Theology 1 Midterm study guide

Shema

Found in Deuteronomy 6:4–9, it is the center of Israel’s (and modern Judaism’s) faith. Its core declaration is: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”. The word is derived from the Hebrew word for “hear”

Covenant

A promise that God makes, which may be conditional (asking people to do something) or unconditional (without any requirements). God established covenants with Abraham and with Israel at Sinai

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

A ritual outlined in Leviticus 16 where Aaron performs rituals to make atonement for Israel’s sins. This involved two goats: one sacrificed, and one (the scapegoat) that symbolically carried the people’s sins into the wilderness

Atonement

Means reconciliation or making things right with God. Through the shedding of blood and the removal of sin, it restores the relationship between the people and God

Exodus

Refers to the event of Israel’s liberation from Egyptian tyranny

The Fall

The theological term often used for the events in Genesis 3. It describes the limitation of humans, who can be persuaded by outside forces (like the Serpent) and choose to live outside of God’s commands, leading to shame

Yahweh (YHWH)

God’s personal name. The text uses this name when describing God's relationship with Israel, such as when Israel fell because they sinned against Yahweh. Yahweh allows a king but views the request for one as rejection of His own kingship (1 Sam. 8:7)

Holy

Used to describe the status God promises Israel if they obey the covenant: they will be God’s “treasured possession,” “a kingdom of priests,” and “a holy nation” (Exodus 19:1–6)

“Image of God”

The description of humans in Genesis 1:26, meaning they are created as beings set apart, sharing dominion over the land

“Have Dominion Over”

The task given to humans, created in God’s image, which involves caring for the land and presiding over the other life forms (Gen. 1:26–31)

Enuma Elish

A Babylonian version of the creation account. It is contrasted with Genesis 1 because it depicts a morbid story of creation through death (a woman being split apart) rather than God commanding things into being

The Cycle of Sin in Judges

Refers to the period of chaos that preceded the Monarchy. During this time, the sources note that “everyone did what was right in their own eyes” (Judg. 21:25)

Jacob

His name literally means “grabbing the heel”. His story unfolds in Genesis 25:19–33:20, where he is chosen over Esau to continue the line of promise

Sabbath

One of the Ten Commandments the Israelites were given at Sinai was to Keep the Sabbath holy

Corpus / Corpora

Refers to categories of biblical books that must be recognized, such as the Torah/Pentateuch, History, Major/Minor Prophets, Writings, Apocrypha, Gospels, Acts, Pauline Epistles, the catholic epistle, and Apocalypse

Pentateuch

A Corpus. The sources include content from the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy), such as the creation accounts and the Law

Metanarrative

A framework for understanding the bible.

• it’s a big overarching story (a drama with acts)

• it’s a map of the bible

• it’s a study tool to orient readers

Toledot

“this is the account/ generation/ genealogy”

Baal

A false idol/ false God worshipped by Samarians in 2 Kings 17

ḥesed (don’t forget the dot!!)

God’s commitment and faithfulness