Biblical Studies: Old Testament, Source Criticism, and Key Figures

Old Testament

Christian term for the Hebrew Bible.

Tanakh

Jewish term for the Hebrew Bible; acronym for Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

Hebrew Bible

Scholarly term for the scriptures of ancient Israel, encompassing the same books as the Tanakh/Old Testament.

Torah

Law/Pentateuch; first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Nevi'im

Prophets; second division of the Tanakh.

Ketuvim

Writings; third division of the Tanakh.

Primary History

Genesis through Kings, a large compilation of texts tracing Israelite history.

Secondary History

Chronicles; a shorter, unified historical account covering similar events to Primary History.

Source Criticism

A method of biblical analysis identifying different original sources within a text, especially the Pentateuch.

Documentary Hypothesis

Julius Wellhausen's theory that the Pentateuch is a compilation of four independent sources: Yahwist (J), Elohist (E), Deuteronomist (D), and Priestly (P).

Form Criticism

Hermen Gunkel's method analyzing short literary units (pericopes) to identify genres and "setting in life" of biblical texts.

Redaction Criticism

Method focusing on the editors of texts and how they arranged or modified sources; associated with Gerhard von Rad and Martin Noth.

Narrative Criticism

Hermeneutical approach emphasizing the literary and storytelling aspects of the Bible rather than historical context.

Cultural River

John Walton's phrase meaning ancient Israelites were shaped by the culture around them; understanding the Bible requires entering that culture.

Angel of the Lord

Visible representation of Yahweh Himself, making God's presence directly accessible.

Abrahamic Covenant

God's unilateral promise to Abraham of land, descendants, and blessing for all nations, fulfilled through God's initiative.

Image of God (Genesis 1:26-28)

Humans are God's representatives on earth, tasked with ruling, cultivating, and reflecting His character.

Functional Creation

Walton's concept that Genesis 1 is about assigning roles and order in the cosmos, not material origins.

"These are the generations of..."

Formula used in Genesis to structure the narrative into genealogical sections.

Tower of Babel

Humanity's attempt to make a name for themselves; God's desire was for them to spread and reflect His glory.

Leviticus

Book with detailed laws on sacrifices and offerings to preserve ritual and moral purity and maintain God's presence among Israel.

Yahwist (J)

Uses divine name Yahweh; portrays God anthropomorphically; emphasizes promise and fulfillment (e.g., Abraham).

Elohist (E)

Uses divine name Elohim; emphasizes revelation through dreams; portrays Patriarchs as prophet-like figures.

Deuteronomist (D)

Primarily in Deuteronomy; emphasizes centralized worship; stresses covenantal love.

Priestly (P)

Found largely in Leviticus; formulaic style; focuses on genealogies, rituals, and order; avoids anthropomorphisms.

Genesis 7:12 vs 7:24

Rain lasted 40 days and nights (7:12); waters prevailed 150 days (7:24). Differences explained by source blending (J vs P) or chiastic structure.

Adam and Eve - Knowledge

Gained experiential knowledge of good and evil; shows human grasping of wisdom apart from God.

Adam and Eve - Clothing

Symbolizes shame and fear; a false attempt to cover themselves rather than trusting God.

Noah and Enoch

Individuals who "walked with God" amidst growing wickedness; models of faithful living.

Jacob (Israel)

Cunning, ambitious, often deceitful; God remains faithful and blesses him.

Israel (name)

"He struggles with God"; reflects Jacob's wrestling and the nation's covenantal identity.

Joseph

Sold into slavery by brothers, rises to Egyptian leadership through God's guidance; reconciles with family.

Moses - Tribe of Levi

Priestly tribe; foreshadows role as mediator between God and Israel.

Pharaoh's Hard Heart

God hardened Pharaoh's heart to demonstrate His power over Egypt's gods and display His glory.

Passover Sacrifice

Substitute lamb's blood redeems Israelite firstborn, marking them as God's people.

Pillars of Cloud and Fire

God guides Israelites in the wilderness; symbol of His ongoing presence and protection.

Ten Commandments (Decalogue)

Covenant instructions for Israel; better understood as "Ten Words" guiding relationship with God and community.

Do Genesis 7:12 and 7:24 contradict?

At first glance, yes (40 days rain vs 150 days waters), but scholars explain differences by source distinction (J vs P) or literary chiastic structure.

What is the main point of Genesis 1-3?

Creation is about assigning functions and order; Adam and Eve story is about misplaced wisdom, not original sin.

Were humans created immortal in Genesis 2-3?

No, they were mortal; access to the tree of life was necessary for sustained life.

What is the significance of the Abrahamic covenant being unilateral?

God alone guarantees the promises; Abraham's obedience is not a precondition.

What is Jacob's story about?

Jacob's cunning and ambition contrasted with God's faithfulness; God blesses him despite flaws.

Who are the heads of the twelve tribes?

Jacob's sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin.

Why was Laban upset when Jacob

Rachel, and Leah fled?,Household idols were stolen; indicates concern for religion and inheritance.

Summarize Joseph's story.

Sold into slavery, rises to power in Egypt, preserves family during famine, reconciles with brothers; God's plan is revealed.

Why is the new king in Exodus significant?

He doesn't remember Joseph; Israel loses favor and sets stage for oppression.

Who saved Israelite infants early in Exodus?

Hebrew midwives (Shiphrah & Puah), Moses's mother, sister, and Pharaoh's daughter.

How were Egyptian orders to kill Hebrew infants carried out?

Pharaoh commanded baby boys to be thrown into the Nile.

How does Moses's basket relate to Noah's Ark?

Same Hebrew word; water as both destructive and life-preserving theme.

Who is the Angel of the Lord?

Visible representation of Yahweh Himself.

Why does God harden Pharaoh's heart?

To display His power and supremacy over Egypt and its gods.

How does Zipporah save Moses?

Performs circumcision to fulfill covenant, protecting Moses's life.

Why does God send the plagues?

To show His supremacy over Egyptian gods and redeem Israel; each plague targets a deity.

What is the purpose of Passover?

Redeems firstborn; demonstrates covenantal relationship with God.

What does Exodus 15 celebrate?

God's victory over Egypt; declares Yahweh as Israel's strength and salvation.

How is God's presence shown in the wilderness?

Pillar of cloud by day; pillar of fire by night.

What does God announce at Sinai?

Israel is a "kingdom of priests and holy nation," mediating blessing to the world.

What is a better name for the Ten Commandments?

"Ten Words" or Decalogue; covenantal guidance, not mere legal code.

What role do sacrifices in Leviticus serve?

Purify ritual/moral impurity, maintain God's presence, restore covenant relationship.