Exam 2: Prophets, Joshua, Judges, and Monarchy

What do the Former and Latter Prophets narrate?

The story of the covenant community through history and proclamations from the prophets.

What are the books included in the Former Prophets?

Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, and 1-2 Kings.

How does Deuteronomy relate to the Former Prophets?

It concludes the Pentateuch and introduces the Former Prophets with its theological language and agenda.

What is the significance of the redaction of the Former Prophets?

The collection of sources has been traced to the 7th century BCE, possibly during King Josiah's reign.

What is the Primary History in biblical texts?

The books of Genesis through 2 Kings are considered one unit known as the Primary History.

What does the book of Joshua recount?

The entry of Israel into the land of Canaan, including Joshua's leadership, land division, and the Shechem assembly.

What event marks the beginning of the book of Joshua?

YHWH's commission for Joshua to lead the people into the land of Canaan.

How did the community demonstrate their covenant relationship upon entering Canaan?

They observed Passover and followed the ark of the covenant into the land.

What was the consequence of Achan's actions in the book of Joshua?

Achan and his family were destroyed for violating divine instruction by taking treasures for himself.

What are the Major Prophets in the Latter Prophets?

Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.

What is the Deuteronomic theme in the narratives of the judges?

It emphasizes that repentance is necessary for renewing the covenant relationship with YHWH.

What does the book of Judges portray about early Israel?

It depicts early Israel as a loose tribal confederation with a lack of unity and stability.

Who were the leaders of the people in the book of Judges?

They were called judges, whose primary task was to deliver the people from oppression.

What is the significance of the angelic commander encountered by Joshua?

It confirmed Joshua's leadership in the land of Canaan.

What historical context complicates Israel's emergence in Canaan?

The process involved a combination of military invasion, peaceful infiltration, and peasant revolt.

What is the kherem in the context of warfare in the book of Joshua?

It refers to the ban devotion of destruction, where everything taken in battle is dedicated and sacrificed to YHWH.

What do the narratives in Judges reveal about Israel's covenant faithfulness?

They illustrate a history characterized by idolatry, internecine warfare, and inhumanity, indicating a failure in covenant faith.

What role did Rahab play in the conquest of Jericho?

Rahab's loyalty to YHWH was rewarded as she was spared when Jericho fell to Israel.

What does the book of 2 Kings signify in the narrative of Israel's history?

It ends in exile but includes the release of the Davidic heir from prison.

What is the pattern illustrated by the story of Othniel in Judges?

It succinctly shows the cycle of oppression and deliverance in Israel's history.

What is a key theme in the accounts of battles in Joshua and Judges?

The presence of YHWH in warfare and the necessity of ritual preparation for the community.

How does the book of Judges conclude regarding YHWH's relationship with Israel?

It emphasizes that YHWH has not abandoned the covenant or the people of Israel.

What is an amphictyony?

A system of states organized around a religious center.

Who was the last judge of Israel?

Samuel

What significant transition does 1 Samuel describe?

The transition from a tribal league with charismatic leaders to an established monarchy.

What role did Samuel play in the establishment of kingship in Israel?

He anointed the first two kings, Saul and David.

How is Saul's reign characterized in 1 Samuel?

Saul acts more like a tribal chieftain than a king.

What was the relationship between Saul and David?

Saul saw David as a competitor for the throne and pursued him as an enemy.

What does the narrative in this section illustrate about the tribes of Israel?

They struggled to serve the covenant faithfully despite YHWH's divine presence.

What was the significance of the ark of the covenant in the narrative?

It symbolizes YHWH's presence and causes trouble for the Philistines.

What did Samuel warn the people about regarding a monarchial system?

Kings could lead the people away from loyalty to their covenant with YHWH.

What is syncretism in the context of ancient Israel?

The mixing of religions, particularly the Israelites' worship of Baals alongside their covenant with YHWH.

What is the nature of Israel's kingship?

It is a sacral kingship where the monarch acts as God's representative and servant.

What does 1 Samuel depict about David's rise to power?

David is anointed king by Samuel and initially serves Saul before becoming an outlaw.

What city becomes the capital of David's kingdom?

Jerusalem

What legacy did David leave for future generations?

He united the kingdom and established Jerusalem as the center of worship.

Who were the chief military and religious leaders during David's reign?

Joab (Chief of Armed Forces), Zadok & Abiathar (Chief of Priests).

What does the Nathan Prophecy promise regarding David?

It affirms David's political, military, social, and theological leadership.

How is David portrayed in the historical narrative?

As a 'glorious rascal,' a flawed hero with remarkable influence and popularity.

What role did priests play in ancient Israel during David's reign?

They were central to the life of Israel, influencing political and social areas.

What challenges did Israel face from the Philistines?

The Philistines pressed Israel on every side and stole the ark of the covenant.

What was the significance of David's military successes?

They helped unite the kingdom and establish his rule over Israel.

What significant event occurred as a result of David's affair with Bathsheba?

Solomon was born shortly thereafter.

What does the Deuteronomic view of history emphasize regarding kingship?

It implies that the success of the royal house is tied to the faithfulness to the covenant of YHWH.

What is the Nathan prophecy often described as?

The first articulation of the Davidic covenant.

What were the reign years of David?

1000-961 BCE.

What major construction project did Solomon undertake during his reign?

The construction of the temple in Jerusalem.

What was the nature of Solomon's economic policies?

He was a brilliant economist but established an oppressive tone with harsh taxation and service.

What led to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign?

Rehoboam's expectation of acclaim was met with discontent from the northern tribes due to Solomon's oppressive rule.

Who established the Northern Kingdom of Israel?

Jeroboam I.

What significant action did Jeroboam take to distance the Northern Kingdom from Jerusalem?

He established sanctuaries at Bethel and Dan and set up golden calves as idols.

What was the capital of the Northern Kingdom established by King Omri?

Samaria.

What was the significance of the story of Naboth's vineyard?

It symbolizes corrupt royal power and the influence of idolatry.

Who was the prophet that voiced the concerns of YHWH during the reign of Ahab?

Elijah.

What crisis did the Northern Kingdom face in the mid-730s BCE?

The Syro-Ephraimite Crisis, involving military pressures from Syria and Egypt against the Assyrian Empire.

What happened to the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722/721 BCE?

It fell to the Assyrian Empire.

What is the biblical practice of synchronistic dating?

Dating a king's reign alongside the reign of other kings during the divided monarchy.

What does the book of 2 Kings recount regarding the kings of Israel?

It recounts the covenant ideology articulated in Deuteronomy through the narrative stories of various kings.

What was the fate of Jerusalem and the Davidic king in 586 BCE?

Jerusalem was left in ruins, and the Davidic king and leaders were exiled to Babylon.

Who was Josiah and what significant event occurred during his reign?

Josiah became king at a young age and initiated a covenant renewal after a scroll was found during temple renovations.

What reforms did Josiah implement during his reign?

He emphasized Torah, centralized worship in the Jerusalem temple, and renewed the celebration of Passover.

What was the impact of Assyrian customs on worship during Josiah's reign?

There was a destruction of worship practices in the temple influenced by customs like divination and sacred prostitution.