Nations University BRS 125: Exegesis of Hebrew Scriptures - Module 2

1. When interpreting episodes sub-plots within a narrative, one should:

Look for ways sub-plots support or relate to the main body of the narrative.

2. Mark the INCORRECT statement (about chiasm).

While chiasm appears in secular literature, it never appears in Scripture.

3. In Old Testament prose, the scene represents:

Something that took place at a particular time and place.

4. How would you respond to someone who objects to God ordering Israel to kill in Canaan?

Have you considered the context in which God gave that order?

5. Old Testament narratives are:

Historically true but with theological significance.

6. Mark the INCORRECT statement (about details in narrative).

Details are important as they contain hidden meanings intended for allegorical interpretation.

7. Mark the correct statement (about doctrinal content in narrative).

If historical narrative contains any doctrinal content, it should be evident from the context.

8. A good guideline for interpreting historical literature:

Look for the author’s purpose in recording events.

9. What happens in historical narrative:

May be either good or bad.

10. Which question helps discover the theology of a narrative?

To what extent are themes and motifs connected to earlier biblical accounts and revelation?

11. To analyze the plot of a narrative means to:

Note how the action rises toward a climax.

12. Dialogue within biblical narrative:

Often carries the theme of a passage.

13. Mark the correct statement (about literary genre):

For proper understanding, every literary genre requires a uniquely appropriate set of hermeneutical guidelines.

14. Regarding Genesis 37 and dreams:

In Joseph’s case, God revealed His purposes and future; that incident is complete within itself.

15. A proper approach to biblical narrative should focus on:

Individual narratives in their biblical context and form.

16. Mark the correct statement (about applying OT narrative):

Understand its message within context and apply principles to contemporary life.

17. Mark the correct statement (about historical writing):

Historical writing may use a variety of literary genres to accomplish the goal of its author.

18. Mark the correct statement (about narrative):

Narratives present situations as they occurred, without necessarily informing the reader what to do.

19. Reconciling 1 Sam 8 and Deut 17:

God knew Israel would ask for a king and specified qualifications, though asking reflected unfaithfulness.

20. In Old Testament prose, the plot represents:

Sequencing of incidents and episodes as they revolve around some type of conflict.

21. When narrative contains prophecy, the interpreter should:

Seek to understand the passage first in its historical and literary contexts.

22. Genesis 3 element indicating spiritual condition:

The ability to distinguish between good and evil.

23. Mark the correct statement (about narrative purpose):

Narrative presents the human story in relation to God’s story.

24. Basic difference between biblical and secular history:

Content and purpose.

25. Role of the Cain story in Genesis 4:

It sets the stage for what follows.

26. Repetition in Hebrew prose:

Is a stylistic device used to express emphasis, meaning, or development of the text.

27. Inclusion in narrative is accomplished by:

Repeating identical clauses or words.

28. Mark the correct statement (about world context):

Understanding the world in which a biblical narrative is cast helps with interpretation.

29. Mark the correct statement (about law in narrative):

Narrative may contain legal matters, but narrative is not to be thought of as a formulation of law.

30. Mark the correct statement (about doctrinal content):

If a passage intends to set forth devotional or doctrinal content, it should be evident from the context.

31. OT narratives are best:

Best understood within a wider context of biblical material.

32. What separates biblical and secular history writing:

The interpretation of facts is the dividing line.

33. If biblical narrative is inspired, the interpreter should:

Interpret the material within its original context and within the context of the entire Bible.

34. Genesis 6 rationale for the flood:

Man’s wickedness.

35. Which people composed comprehensive histories that became the foundation of the Bible?

None.

36. Major distinction between biblical and secular history:

Biblical history relates events to disclose divine purposes and actions.

37. Mark the correct statement (about differences from secular documents):

Old Testament narratives may differ from secular documents in the way they interpret the event described.

38. Biblical authors:

Pursued a purpose in writing and ordered their material to fit their purposes.

39. Essence of biblical revelation in OT:

Narrative.

40. A good rule to follow:

Determine whether a text has relevance to modern situations based on content and context.