Old Testament History Review

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary from Old Testament history lectures.

Deuteronomy

Fifth book of the Torah, written by Moses near the Jordan River.

Meaning of Deuteronomy

Means "second law" or "repetition of the law."

Summary of Deuteronomy

Moses gives final speeches before Israel enters the Promised Land.

Shema

A Jewish prayer declaring the oneness of God (Deut. 6:4).

Mezuzah

A piece of parchment with the Shema placed on doorposts.

Moses’ Final Message

Moses warns and encourages Israel to choose life

= choose god.

Joshua

Book about Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua.

Theme and Context of Joshua

Faithful obedience leads to victory in God's plan.

Joshua

Moses' successor and military leader of Israel.

Joshua’s Commissioning

God appoints Joshua as leader after Moses.

Rahab

A Canaanite woman who helps Israelite spies in Jericho.

Crossing the Jordan

Miracle where Israel crosses the Jordan River on dry ground.

Lord’s Commander

Divine figure who meets Joshua before Jericho battle.

Siege of Jericho

Israelites conquer Jericho by marching and blowing trumpets.

Herem

Devoting something to God, often by total destruction.

Achan’s Sin

Achan disobeys God, causing Israel to lose in battle.

Judges

Book about Israel’s leaders before kings ruled.

Judge vs. King

Judges were temporary, God-appointed leaders; kings ruled permanently.

Themes of Judges

Disobedience, punishment, repentance, and deliverance.

Cycle of Sin and Redemption

Repeated pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and rescue.

Authorship of Judges

Traditionally attributed to Samuel.

Othniel

First judge of Israel, delivered them from Cushan.

Deborah

Prophetess and judge who led Israel to victory.

Jabin

Canaanite king defeated during Deborah’s leadership.

Sisera

General of Jabin, killed by Jael.

Barak

Israelite general who fought under Deborah’s command.

Jael

Woman who killed Sisera by driving a tent peg into his head.

Gideon

Judge who defeated the Midianites with a small army.

Gideon’s family

His son Abimelech tried to become king.

Good and Bad of Gideon

Trusted God but made an idol that led people astray.

Samson

Judge with great strength who fought the Philistines.

Nazarene

A person dedicated to God with special vows.

Marriage of Samson

Married a Philistine woman, causing conflict.

Samson’s Riddle

A riddle he gave during his wedding, based on a lion and honey.

Samson’s Jawbone

He killed 1,000 Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone.

Samson’s Haircut

His strength left when Delilah cut his hair.

Delilah

Woman who betrayed Samson to the Philistines.

Samson destroys Temple

Samson died destroying the Philistine temple with his strength.

Ruth

Story of loyalty and redemption during the time of Judges.

Theme of Ruth

Faithfulness and God's providence.

Ruth (Moabite)

Foreign woman who stayed loyal to Naomi and became David’s ancestor.

Naomi (Israelite)

Ruth’s mother-in-law who returned to Bethlehem.

Hesed

Hebrew for loyal love or kindness.

Boaz

Wealthy relative who marries Ruth.

Ancestor of whom?

Ruth is an ancestor of King David (and Jesus).

Samuel

Prophet and last judge of Israel.

Hannah

Samuel’s mother who prayed for a child.

Samuel

Prophet who anointed Saul and David.

Eli and sons’ corruption

Eli’s sons disrespected God, causing judgment.

Samuel’s Revelation

God spoke to Samuel as a boy.

Ark in Dagon’s Temple

God showed His power over Philistine god Dagon.

Demand for a king

Israelites wanted a king like other nations.

Saul

First king of Israel, chosen by God.

The Failed King

Saul disobeyed God and lost His favor.

David anointed

Samuel anointed David as future king.

David and Goliath

David defeated Goliath with a sling and faith.

David’s victory

David rose as a hero and warrior.

Jonathan

Saul’s son and David’s loyal friend.

Saul’s jealousy

Saul became jealous and tried to kill David.

Conjuring of Samuel

Saul sought a medium to bring up Samuel's spirit.

Saul’s death

Saul died in battle against the Philistines.

Zion

Another name for Jerusalem, the city of David.

Zionist

Supporter of the return to and rebuilding of Israel.

Davidic Covenant

God's promise that David’s lineage would last forever.

David’s sin

He committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed.

Uriah

Bathsheba’s husband, sent to die in battle by David.

Bathsheba

Woman David sinned with; mother of Solomon.

Nathan

Prophet who confronted David about his sin.

David’s legacy

Man after God’s heart, despite failure.

Kings

Books about the rise and fall of Israel's monarchy.

Solomon

David’s son known for wisdom and building the Temple.

First Temple

Built by Solomon in Jerusalem to worship God.

Solomon’s Downfall

Turned to idols because of foreign wives.

Rehoboam

Solomon’s son who caused the kingdom to split.

Jeroboam

Led the northern tribes in rebellion against Rehoboam.

Ahijah

Prophet who foretold the split of the kingdom.

Elijah

Prophet who challenged Baal worship under Ahab.

Ahab

Wicked king married to Jezebel.

Jezebel

Evil queen who promoted idol worship.

922 BC

Year the kingdom split into north and south.

721 BC

Fall of Israel (northern kingdom) to Assyria.

586 BC

Fall of Judah (southern kingdom) to Babylon.

Assyrians

Conquered northern Israel and exiled its people.

Babylonians

Conquered Judah and destroyed the Temple.

Nebuchadnezzar

Babylonian king who destroyed Jerusalem.

Conditions of the Davidic Covenant

David’s descendants must stay faithful for blessings.

Build from Mosaic/Abrahamic Covenants

Adds a royal line promise to earlier covenants.

David’s Punishment

God forgave him but brought suffering to his family.