Comprehensive Bible and Prophets Study Guide: Daniel, Ezra, Esther, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalms

How does the Book of Daniel speak to the condition of Israel in exile?

The Book of Daniel shows that even in exile, Israel can remain faithful, and God continues to protect and deliver those who trust Him.

Why does Daniel refuse the royal food and drink?

Daniel refuses the royal food and drink so he will not defile himself.

Who is thrown into the blazing furnace? Why? How many figures does Nebuchadnezzar observe?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are thrown into the furnace for refusing to bow to the statue; Nebuchadnezzar sees four figures walking in the fire.

Why is Daniel thrown into the lions' den? How does that story end?

Daniel is thrown into the lions' den for praying to God instead of the king, and God protects him by shutting the lions' mouths.

Why is Nebuchadnezzar made like an animal? Why is he restored?

He becomes like an animal because of his arrogance, but is restored when he acknowledges God's rule.

Why is Belshazzar condemned?

He misuses the temple vessels and exalts himself against God, so the writing on the wall announces his kingdom's end.

In Daniel 7, who is exalted by the Ancient of Days?

A figure "like a son of man," who is given everlasting dominion.

Who leads the temple rebuild?

Zerubbabel.

Who reaffirms importance of the Torah?

Ezra.

Who leads the wall construction?

Nehemiah.

What role does Cyrus play?

He allows the Israelites to return and rebuild the temple, returning the vessels.

What is the Cyrus Cylinder?

A record of Cyrus's policy of restoring displaced peoples and their temples.

Which prophet predicted the return after "seventy years"?

Jeremiah.

Why is there a long list of returnees?

To show continuity with pre-exilic Israel and restore proper temple service.

How does the crowd respond to the new temple foundation?

Some shout for joy, while older people weep remembering the first temple.

Why is there hostility resisting the rebuilding?

Local peoples oppose it and political obstacles delay the work.

Who urges the people to resume building?

Haggai and Zechariah.

How is the rebuilding a "new exodus"?

The people purify themselves, celebrate Passover, and renew covenant worship.

Why doesn't Ezra request soldiers?

He trusts God for protection after telling the king that God helps those who seek Him.

What message do leaders give Ezra?

The people have intermarried and adopted foreign practices.

How does Ezra end?

With a covenant to send away foreign wives and a list of those who agreed.

What celebration originates in Esther?

Purim.

What question does Esther seek to answer?

Whether God is still at work among diaspora Jews even though He is never mentioned.

How does Mordecai win the king's favor?

He exposes an assassination plot.

Why does Haman want to destroy the Jews?

Mordecai refuses to bow; Haman seeks revenge and plans genocide.

Why is Haman hanged on his own gallows?

Esther exposes him as the enemy of the Jews.

Does Esther intercede for the Jews? Who encourages her?

Yes; Mordecai encourages her, saying she may be queen "for such a time as this."

Why does Mordecai ride the king's horse in royal attire?

The king honors him for saving his life, and Haman must publicly lead him.

How did we define "wisdom"?

"Skill for living" in God's world.

What is the beginning of wisdom?

The fear of the Lord.

Are Prov 26:4 and 26:5 contradictory?

No; they show that wisdom is situational.

What is the purpose of Proverbs?

To receive moral instruction in skillful living, righteousness, justice, and equity.

Describe the Genesis language in Prov 1:29, 31.

"Eating the fruit" mirrors Genesis and shows consequences for rejecting wisdom.

How is righteousness linked to the land in 2:21-22?

The upright remain in the land; the wicked are removed.

What does Prov 5:22-23 teach about self-destruction?

The wicked are trapped and destroyed by their own sins.

How does Prov 8 describe Lady Wisdom?

As present before creation and offering life to those who embrace her.

What does the Woman of Valor represent?

Wisdom personified in a life of diligence, integrity, and fear of the Lord.

How is Job's righteousness portrayed early?

He is blameless, upright, God-fearing, and turns from evil.

What does "satan" mean?

Adversary, prosecutor, challenger.

Describe the interaction between God and the satan.

The satan questions Job's motives, and God permits testing within limits.

How does Job react to misfortune?

He mourns but does not curse God; he blesses the Lord.

What do Job's friends think?

They assume he sinned and must repent, but they are wrong.

What is the "other side of the coin" of wisdom in 28:28?

Understanding is turning away from evil.

How does God respond to Job and the friends?

God questions Job's understanding and rebukes the friends for speaking wrongly.

How does Job respond to God?

He repents in dust and ashes.

What recurring phrase appears at the beginning and end?

"Vanity of vanities," framing life's mystery.

According to Eccl 5:1, what is better than sacrifice?

Listening to God.

What is the final exhortation in 12:13?

Fear God and keep His commandments; live faithfully despite mystery.

In Psalm 1, what is the righteous person compared to?

A fruitful tree.

Who is the "son" in Psalm 2:7?

The Davidic messianic king.

How does Psalm 13 begin and end?

Begins with lament and ends with trust.

In Psalm 23, what is the Lord compared to?

A shepherd.

What event is tied to Psalm 51?

David's repentance after Nathan confronts him about Bathsheba.