Theo midterm

Divine Revelation

God's self-disclosure to humanity, primarily through scripture, prophets, and events in history.

Narrative

The biblical story of God's dealings with humanity, focusing on covenant, sin, judgment, and redemption.

Genealogy

The recorded family lines that trace the descendants of key biblical figures, often signifying God's covenant promises.

The Law

The commandments, regulations, and instructions given by God, particularly in the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy).

Poetry Literature

Biblical texts, especially in Psalms and Song of Solomon, written in verse to express worship, lament, and wisdom.

Wisdom Literature

Writings like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job, offering reflections on life, human behavior, and God's wisdom.

Prophetic Literature

Books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, containing messages from prophets about God's judgment, mercy, and future hope.

Myth

In biblical studies, stories that convey theological truths through symbolic language, such as the Creation or Flood narratives.

Sin

The human condition of rebellion against God’s will, marked by disobedience and moral failure.

Yahwist Source (J Source)

A proposed source for parts of the Pentateuch, characterized by a vivid, anthropomorphic view of God.

Elohist Source (E Source)

A proposed source for the Pentateuch emphasizing the term "Elohim" for God, with a focus on morality and prophecy.

Deuteronomic Source (D Source)

A source associated with the book of Deuteronomy, focusing on covenant faithfulness, laws, and worship.

Priestly Source (P Source)

A source emphasizing rituals, genealogies, and the holiness of God, found primarily in Leviticus and parts of Genesis.

Cycle of Sin

A recurring pattern in the Bible where Israel sins, faces judgment, repents, and is restored by God.

Pentateuch

The first five books of the Bible (Genesis–Deuteronomy), foundational for Jewish law and history.

Centralized Leadership

A system of governance where authority and worship are concentrated in one location or person, like in Jerusalem under David and Solomon.

Decentralized Leadership

A system where leadership is spread across various tribes or regions, often seen in the period of the Judges.

Adam and Eve

The first humans created by God in the Garden of Eden, whose disobedience brought sin into the world.

Cain and Abel

The sons of Adam and Eve, with Cain committing the first murder by killing his brother Abel out of jealousy.

Noah

A righteous man chosen by God to survive the flood that wiped out humanity due to widespread sin.

Babel

The site where humanity, seeking to build a tower to heaven, was scattered by God with different languages to prevent their unity.

Abraham (Abram)

The patriarch of Israel, who received God's covenant promise of land, descendants, and blessing.

Sarah (Sarai)

Abraham's wife, who bore Isaac after initially being barren, fulfilling God's promise.

Hagar

Sarah’s maidservant, who bore Abraham's first son, Ishmael, when Sarah couldn't have children.

Isaac

The son of Abraham and Sarah, through whom God's covenant promise continued.

Ishmael

The son of Abraham and Hagar, considered the ancestor of many Arab nations.

Jacob (Israel)

The son of Isaac, whose twelve sons became the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Esau

Jacob's twin brother, who sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew.

Joseph

Jacob's favored son, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and later rose to power in Egypt.

Pharaoh

The king of Egypt, often depicted as an antagonist in the biblical narrative, especially in the story of Moses.

Canaan

The land promised by God to Abraham’s descendants, later known as the land of Israel.

Covenant

A sacred agreement between God and His people, promising blessing for obedience and judgment for disobedience.

Contract

A formal agreement, similar to a covenant, that involves mutual obligations, though with less emphasis on divine promise.

Circumcision

A physical sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, marking them as God's people.

Egypt

A powerful ancient civilization often depicted as an oppressor of Israel, notably during the period of slavery and the Exodus.

Tribe

A social group within ancient Israel, typically descended from one of the twelve sons of Jacob.

Nation

A collective group of people united by common identity, culture, and land, such as Israel as the "nation" of God's people.

Nomad

A member of a people group, like the Israelites, who move from place to place, typically in search of food and water.

Hammurabi

An ancient Babylonian king who is known for his law code, which shares some similarities with biblical law codes.

Marginalized

Groups or individuals who are socially, politically, or economically excluded or oppressed, a theme in biblical justice.

Famine

A severe shortage of food, often seen in the Bible as a form of divine judgment or a test of faith.

Charity

The act of giving to the poor or needy, a key biblical virtue associated with loving one's neighbor.

