Theology Final Study Guide
Theology Final Study Guide
Genesis-Judges
The Great Commandment (Dt 6:4-5)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
Genesis (Joseph)
Characters
Joseph - Son of Jacob and Rachel, favorite of Jacob
Reuben - First born of Zilpah
Benjamin - only full blood brother of Joseph
Isaac and Laban - Joseph’s grandfathers on both sides
The Ishmaelites - purchased Joseph for 20 pieces of silver
Potiphar - a Pharaoh’s Egyptian officer and the captain of the guard
Potiphar’s wife - had a crush on Joseph but would frame him for rape because he refused
Chief cupbearer/butler - one of Pharaoh’s officers and was put in jail for angering the Pharaoh, had a dream that foreshadowed him going out of jail and returning to his position
Chief baker - one of Pharaoh’s officers and was put in jail for angering the Pharaoh, had a dream that foreshadowed his death
Pharaoh - needed Joseph’s help interpreting his dreams
Asenath - daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, wife to Joseph
Potiphera - Joseph’s father-in-law
Manasseh - (Hebrew: means to forget) firstborn son of Joseph
Ephraim - (Hebrew: means to be fruitful) second son of Joseph
Judah - one of Joseph’s 10 brothers that came to Egypt, offers himself to save Benjamin
Vocab
Haran (aka Padan-aram) - place where Joseph is born
Interpolation - something inserted that doesn’t really belong. Genesis 38 is an example of interpolation
“All the earth” - refers to the entire world
Events
How old was Joseph when we first heard of his ability to interpret dreams?
17
There were 2 dreams at that time. What were they and what do they mean?
Dream 1: Joseph and his brothers are “sheaves” all bow down to one sheaf that is Joseph
Dream 2: The sun, moon and stars representing Joseph’s brothers and parent bow down to Joseph
What happens to Joseph at Dothan?
Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and taken to Egypt
In that story, two traditions (2 sources) are present. What was the first story and source?
1st Story: “J” Source – The brothers conspire to kill Joseph but instead Judah (our hero) intercedes and suggests selling him to the Ishmaelites.
What was the second story and source?
2nd Story: “E” source – Reuben (our hero) influences the brothers to throw Joseph in a pit. He plans on rescuing him later. In the meantime, Midianite traders pass by, take Joseph out of the pit and sell him to Potiphar in Egypt.
What is the story told to Jacob about his missing son?
Wild Animals devoured him
Who was Potiphar? What was Joseph’s job under him?
Potiphar was a Pharaoh’s Egyptian officer and the captain of the guard.
Joseph was a servant and eventually was put in charge of Potiphar’s household and property
Who was Potiphar? What was Joseph’s job under him?
Potiphar was a Pharaoh’s Egyptian officer and the captain of the guard.
Joseph was a servant and eventually was put in charge of Potiphar’s household and property
What was the first thing that happened to Joseph that could have cost him his life?
The instance where his brothers threw him into a pit and would've been killed if not for Judah interceding.
Know the story about Potiphar’s wife framing Joseph.
Potiphar’s wife wanted to sleep with Joseph but then he ran away and left his garment. The wife used his garment as evidence that Joseph tried to rape her and accuses Joseph of rape.
What happened while Joseph was in jail? What position was Joseph put in?
The Lord was with Joseph and found favor in the sight of the chief jailor. This caused him to be put in charge of all the prisoners because “whenever the Lord was with him and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper”.
Who were Joseph’s prison mates? Why were they there?
Pharaoh’s 2 officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.
They were there because the Pharaoh was angry with them.
What was bothering them?
They were troubled with their dreams because they had no one to interpret them.
Know each dream, its interpretation, and the fate of each dreamer.
Chief cupbearer’s dream
Dream:
“In my dream I saw a vine in front of me, and on the vine were three branches. As soon as it budded, it blossomed, and its clusters ripened into grapes. Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, and I took the grapes, squeezed them into Pharaoh’s cup and put the cup in his hand.”
Interpretation
The 3 branches resemble 3 days where in 3 days the chief cupbearer will get back his position and serve the Pharaoh as normal.
Chief baker’s dream
Dream:
“I too had a dream: On my head were three baskets of bread. In the top basket were all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head.”
Interpretation
The 3 baskets resemble 3 days and in 3 days he will be hanged for sinning against the Pharaoh
What request did Joseph make of the chief butler?
To make a mention of him to the Pharaoh
What happened to Pharaoh 2 years later that changed Joseph’s life?
The Pharaoh had a dream that required Joseph to interpret it.
How did Joseph come to be the one chosen to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams?
The chief cupbearer recommended him to the Pharaoh.
Know each of the Pharaoh’s dreams and their meanings.
Dreams
1st Dream: A dream where there was 7 fat and sleek cows and 7 thin and ugly cows. The 7 thin and ugly cows ate the 7 fat and sleek cows
2nd Dream; A dream where there was 7 ears of grain, full and good, and 7 ears that were withered. The 7 withered ears sprouted after the 7 good ears and swallowed them.
