History and the Bible Exam 1

Difference between Faith and Reason?

Faith involves belief in things not seen or proven, often grounded in spiritual conviction, while reason relies on logical analysis and empirical evidence to form conclusions.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” – Hebrews 11:1

Old Testament

The first section of the Christian Bible, comprising texts sacred in both Judaism and Christianity, which includes historical narratives, laws, and prophecies.

New Testament

The second part of the Christian Bible, consisting of the teachings of Jesus Christ and writings of his apostles.

Torah

The central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, containing the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

Pentateuch

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses.

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy

Poetry

Literary form found in the Bible, characterized by rhythmic and metaphorical language, often expressing emotions and thoughts about faith.

Psalms, Proverbs, Job

Major Prophets

The books in the Old Testament that include significant prophetic messages, traditionally regarded as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

Prophets: Isaiah, Jerimiah, Ezekiel

Minor Prophets

The twelve books of the Old Testament that contain shorter prophetic messages, including Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

Synoptic Gospels and John

The first four books of the New Testament, with Matthew, Mark, and Luke being the Synoptic Gospels that present a similar view of Jesus' life, while John's Gospel offers a distinct perspective.

Acts

The fifth book of the New Testament that details the actions and spread of the early Christian church after Jesus' resurrection, primarily focusing on the apostles, especially Peter and Paul. It describes the establishment of the church and the missionary journeys undertaken by the apostles to spread Christianity.

Epistels

Letters found in the New Testament, attributed to apostles like Paul, addressing various Christian communities and issues.

Apocalyptic Literature

A genre of prophetic writings in the Bible, such as Revelation, characterized by vivid imagery and symbolism, often conveying visions of the end times and the ultimate victory of good over evil.

Canon

Something considered “genuine” or meeting a “Standard of authority

Apocrypha

Biblical texts excluded from the canonical Bible, often containing additional historical or theological insights.

Pseudipigrapha

A collection of ancient texts falsely attributed to biblical figures, often containing religious teachings or narratives that are not included in the canonical Bible.

Mishnah

The first major written collection of the Jewish oral traditions, forming a core part of the Talmud and discussing various aspects of Jewish law. It serves as a foundational text in Rabbinic Judaism, outlining legal rulings and teachings.

Telmud

The central text of Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara, which discusses Jewish laws, ethics, customs, and history. The Talmud is composed of two parts: the Mishnah, which is the written compilation of oral law, and the Gemara, which is a commentary on the Mishnah.

Council of Jamnia (Jabneh)

o   Necessitated by the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE

o   Intended to provide an authoritative list of books that prescribed the Jewish religion, now devoid of the cultic center of the Temple 

Process of Canonization of OT

·       Books had to be in Hebrew

o   Only book not written in Hebrew was Daniel

·       5 Books of Moses (Torah, Pentateuch)

·       Books written by Solomon, David, and other significant Jews (Proverbs and David)

·       All books agree with one another (No contradictions)

Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs/Solomon last and written attributed to Solomon

Johanon ben Zakkai

A prominent Pharisee and teacher during the time of the Second Temple, who played a significant role in the establishment of Rabbinic Judaism after the Temple's destruction.

Contrast canonization process of O&N Testaments

The process of canonization for the Old Testament involved selecting texts primarily in Hebrew, while the New Testament included writings in Greek from the early Christian era. The Old Testament canon was largely established by Jewish authorities, whereas the New Testament canon was recognized by early church leaders based on apostolic authority and usage in worship.

“Form Criticism”

Driven by Sceintific apporaches and encouraged by language decipherment

Drawing inferences regarding texts on the basis on shared “forms/genre”

Establishing principles of interpretation based on “Sitz im Leben” (setting in life)

Style of Literature/Genre it is in, Poetic, Prophetic, or Apocalyptic 

“Source Criticism”

Julius Wellhausen recognized patterns within OT documents

·       The obvious clues

·       The physiological clues

·       In particular different conventions for refereeing to god 

Hermeneutics

The study of the principles and methods of interpretation, particularly of biblical texts, that seeks to understand the meaning and context of scriptural passages.

