Theolohy May 5th

What were the prophets?

Representatives of God’s message, Israelites, people who had a radical encounter with God.

What were the prophets NOT?

Fortune tellers.

What was the main concern of the prophets?

To remind Israel of their role in the covenants.

As 'covenant-lawyers', what do the prophets accuse Israel of?

Idolatry and injustice to neighbors.

What does it mean to repent?

To confess, to change your ways, to 'turn around'.

What does the Day of the Lord refer to?

When God intervenes to bring justice.

What is the purpose of the cosmic imagery in the prophetic books?

To talk about God's plan for the present and the future.

How is the New Jerusalem described?

As the New Garden of Eden.

What was the social status of the prophets?

They were not really known and were seen as commoners shouting random stuff at people.

How many prophets have their own book in the Bible?

4 major and 12 minor.

What is the 'twin message' of the prophets?

A message of both warning and hope.

What Gospel word encapsulates Hosea's action of paying off his wife's debts?

Redemption.

Who established a covenant with God on behalf of the Israelites at Mt. Sinai?

Moses.

Which empire defeated and exiled the Northern Kingdom?

The Assyrian.

Why did the Israelites make sacrifices to God even though it was condemned?

Because the Israelites did not know God very well.

What is God going to repair?

The human heart.

Who was the king of Northern Israel during the time of Amos?

Jeroboam II.

What were the two misdeeds of the king during his reign?

Committed injustices against the poor and allowed idolatry.

What was Amos’ place of origin?

Southern Kingdom of Judah.

What does the book of Amos consist of?

Visions, Poems, Sermons.

What specific injustices does Amos speak out against?

The poor sold into debt slavery, denied legal representation, and ignored by the wealthy.

What does Amos tell the wealthy and leaders of the Northern Kingdom?

God does not approve of their sacrifices and worship.

What is the Hebrew word for 'justice'?

Mishpat.

Which empire conquered and destroyed the Northern Kingdom?

Assyrians.

What does the destruction of the temple at Bethel symbolize?

God’s justice on the leaders and gods of Israel.

What are the two characteristics of God discussed in the Book of Amos?

Justice and Mercy.

Who are the Major Prophets?

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel.

Who are the Minor Prophets?

Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.

Who are considered Non-Writing Prophets?

Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Deborah, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Nathan.

What is a prophet?

A special kind of messenger from God.

In which part of the Bible are the prophets present?

The Old Testament.

What is the Hebrew word for 'prophet'?

Nabi.

Who is considered the father of the prophets?

Elijah.

What does the name 'Elijah' mean?

YHWH is my God.

Under whose rule did Elijah live?

King Ahab.

Who was King Ahab's wife?

The Canaanite princess Jezebel.

What were the main concerns of Elijah and Elisha?

Social justice and religious devotion to YHWH.

Why is social justice connected to religious devotion to YHWH?

Devotion to YHWH requires commitment to social justice.

What is Amos described as?

A shepherd and tree farmer near Bethlehem.

Where did Amos’ prophetic ministry take place?

In the Northern Kingdom during the rule of Jeroboam.

What makes Amos significant among prophets?

He has a separate, recorded collection of sayings.

What did Amos believe about the destruction of the people?

It was meant to be instructive, not destructive.

In Hosea's story, who is the known prostitute?

Gomer.

What is the symbolism of Hosea's marriage to Gomer?

God’s everlasting love for Israel.

What significant change occurred with the end of independent Hebrew states?

It was the most significant change since their formation during the Exodus.

Who provoked the division of the kingdom of Israel?

Rehoboam.

How many sections is the book of Isaiah divided into?

Three sections.

What is the outstanding quality of God according to Isaiah?

God’s Glory.

How did Jeremiah contribute to his legacy?

He received and communicated God’s messages of judgment and hope.

What empire did Jeremiah predict would conquer Jerusalem?

Babylonians.

Which job did Ezekiel hold during the Babylonian attack?

A priest.

What did Ezekiel's vision reveal?

The appearance of the glory of the Lord.

What does God's goodness demand?

Justice.

What does an oracle establish?

The reliability of the message coming from God.

What is the new coming king, Emmanuel, characterized by?

Empowered by God's Spirit, bringing peace, and attracting all nations.

According to Micah, what defines a good action towards others?

Justice, mercy, and humility.