Justice

The biblical principle of fairness and righteousness, often linked to God's character and His laws.

Patriarch

A male leader or father figure of a family or tribe, like Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob.

Redemption

The act of God rescuing His people from sin, oppression, or slavery, especially through Christ in the New Testament.

The Numbers 7, 12, and 40

Significant numbers in the Bible symbolizing completeness (7), the twelve tribes of Israel (12), and periods of testing or transition (40).

Joseph (in Egypt)

Jacob’s son, who became a powerful leader in Egypt, saving his family during a time of famine.

Moses

The leader chosen by God to deliver Israel from Egyptian slavery and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai.

I AM

God's self-revelation to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3), expressing His eternal, self-sufficient nature.

Yahweh (YHWH)

The personal name of God revealed to Israel, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles.

Aaron

Moses' brother, who served as the first high priest of Israel and assisted in leading the people.

Pharaoh (in Exodus)

The ruler of Egypt who resisted God’s commands to free the Israelites, resulting in the plagues.

Plague(s)

The ten calamities that God sent upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites.

Passover

The annual Jewish celebration of God sparing the Israelites from the final plague in Egypt by passing over their homes marked with lamb's blood.

Decalogue

Another term for the Ten Commandments, God's foundational moral laws given to Moses.

Sabbath

A weekly day of rest and worship, commanded by God as part of the covenant with Israel.

Case Laws

Specific laws dealing with particular situations, often detailed in the Mosaic Law.

Apodictic Laws

Absolute laws or commands, like the Ten Commandments, given without conditions.

Hammurabi's Code

An ancient Babylonian law code that influenced the development of biblical laws.

Idolatry

The worship of false gods or idols, condemned throughout the Bible as a violation of God's exclusive sovereignty.

Baal

A Canaanite god worshiped by some Israelites, often seen as a symbol of apostasy and idolatry.

Astarte

A Canaanite goddess often associated with fertility and worshiped by some Israelites, considered a form of idolatry.

Atonement

The process of making reparations for sin, often through sacrifices, leading to reconciliation with God.

Joshua

The leader who succeeded Moses and led Israel into the Promised Land.

Rahab

A Canaanite woman who hid Israelite spies in Jericho and became an ancestor of Jesus.

The Ban

The biblical command to destroy completely the inhabitants of certain cities, like Jericho, during Israel's conquest.

The Ark of the Covenant

A sacred chest containing the tablets of the Law, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Jericho

The first city conquered by the Israelites in the Promised Land, famous for the fall of its walls after Israel's march.

Judges

Leaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression, including figures like Deborah, Gideon, and Samson.

Ehud

A judge known for delivering Israel by assassinating the Moabite king Eglon.

Deborah

A prophetess and judge who led Israel to victory over the Canaanites.

Ruth

A Moabite woman who became the great-grandmother of King David, exemplifying loyalty and faith.

Naomi

Ruth's mother-in-law, who returned to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and sons.

Boaz

A wealthy relative of Naomi, who married Ruth and ensured her protection and provision.

Obed

The son of Ruth and Boaz, and the grandfather of King David.

Samuel

The prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel.

Saul

The first king of Israel, whose reign ended in failure due to disobedience to God.

David

The second and greatest king of Israel, known for his heart after God and for establishing Jerusalem as the capital.

Jerusalem

The capital city of Israel, chosen by God as the center of worship and His presence.

Bethlehem

The birthplace of David and later, Jesus, symbolizing God's choice of the humble and lowly.

Isaiah

A major prophet who foretold both judgment and the coming of a Messiah who would save Israel.

Amos

A prophet of social justice, denouncing Israel’s corruption and oppression of the poor.

Hosea

A prophet who symbolized God’s love for unfaithful Israel through his troubled marriage to Gomer.

Servant

A term in Isaiah (especially in the "Suffering Servant" passages) referring to a figure who will suffer for the sins of others.

Elijah

A prophet who confronted idolatry in Israel, particularly against the worship of Baal.

Prophet

A spokesperson for God, delivering messages of judgment, hope, and future restoration.

Solomon

The son of David, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building of the temple in Jerusalem.

Judah

One of the twelve tribes of Israel, later forming the southern kingdom after the split of Israel.