Meaning
They both mean the same thing, where the seven good products resemble 7 years of great plenty through the land of Egypt and then afterwards there would be 7 years of famine which is symbolised by 7 bad products.
How did their interpretations change the course of Joseph’s life?
He went from a prisoner to a position of power in Egypt
According to the Hebrew thought, what did dreaming the same thing twice mean?
It means that the events symbolised by the dream are fixed by God and God will bring it to pass. It is inevitable.
What did Joseph counsel Pharaoh to do?
He told the Pharaoh to first select a wise, discerning man to rule Egypt. Secondly, he told the Pharaoh to appoint overseers over the land and take one-fifth of produce. Lastly, he told him to gather food over the years under the authority of the Pharaoh for food in the cities and let them keep it.
What evidence do we have that Joseph became Egyptianized?
The Pharaoh changed Joseph’s name to Zaphenath-paneah and gave him clothes, jewelry, and an Egyptian wife.
How old was Joseph when he entered the service of the Pharaoh?
30 years old
How much food was Joseph able to store away for Egypt?
Joseph was able to store an abundance of food in the cities of Egypt. It was so much that he wasn’t able to count.
How does Egypt get its food during the famine?
They relied on the food reserves that Joseph made.
Who of Joseph’s brothers came first? Who sends them? How many? Why not Benjamin?
10 of Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt
Jacob sends them to Egypt
He did not send Benjamin because he feared that harm might come to him.
What was Joseph’s official title in Egypt?
He was Vizier of Egypt and his Egyptian name is Zaphenath-paneah
What were some of the things that Joseph did to his brothers to give them a hard time?
Joseph called them spies and put them in jail. On the third day, he ordered them to leave one of their brothers in jail while the rest would carry grain and bring the youngest brother to him.
In what way only was the Pharaoh still greater than Joseph?
Only in terms of his position on the throne.
Why do the brothers think all their trouble is happening?
They thought this was punishment for what they did to Joseph.
Why do the brothers talk so openly in front of Joseph?
They didn’t know that Joseph understood them and instead talked through an interpreter.
How was the money in the sacks first discovered? What was the reaction?
When one of them opened his sack to give his donkey fodder.
Terrified and afraid.
Which brother finally convinces Jacob to let Benjamin go?
Judah
According to Jacob, what will happen to him if Benjamin dies? (To Jacob)
Jacob will die if Benjamin dies.
What happens when the brothers first reach Egypt this time?
Joseph ordered his steward to bring his brothers into his house.
Why does Joseph dine alone? How is Benjamin treated at this meal?
Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews
Benjamin is treated with more favor as he receives more food than his brothers to see if they would be jealous of him. The brothers were merry with Benjamin.
Which brother turns out to be the best? (not Joseph)What does he offer for Benjamin?
Judah
He offers to be a slave to save Benjamin
Know the story of Joseph’s self revelation to his brothers.
Joseph could not control himself and revealed his true identity to his brothers. Joseph tells his brothers that it was not them that sent him to Egypt, but God. Joseph tells them to go back to their father and move to Goshen, a land in Egypt, so that Joseph can provide for them.
Know the story of the families move to Egypt and Pharaoh’s role in this.
Pharaoh is pleased that Joseph’s family is moving to Egypt and says to Joseph to take his father and household to him. He gives them wagons and offers all the land of Egypt.
Know of the deaths of Jacob and Joseph. How do they get to Egypt?
Jacob’s death:
Jacob is 147 years old and requests that he will be buried in his ancestor’s burial place and not in Egypt. Jacob then blesses Joseph’s sons and says last words to his sons. He is then buried where Abraham and Rebekah were buried and Joseph takes Egypt’s servants and elders and household of Jacob and mourns for Jacob’s death. Joseph forgives his brothers.
Joseph’s death:
Joseph is 110 years old and made the Israelites swear to bury Joseph in Canaan when God comes to them. Joseph dies and is embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.
They get to Egypt by using the carts that the Pharaoh gave them.
Jacob’s death means the end of the patriarchal system and the beginning of the tribal system.
Exodus
Characters
Moses - Main character
Moses’ sister - Watched over Moses as he went down the river; persuaded Pharaoh’s daughter to choose their own mother to nurse Moses
Pharaoh’s daughter - Adopted Moses and treated him as if it was her baby
Zipporah - daughter of Reuel and wife to Moses
Gershom - son of Moses and Zipporah
Reuel/Jethro - Moses’ father-in-law
Vocab
(Heb.) Pesach - means ‘passed over’
(Heb.) Seder - means ‘order’
(Egy.) Hyksos - term for ‘foreigner’
Symbolism
Unleavened bread - shows how the Israelites left in such a hurry that the bread couldn’t rise
Salt water at passover - symbolizes tears
Events
According to Exodus, how many of the family of Israel first came to Egypt?