Sitz im Leben

The historical and cultural context in which a biblical text was produced, focusing on its original setting and purpose. “Setting in life”

J. Wellhausen 

was a biblical scholar known for his role in developing source criticism, particularly regarding the Documentary Hypothesis of the Pentateuch.

“Redaction”

The process of editing and compiling texts, particularly in biblical literature, to present them in a cohesive narrative or theological framework.

“J” (Yahwistic) – possible dates/events

o   Characterized by the propensity to refer to God as Yaheh (YHWH)

§  Used traditionally assumed to be dated 970-930 BCE

§  Used traditionally assumed to be centered in/around Jerusalem

“E” (Elohistic) – possible dates/events

o   Characterized by the propensity to refer to God as El Elohim

o   Used traditionally assumed to be dated from ca. 930-720 BCE

o   Use traditionally assumed to be centered among the Northern tribes

Represents some affinities with Canaanite literature

“D” (Deuternomistic) – possible dates/events

o   Characterized by its attention to a very exclusivist monotheism

o   Use traditiojally assumed to ne dated in association with Josiahs reforms dated to 622

o   Frequently considered as the first time historically that Judaism begins to emerge with monotheism as its chief characteristic

“P” (Priestly) – possible dates/events

o   Charactized by its attention to the cultuc practices of the organized religion

o   Idenfitied by its preoccupation with ritual purity

o   Usally associated with the resumption of cultic practices associated with the second Temple

Dated as early as the 6^th century BCE and as late as the 2^nd century BCE (Persian and Hellenistic Periods)

YHWH

The personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations. It signifies God's eternal existence and particular relationship with Israel.

El/’elohim

The generic term for God in Hebrew, often used in the context of divinity. It can refer to the singular God of Israel or can be used for gods in general.

Parallel Creation account(s)

The Memphite cosmology

The Enuma Elish

The Theogony of Dunnu

The Memphite Cosmology

An ancient Egyptian creation myth describing how the god Ptah created the world through thought and speech, presenting a narrative of the origins of gods and humanity.

The Enuma Elish

An ancient Babylonian creation myth that describes the origins of the world and “when above” and “in the beginning.” In the ancient world, the sea was associated with chaos and destruction. People of the region suffered from invasion and floods

The Theogony of Dunnu

an ancient Near Eastern creation account detailing the birth of gods and the creation of the universe.

Structure of the Creation Accounts

o   Creation

o   Mans relationship to deity

o   An account of a cataclysmic flood

o   A rationale for the presence of different people

Genesis 1 vs. Genesis 2-4

o   Genesis 1 (frequently identified as a “P” document) gives a general account of the creation of the world. To be heard in religious setting.

o   Genesis 2-4 (frequently identified as a “Y” document) gives a more intimate account of the creation of man in the Garden of Eden

§  An explanation for the state of relationship between God and man (not to mention man and woman)

§  An explanation for pain -- “the existential imperative”

Theological significance of the Creation account(s)

highlighting humanity's relationship with God and the inherent goodness of creation.

History vs. “(A)etiology”

The study of origins, often used to explain the reasons behind natural phenomena and cultural practices. Hisotry relies on evidence

The Flood Account

·         The story of an early cataclysmic flood is also seen in various cultures (global phenomenon)

Artahasis (a.k.a. Ut-napishtim)

A figure in ancient Mesopotamian literature who survives a great flood, similar to Noah in the Bible, representing themes of divine favor and survival.

o   preserves his family using a box to weather the inundation

§  In the epic of Gilgamesh, he is rewarded with immortality following the flood

Historical basis(?) for the Flood/alternate theories

Scholarly investigations into the actual events or explanations that may have inspired the flood narratives in various cultures, including geological, archeological, and mythological perspectives.

· Enduring tales of adventurers who have seen a large wooden structure on Mt. Ararat extend back several years

·  Recent theories regarding the flooding of the Black Sea that may provide a non-Mythic basis

·  A more secure historical basis for the stories (biblical and Mesopotamian) may be the erratic flood patterns of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

Story of Noah’s sons (re: their father’s drunkenness)

The narrative details the aftermath of Noah's drunkenness, leading to a curse placed on Ham's son Canaan by Noah. This story explores themes of sin, shame, and familial relations following the flood.

