Exam 1

What does a reorientation toward the Old Testament tell us in regard to revelation?

• It tells us that in the Old Testament, God is telling us his story

• Revelation allows us to know what God is like rather than guess

Because we accept the OT as the revelation of God, what can we label it as?

a. Scripture

What are the reasons why we can accept the OT as the center of authority and worldview?

a. Our theology should be the basis of everything we think or do.

What is the goal and end result of our reorientation toward the OT?

a. Transformation into godly people from what we have come to know about Him.

What were the 2 metaphors used to describe the "big picture?" (The OT is like a ....)

Tapestry

Photo mosaic

What do Walton and Hill mean by saying we should take the text at "face value?"

a. we are not trying to read any more into the text than what the author intended.

b. It can never mean what it never meant

Exegesis

"to bring out"

Study that is necessary to arrive at an interpretation of the text.

Hermeneutics

Governs the exegetical process to bring the intended message.

Plot

flow of action that provides a framework

Introduction of characters - crisis - resolution

Setting

Geographical clues, time frame, etc.

Characters

Major, Flat, stock, etc.

Point of View

Character in the story, anonymous narrator, 1st person, etc.

Know the general elements of a story consistent with OT narrative.

Plot

Setting

characters

Point of view

Plot emphasis vs. Character emphasis

What is the focus of the stories in the OT narrative?

What was God doing in the story?

Abraham came to Canaan, most likely, as part of what people movement?

Amorite migration

What annual occurrence in Egypt is sometimes seen as the backdrop of the plagues?

The great Inundation

Know the 2 major trade routes that passed through Canaan

King's highway

Via maris

Be able to recognize the "building blocks" of the "Internal characteristics" of the Pentateuch

a. Promise- of the descendants and land drive of the Pentateuch

b. Election- Abraham and his descendants

c. Deliverance from slavery

d. Covenant- how God relates to His chosen people

e. Law- basis of the relationship

f. Land

What is a cosmogony/cosmology?

Origins of the universe (like a myth)

Know the difference between the Atrahasis Epic and the Gilgamesh Epic

a. Atrahasis Epic - From creation to flood

b. Gilgamesh Epic - broad epic concerning the meaning of life, reason for the flood uncertain.

Be able to recognize the similarities between the Gilgamesh flood and Genesis

a. Specific measurements are given

b. Animals are saved

c. Limited period of rain

d. Release of birds

e. Sacrifice

Know the elements of the Genesis flood that are in contrast to the Babylonian accounts

a. The gods of Mesopotamia are quirky, capricious: God is saddened.

Punishment, but merciful deliverance in the Bible

What Babylonian law code is similar to OT law?

Code of Hammurabi

How is the function of the OT law different?

a. Near east- The king is acting justly with is god given charge.

b. OT law- God's laws are presented to the people, God is holy and just (which is also required of the people).

What type of ancient suzerainty treaty do some see as similar to Deuteronomy?

Hittite Treaties

In regards to theological perspectives, what sacred space is seen as an earthly extension of the Cosmic Temple?

The garden (Eden)

What was the greatest loss in "the fall?"

Access to God's presence

What is God's "mechanism of revelation?"

The covenant

What is the purpose of Genesis?

It begins the story of the covenant

What was the role of Humans in Genesis 2?

Fellowship and subdue the earth

Know the basic elements of Genesis 1-11

i. Orderly cosmos out of non-order (Ch.1)

ii. Role of Humans (Ch. 2)

iii. Sin and its escalation (Ch.3-4)

iv. Genealogy (Ch. 5)

v. Noah (Ch. 6-9)

vi. Babel (11)

Abraham's wive(s)

Sarah (Sarai), Hagar

Isaac's wive(s)

Rebekah

Jacob/ Israel's wive(s)

Leah, Rachel

What does the word Jacob (ya'akov) mean?

Attacks at the heel (deceiver)

What son of Israel was sold into slavery to the Egyptians?

Joseph

What is the purpose of the exodus?

God's presence among his people

Be able to recognize the basic elements in the overview of the book of Exod

a. Deliverance from slavery in Egypt

b. Presence with the Israelites through the wilderness

c. Tabernacle and priesthood

d. Legal collections

What is the early date of the exodus?

1446 BC

What happens in the Central Hills of Canaan around 1200 BC that supports a late date of the exodus?

Explosion of growth

What was the purpose of Leviticus?

Details steps to achieve equilibrium of sacred space, sacred status, and sacred time

Be able to recognize the basic responsibilities of the priests of Israel.

a. There were not pastors, they were more like functionaries.

b. They maintained the holiness of the sacred area and the people through ritual.

c. Correct observance of sacrifices

d. Like the "secret service."

Be able to recognize the general explanations of the Kosher dietary law.

a. Matter of hygiene

b. Animals associated with pagan sacrifice

c. Based on what the animal ingests- live off of corruption

d. Modeled after God's "diet" what items were clean enough for God?

What is the purpose of Numbers?

To contrast the faithfulness of God with the faithlessness and rebellion of the Israelites

Be able to recognize the two major transitions in Numbers.

a. Departure from Sinai in 10, death of a generation

b. Departure from Kadesh toward the plains of Moab in 20

What were the people "grumbling" about in the book of Numbers?

a. The food/ manna

b. 12 spies go to Canaan

What is the purpose of Deuteronomy?

to summarize and renew the covenant preparation for Israel's entrance into the land

What is Deuteronomy 1-31 primarily comprised of?

Three Speeches

a. God's acts of deliverance up to that point

b. Covenant laws of Exodus

c. Final address with ritual curses and blessings dependent on obedience, faithfulness, commissioning of Joshua.

What is the Deuteronomic emphasis?

"If you obey you will be blessed, if you disobey you will be punished."

Be able to recognize the dominant views of Deuteronomy.

a. Vassal treaty that delineates the relationship between Israel and the Lord

b. Constitution type of document the provides the foundation for Israel as a nation

c. Speech of exhortation by Moses to the generation that is ready to enter the land

d. Exposition of the Decalogue showing how all of the various laws offer explanatory detail of the implications of the Decalogue

Be able to recognize the bullet points under "ultimate power" in the "Contrast: Religious beliefs in the ancient world."

Ultimate power:

i. No deity possessed ultimate power

ii. Impersonal realm that gives structure to the cosmos

iii. Yahweh as ultimate power and authority

iv. Nothing outside of Yahweh's jurisdiction

late date of the exodus

1250 BC

Know the order of the elements of the OT plotline

creation