Old Testament Quiz 1

Know Dr. Richter's nickname for the condition where Bible readers have a jumble of knowledge about different parts of the Old Testament but have no way to put it all together to be useful.

Dysfunctional Closet Syndrome

What does Dr. Richter call the gap that exists between modern readers of the Bible and the cultures described in the Bible?

The Great Barrier

How does Dr. Richter define the phrase "canonizing culture"?

Confusing the culture in which the Bible was written with the message God is actually trying to convey.

What would be the culturally understood definition of redemption by people in the Old Testament?

referred to a patriarch’s act of using his own resources to ransom or restore a family member—someone marginalized by poverty, debt, or oppression—back into the safety and status of the extended household (the bêt ʾāb).

Firstborn Son significance

the expected successor—receiving a double portion and responsibility to eventually lead the household.

Definition of bêt ʾāb

Hebrew, literally “father’s house/household”) as the extended family unit centered on the patriarch. This could include three generations—up to around thirty people—living together, sharing resources, and jointly maintaining the land.

Definition of "Canon"

comes from the Hebrewword qaneh and the Greek word kanon.

Both words originally signified a reed or measuring stick.

the three sections/divisions of the Hebrew order of the Bible

Torah (תּוֹרָה; “Teaching” or “Law”), Nevi'im (נְבִיאִים; “Prophets”), and Ketuvim (כְּתוּבִים; “Writings”)

Psalm 1 and what type of people are being compared with each other.

the wicked and the righteous

Pay attention to what the fool says in his heart in Psalms 14 & 53.

“There is no God”