The Tower of Babel

Descendants of Noah conspired to build a tower reaching to the heavens to avoid dispersal

Shinar

The region where the Tower of Babel was constructed, often identified with ancient Mesopotamia or Southern Iraq.

Ziggurats

Ancient Mesopotamian stepped towers, often associated with temple complexes.

Multiple Purposes of the Genealogies (sitz im Leben)

To establish lineage, illustrate faithfulness, and demonstrate God's covenant with His people.

Abraham: Theological

The person with whom God established His covenant

— serving as the basis for the exclusive monotheism of later Judaism (Yahwistic)
– Portraying a relationship infused with divine agency from its outset (Elohistic)
– Still containing curiously less than “heroic” details for a legendary progenitor

The person from whom the Israelites/Jews make territorial claims on the land
(Genesis 12:1-3, 13:14-17; 22:15-18)
– Providing a rationale for the control/ownership of the region despite any other (prior) claimants
– Having implications extending into modern times

The person to whom the Israelites attribute their “separateness” in terms of ethnic and cultic purity
– Becoming important for later Judaism while struggling to retain their ethnic/cultural identity
(Priestly)
– Providing a cultural hallmark particularly during Hellenistic times and extending to modern days

The problem of dating Abraham

No historical attestation whatsoever, apart from the biblical record
– No inscriptional evidence has been found
– No date for his life can be ascertained
– The presence of numerous anachronisms in the narratives

Certain details within the narratives can be placed within the general historical milieu
of the 2nd millennium B.C.E.

The problem of “anachronisms”

Refer to elements or details in a narrative that are not consistent with the time period in which the events are said to occur, highlighting historical inaccuracies.

Abraham - Camels & Philistines

No camels have been tamed and philistines do not

Ur & Haran

Two significant locations associated with Abraham, where he originated before moving to Canaan and later to Egypt. Ur is believed to be a prosperous city in ancient Mesopotamia, while Haran was where Abraham settled with his family before continuing his journey.

The durability of oral tradition 

refers to the ability of stories and teachings to be passed down through generations without written records, maintaining their core messages despite potential variations over time. Can be surprisingly durable

Homeric traditions

that were passed down through generations, preserving the epics and cultural narratives of ancient Greece.These oral traditions include the Iliad and the Odyssey, which were eventually written down but originally transmitted orally.

Heinrich Schliemann

A German archaeologist who is best known for his excavations of ancient Troy and Mycenae, Schliemann's work helped confirm the historical basis of Homer's epics.

Milman Parry

A scholar known for his work on the oral-formulaic nature of epic poetry, particularly the works of Homer.

Isaac:  Theological

Occupies a passive role within the patriarchal narratives

o   Differentiates himself (and his progeny) from the many other sons of Abraham

o   Serves as a place keeper betneen the more important figures Abraham and jacon

o   The specific storu about the adult isaac explains the antipathy between

Jacob:  Theologica

He serves the immedeiate progenitor of the twelve tribes

He strivings with his brother Esau, become part of larger tableu of strivings with his father, his father in law, his brother, and hod

o   Changed name to Israel signals he redemption of the individual and a reconstition of Abrahams covenant with is subsequent gernations

Israel and Edom

Two neighboring nations descended from Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom); they often had a contentious relationship.

“The Twelve Tribes”

The descendants of Jacob, who were established as distinct groups of Israelite identity through his twelve sons.

Historical Problems: Isaac and Jacob

Basically the same problems regarding Abraham are attendant with Isaac and Jacob figures

o   No inscriptional evidence has been found

o   No date for their lives can be ascertained

o   Inclusion of various anachronisms in the narratives make specific identification difficult

o   And in addition, the curious duplication of movements may have been fillers to account for the passage of time

o   No camels have been tamed and philistines do not exist yet

Narrative duplication in Issac and Jacob

Explained by the practice of nomads returning periodically to the same places

Also be an attempt to fill out a history where lacunae

Issac and Jacob: Antiquity of names

o   The names of the patriots seem to indicate greater antiquity than the dating ascribed to the source documents

