BST Midterm Study Guide

Syncretism

the blending or mixing of different religious beliefs and practices, often combining worship of YHWH with that of other gods.

Former Prophets

the section of the Hebrew Bible that includes the historical books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, telling the story of Israel's life in the land from conquest to exile.

Priest

a religious figure whose role centered on worship and sacrifice.

Latter Prophets

a division of the Hebrew Bible that consists of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Book of the Twelve (Hosea-Malachi).

Day of the LORD

the day of YHWH's victory and reign over those who oppose His divine will.

Exile

the period when Israelites were taken to Babylon after Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 B.C.

Edict of Cyrus

the Persian ruler who in 538 B.C issued a ruling that allowed the exiled Israelites to return to their homeland. The book of Isaiah refers to Cyrus as the chosen of YHWH

The Servant of the LORD

 a title that refers to someone chosen by God to carry out his will. The book of Isaiah contains four passages as the “Servant Songs” that point to the coming Messiah

Hebrew Poetry

For a constructive reading of the Psalms and Wisdom literature, one needs to have an awareness of Hebrew poetry.

Wisdom Literature

The name commonly given to the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. This literature was concerned with finding order in the universe and the best way to live a good life.

Invocation (Lament)

crying out to God, "O LORD."

Complaint (Lament)

this is what my problem is.

Petition (Lament)

asking God to do something about it.

Affirmation of Trust (Lament)

I know God has heard me.

Doxology (Lament)

celebrating who God is.

Davidic Covenant

found in 2 Samuel 7:1-17; God promises David an everlasting dynasty. "Your throne shall be established forever." Fulfilled in Jesus, the eternal Son of David.

Importance of Davidic Covenant

for Jews: a king from David's line will always rule; for Christians: Jesus fulfills this promise forever.

Cured of _________

idolatry.

strong emphasis on __________

The Torah

___________ begins

process of canonization

new vocation: ______

scribes.

______ become the center of worship

synagogues

roles of _________

king and prophet diminish

priests ________

role is emphasized.

tension between __________

exclusivity and inclusivity.

Movement to the Monarchy overview

Abraham, Exodus, Wilderness, Land, Judges, and Monarchy describe Israel's journey from promise to kingship.

Abraham

the first person God works with to move the story forward.

Exodus

the story of God's love and deliverance.

Wilderness

God gives the Torah and guides His people.

Land

God raises military leaders (judges) to protect His people.

Judges

a cycle of sin → oppression → repentance → deliverance.

Monarchy

the time when Israel desired a king.

David

a man after God's own heart who unites Israel and establishes Jerusalem as the center of worship.

Biblical Prophet

a messenger sent by God to speak His word to the people.

Purpose of Prophets

to hold Israel's kings accountable and ensure obedience to the Torah.

Law (Torah / Pentateuch)

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

Former Prophets

Joshua, Judges, Samuel (1 & 2), Kings (1 & 2).

Latter Prophets

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

Writings (Ketuvim)

Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, Chronicles (1 & 2).