not mainly about avoiding disrespectful speech; it is about carrying God’s identity as his representatives—like priests—who mediate and intercede for others before him. The responsibility includes representing God rightly to humanity and making space in prayer for the nations.
- John cites Exodus 19: Israel is called “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” then asks, “Who are they priests for…? For all the nations.”
- He critiques simplified readings of the command as mainly “quit your cussing,” arguing the Hebrew idea is “bear or carry…lift up or carry.”
- He points to Exodus 28: the high priest “bear[s] or carr[ies] the names of the sons of Israel as he moves in and out of the tabernacle” and wears “the name Yahweh” on his forehead.
- He concludes it’s about “representing people to God…making intercession on behalf of them in the Lord’s house of prayer.”
- He quotes Carmen Joy Imes: Israel’s “vocation…is to represent their God to the rest of humanity,” and John adds the intercession/mediation aspect.