§  Names not having typically expected references to god in the documents

The twelve eponymous tribal fathers

• Reuben (born to Leah)

• Simeon (born to Leah)

• Levi (born to Leah)

• Judah (born to Leah)

• Dan (born to Bilhah)

• Naphtali (born to Bilhah)

• Gad (born to Zilpah)

• Asher (born to Zilpah)

• Issachar (born to Leah)

• Zebulun (born to Leah)

• Joseph (born to Rachel)

• Benjamin (born to Rachel)

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah , et al

The twelve sons of Jacob who became the ancestors of the tribes of Israel, each fathering a tribe named after them.

Dinah

§  Man wants to marry her but her two brothers demand he and his whole town be circumcised

They do, however they are then massacered

Tamar

§  Tamar is the Daughter in law of Judah

Judah's oldest son dies, and she is then shifted to the second oldest son, who dies after masturbating and displeasing god. Later gives birth to children of Judah

Joseph Historical Problems

No name is given for the Pharaoh
– No inscriptional evidence of Joseph in Egyptian documents/inscriptions

Potiphera/Potipher

The priest of On and father-in-law of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. He is known for his role in the story of Joseph, including the events surrounding the false accusation against Joseph by his wife.

Jacobs Blessings (Gen. 48-49)

Claims Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, equal to Reuben and Simeon. Ephraim will become greater, “a multitude of nations,” though Manasseh will also be great.

• Reuben: Firstborn, but unstable as water; forfeits birthright due to sin with father’s concubine.

• Simeon & Levi: Brothers in violence (Shechem incident); scattered in Israel (fulfilled in Levi’s priestly dispersion and Simeon’s territory absorption).

• Judah: Praised by brothers; compared to a lion; kingship (“scepter”) will remain until Shiloh/Messiah; rich land, wine, and milk abundance.

• Zebulun: Dwells by the sea; port for ships, trade connections.

• Issachar: Strong donkey; bears burdens; submits to forced labor.

• Dan: Judges his people; serpent by the path (future tribal conflicts, e.g., Samson).

• Gad: Attacked by raiders, but will attack back.

• Asher: Rich food; royal delicacies.

• Naphtali: Swift deer; beautiful words/poetry.

• Joseph: Fruitful bough by a spring; attacked but strengthened by God; blessings of heaven, deep, breasts, womb; greatest blessing.

• Benjamin: Ravenous wolf; devours prey morning and evening

“The Tale of the Two Brothers”

·         Story of two brother. Older Brother let younger brother work for him. Wife tries to seduce and refuted. Thrown in jail. Later released

The Theological Significance of “The Exodus”

The Exodus is the defining event that forges the identity of Israel

o   Accounting for the emergence of a large ethnically identified people from the extended family of Jacob

o   Providing a dramatic raison d’etre of the later state of Israel, infused with divine agency

o   Serving as a basis for later religious

The Problems with “The Exodus”

There is no extra-biblical attestation to the events of the Exodus

o   Non of the Pharaohs are named in the biblical narratives related to the patriarchal period and the “Egyptian captivity”

§  The Only hints that suggest a time frame are:

·         Pithom (Per-Ramases?)

·         Succoth

o   No archaeological evidence of a large group wandering in the Sinai and Transjordanian wilderness

o   Regional political realities do not allow for easy placement with Egypt controlling territory

Aaron and Phineas

Aaron was the brother of Moses and served as his spokesperson, while Phineas was his grandson known for his zeal in defending God's honor, playing a significant role in the priestly lineage of Israel.

Pithom (Per-Rameses)

A city in ancient Egypt, thought to be built by Jewish slaves during their captivity, often associated with the biblical account of the Israelites' oppression before the Exodus. “The House of Rameses”

The Hyksos

A group of mixed Semitic peoples who invaded and ruled parts of Egypt during the Second Intermediate Period, known for introducing new technologies and weapons.

Thutmose III    

A powerful pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, known for his military conquests and expansion of the Egyptian empire. He is often called the "Napoleon of Egypt" for his strategic prowess. Makes flight of Israelites difficult

The “Apiru”

A group of people in the ancient Near East, often associated with the Hebrews, believed to be marginalized or itinerant laborers.

