Old Testament Theology and Canon: Key Concepts for Biblical Studies

What is the significance of the Old Testament in relation to the New Testament?

The Old Testament is foundational for understanding the New Testament; no sharp separation exists between the two as both are considered the Word of God.

What narrative does the Old Testament primarily convey?

The narrative of God initiating a covenant with Abraham's family.

How many books are in the Hebrew Bible?

24 books.

How many books are in the Protestant Bible?

39 books.

What does the term 'Apocrypha' refer to?

A collection of Jewish writings considered 'hidden,' written between the 3rd century BC and 1st century AD.

What are the three divisions of the Hebrew Bible known as?

TaNaK.

What does 'Torah' mean?

Law.

What is the meaning of 'Nevi'im'?

Prophets.

What is included in the 'Kethuvim' section of the Hebrew Bible?

Writings such as Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ruth, and Ecclesiastes.

What is the original meaning of the term 'Canon'?

It originally meant a 'reed' and later signified a standard or measuring stick.

What is the difference between an authoritative collection of books and a collection of authoritative books?

An authoritative collection implies a set of books recognized as scripture, while a collection of authoritative books suggests each book is individually recognized as authoritative.

What is the role of Moses in the Old Testament?

Moses is seen as a key figure who conveys God's laws and teachings to the new generation.

What is the importance of Deuteronomy 4:5-7 in understanding the Old Testament?

It emphasizes the necessity of accepting and responding to God's laws as truth.

What are the two types of prophets mentioned in the Old Testament?

Former Prophets and Latter Prophets.

What are examples of Former Prophets?

Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings.

What are examples of Latter Prophets?

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and 'The Twelve'.

What is the significance of the term 'Deutero-canonical'?

It refers to the Apocrypha as 'second canon' in the Roman Catholic tradition.

What is the process of canonization?

The exact process is unknown, but it involves the recognition of certain writings as authoritative scripture.

What does the term 'fixed canon' refer to?

A canon that was established and recognized as authoritative over a thousand years after Moses.

What is the implication of God's self-revelation in the Old Testament?

It represents God's authoritative word rather than humanity's opinion of God.

What does the Old Testament reveal about God's people?

It is considered sacred writing and inspired by God, forming the foundation of faith.

How should believers respond to the teachings of the Old Testament?

They must accept it as truth and respond to it.

What is the significance of Ezra in relation to the Torah?

Ezra (458 BC) read the law book, which was seen as authoritative.

What event in 432 BC marked a break between Samaritans and Jews?

The Samaritans carried with them the Samaritan Pentateuch.

What are the three main sections of the Hebrew Bible?

Torah, Nevi'im, and Kethuvim.

What does the Prologue of Ecclesiasticus mention?

It mentions 'law and the prophets and the other books of the fathers'.

What was discussed at the Council of AD 98?

The canon of the Old Testament was discussed, not set.

What books were discussed during the canon discussions?

Ezekiel, Proverbs, Esther, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.

What forced Jews to settle on their canon?

The rise of Christianity.

What languages comprise the text of the Old Testament?

Hebrew and Aramaic.

What is the majority language of the Old Testament?

Hebrew.

What is the significance of the Masoretes?

They were scholars who had specific rules for copying the Hebrew Old Testament and revered God's name.

What is the Codex Leningradensis?

It is the oldest complete manuscript of the Hebrew Bible.

What is the Samaritan Pentateuch?

The Samaritans' version of the Torah, which differs in emphasis and spelling.

What is the Septuagint?

The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, started by King Ptolemy around 250 BC.

What are Targumim?

Aramaic paraphrases of the Old Testament from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.

What is the Vulgate?

A Latin translation of the Bible originally done by Jerome, which became the official Roman Catholic Church version.

What are the Dead Sea Scrolls?

Ancient texts discovered in Qumran in 1947, dating from ca. 200 BC to AD 68.

What is significant about the fragments found in the Dead Sea Scrolls?