The Amarna Letters

A collection of clay tablets dating back to the 14th century BCE, containing diplomatic correspondence between the Egyptian administration and various city-states in the Near East, reflecting political and economic interactions.

Akhenaton   

the pharaoh during the 18th dynasty who established a monotheistic worship of Aten, significantly changing Egyptian religion and culture.

Sigmund Fraud

Speculates that Moses was not a Jew but an Egyptian nobleman and a follower of the pharaoh Akhenaten

Ramesses II & Mutwallis

Ramesses II, a prominent pharaoh of the 19th dynasty, is known for his extensive building programs and military exploits. Controls territory where Israel went. While Mutwallis was a local ruler mentioned in the Amarna Letters who interacted with Egyptian authority.

The Battle at Kadesh

a major battle fought between the Egyptians led by Ramesses II and the Hittites, marking one of the earliest recorded battles in history.

“The Merneptah Stele”

is an ancient Egyptian victory stele inscribed during the reign of Pharaoh Merneptah, commemorating his military campaign against the Libyans and other peoples in Canaan, and it is one of the earliest references to Israel.

Leopold Von Ranke

A German historian who is considered one of the founders of modern historical scholarship. He emphasized the importance of primary sources and objective analysis in history.

Prophecy

Book of Daniel contains visions and predictions about future events, including the rise and fall of empires.

History (bible)

1 and 2nd Chronicals, Ezra and Nehemiah are historical books that detail Israel's history after the Babylonian exile, focusing on the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple.

Abraham: Historical

Originating from Ur (Southern Mesopotamia?) and later migrating from Haran
– Specific places known from extra-biblical sources

Participating in a nomadic lifestyle in keeping with the region and times in which he lived

— Nomadic lifestyles in the larger region is still the same as those depicted in Genesis
Engaging various peoples during his travels in a manner consistent with what is known from archaeological evidence
– The one objection to the depiction of nomadic wanderings (attaching for a time to a specific settlement and then detaching)
– Recent archival finds dating the late 3rd and early 2nd millennia confirm this
General biographical details cannot be dismissed simply because of the late composition of the narratives
– The durability of oral tradition

• Homeric traditions

• Milman Per

Jacob Historical

The nomadic lifestyles along well-established transit routes in the Anicent Near East are consistent throughout

o   Jacob erecting an altar at Beth-el

o   Jacobs underhandedness with everyone

o   Jacob marrying sisters (two wives) and then having their handmaids as concubines (essentially 4 wives to produce 12 eponymous tribal leaders)

o   The idolatry of his wives

Issac Historical

·         The nomadic lifestyles along well-established transit routes in the Anicent Near East are consistent throughout

Judah

• Initially, he suggested selling his younger brother Joseph into slavery to Ishmaelites rather than killing him, a pivotal moment in Joseph's narrative

• Later, in Egypt, he demonstrated significant growth by advocating passionately for Benjamin, offering himself as a substitute to spare his father further grief, a key moment showcasing his transformation and leadership

• Addition of the Jacobs final blessing is considered a product of Yahwistic tradition to justify the prominence of Judah in the later political history of the Israel

Asenath

The wife of Joseph and mother of his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. She is often regarded as a symbol of the integration of Egyptian and Hebrew cultures.

Joseph Historical evidences

o   It is known that regular trade was conducted between Egypt and the Levant throughout the 2^nd millennium

o   Semitic peoples lived in the Delta region from the 3^rd millennium

Vizer position, which Joseph was placed in, does exist

Egyptian literary tradition as a basis: The Tale of Two Brothers

Purpose of Genealogies

Means to keep place

A way to tie their own orgins to larger themed stories

An explanation for orgins for others

Many of those “others” reflect peoples with whom the Israelites had further experiences

New Testament Canonization Process

Letters from Paul

4 Gospels are well accepted

Hebrews is debated because Paul never identifies himself as the writer. Written by Jacob/James (renamed after King James version was written), Exact James is unknown and says Works and Faiths, while rest of Paul is just faith