They include fragments of every Old Testament book except Esther and provide insights into the preservation of the text.

What is the significance of the complete copy of Isaiah found among the Dead Sea Scrolls?

It is the earliest complete copy of the book of Isaiah.

What is the historical overview of the Old Testament's Primeval History?

It covers Genesis 1-11, with a date that is indeterminable.

What period does the Patriarchal History refer to?

The period from approximately 2000-1500 BC.

What is the setting of the Book of Job?

The same period as the Patriarchal History.

What significant event is associated with Moses around 1450 BC?

The Exodus from Egypt.

What period is referred to as the Wanderings in the wilderness?

Approximately 1450-1400 BC.

What is the term for the conquest of Canaan and the Tribal Confederacy?

Approximately 1400-1050 BC.

Which books are associated with the period of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth?

Joshua, Judges, Ruth.

What is the time frame of the United Kingdom of Israel?

Approximately 1050-930 BC.

Which books are associated with the United Kingdom period?

1 & 2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1-11, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs.

What is the time frame of the Divided Kingdom of Israel?

Approximately 930-722 BC.

Which books are associated with the Divided Kingdom period?

1 Kings 12-22, 2 Kings, Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, Micah, Jonah.

What period is referred to as Judah Alone?

Approximately 722-586 BC.

Which books are associated with the Judah Alone period?

Jeremiah, Lamentations, Joel?, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah.

What significant event occurred around 587-539 BC?

The Exile to Babylon.

What is the time frame for the Deliverance - Return to Jerusalem?

Approximately 539-332 BC.

Which books are associated with the period of Deliverance - Return to Jerusalem?

1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Joel?, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

What period is referred to as the Greek Period?

Approximately 332-167 BC.

What is the significance of Mesopotamia in relation to the Hebrews?

It is associated with God's covenant with Abraham.

What river is central to the economy of Egypt?

The Nile River.

What geographical feature is described as the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East?

Asia Minor, located north of Palestine.

What is the significance of Palestine in the context of trade routes?

It serves as a land bridge and crossroads between Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Asia Minor.

What is the 'Way of the Sea' also known as?

Via Maris or Coastal Highway.

What is the 'Way of the Kings' also referred to as?

Kings Highway.

What is the Fertile Crescent?

An arc-shaped fertile region stretching from Egypt to Mesopotamia.

What are the four geographic regions of Syria-Palestine?

Coastal Plains, Central Hill Country, Jordan River Plateau, Transjordan.

What is the theological significance of Palestine?

It is a major component of God's promise to Abraham.

What does the term 'Covenant' refer to in a theological context?

A relationship established between God and His people, often seen as a treaty or testament.

What are the major covenants in the Bible?

Abrahamic Covenant, Mosaic Covenant, Davidic Covenant, New Covenant.

What does God's presence signify in the theological overview?

God desires to be physically present with humanity, fulfilled through Jesus.

What historical events are associated with God's presence in the Old Testament?

Garden of Eden, Exodus and Mt. Sinai, Tabernacle/Temple.

What is the significance of Pentecost in the theological overview?

It represents the coming of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of the New Creation.

What is the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament in terms of covenant?

The New Testament fulfills and continues the covenants established in the Old Testament.

What does the term 'syncretism' refer to in the context of trade routes?

The blending of multiple gods and religious practices from different cultures.

What is the significance of the development of a merchant class in ancient cultures?

It facilitated trade and cultural exchange, impacting economic and social structures.

What does the term 'International' refer to in the context of trade routes?

It indicates the interconnectedness of different cultures and economies through trade.

What is the role of the Tabernacle in the theological overview?

It served as a physical representation of God's presence among His people.

How does the concept of the covenant relate to the history of humanity according to the notes?

It spans from individual relationships (like Adam and Noah) to entire nations (like Israel).

What does the phrase 'God's project' refer to in the context of the covenant?

It refers to God's plan for redemption and relationship with humanity through history.