70
According to the Pharaoh, what was the trouble with the Hebrews?
There were more Hebrews than Egyptians
What happened when the Taskmasters increased their oppression of the Hebrews/Israelites?
The Hebrews grew more in population
What were Pithom and Raamses?
They were supply cities built by the Hebrews
What order did the Pharaoh give the Hebrew midwives, and then all the Egyptian people?
He ordered the Hebrews to kill their baby if they were a boy
From what tribe did the parents of Moses come?
The Levites
How was Moses hidden when first born?
He was hidden in a basket among the reeds
After Moses’ mother could not hide him any longer, what did she do?
She hid him in a basket among the reeds
Why did Pharaoh’s daughter need someone to nurse the child?
She could not breastfeed Moses
How was Moses’ own mother chosen to nurse him?
Moses’ sister chose his mother
Why did Pharaoh's daughter name him Moses? (What can we deduce in the meaning of his name?) What Hebrew name is it based upon?
She named him Moses because she drew him out of the water. Moses means to draw out.
Why did Moses flee Egypt?
He thought the Pharaoh was gonna kill him.
Where did he go?
Midian
Who was Zipporah? Who was Gershom?
Zipporah: daughter of Reuel and wife to Moses
Gershom: son of Moses and Zipporah
What are two names for Moses’ father-in-law?
Reuel
Jethro
Where did Moses first meet his soon to be wife? What motif is used?
He met her at a well
The motif is the well and watering flock
Where did Moses first encounter God?
Horeb, the mountain of God
How did God appear to Moses?
In a burning bush and called out to him
How did God identify himself?
He called himself as the God of his ancestors
How did God poetically describe the land to which he would lead the Israelites?
A land flowing with milk and honey
How is the name for God revealed to Moses, by God?
Moses asked God for his name just in case the Israelites ask.
God’s name is I AM or I AM WHO I AM
What was to be Moses’ first request to Pharaoh?
To let Israelites go out of Egypt
What three tricks were Moses first given?
He was able to turn his staff into a snake
He was able to put his hand inside his cloak to turn it leprous.
He was able to turn water from the Nile into blood
When the Israelites leave, God promises that they will not go empty handed. What will they bring with them and why?
They would bring jewelry of gold and silver, and clothing so that they could put them on their sons and daughters. God ordered this because he wanted to plunder Egypt.
How do we know that Moses isn’t too anxious to go to Egypt?
He is given many talents to prove to the Egyptians and Israelites that his message is real and is also given a companion, Aaron. God is also with him.
Why is Aaron sent to accompany Moses?
He could speak fluently and would be the mouth of Moses.
What famous four words are always said before a plague? (first given in 5:1)
Let my people go
How did Pharaoh respond to Moses and Aaron’s request to let the Israelites go into the wilderness to celebrate a festival to their God?
He refused because he did not know who God was.
What promise does God make to Moses in 3:12?
God said that he would be with him.
What name is Moses given to tell the Hebrew people in Egypt for the God of Mt. Horeb?
“I AM WHO I AM” or “I AM”
What three tricks is Moses first given?
Turn his staff into a snake
Turn his hand leprous (not depicted in the movie)
Turn the water of the Nile into blood
How do we know that Moses isn’t too anxious to go to Egypt?
He kept making excuses to not go
Why is Aaron sent to accompany Moses?
He could speak fluently and would be the mouth of Moses
What excuse or reason is given to Jethro for leaving Midian?
He told Jethro to let him go back to Egypt to see if his people are still living.
What famous four words are always said before a plague? (first given in 5:1)
Let my people go
When Moses complains to God that all that has happened to the Israelites in misfortune and mistreatment, what reassurance does God give to Moses to share with the Israelites? (Ex. 6:1-9)
God has not forgotten the covenant, he reminds them. The Israelites did not listen to Moses because of their broken spirit.
Why (at first) won’t Pharaoh allow the Hebrews to go free?
He didn't know who YHWH was.
What happened when Aaron and Pharaoh’s magicians both produce serpents with their rods?
Aaron’s snake swallowed up their snakes
What are the 10 plagues (listed in chapters. 7-11)?
Water turned into blood
Swarmed with frogs
Dust turned into gnats (stinging flies)
Swarms of flies
Livestock diseased
Boils caused on people
Thunder and hail
Locusts
Darkness
The Death of Every Firstborn
What is the Passover (Heb. Pesach)?
It is when the Israelites were spared during the tenth plague.
What characteristic for the lamb is specified by God?
It should be without blemish and a year old.
How should it be prepared?
They would slaughter it at twilight and would put the blood of the lamb on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses to signal that they were Israelites and should be spared.
How many Hebrews left Egypt according to Exodus?
About 600,000 men on foot
According to the bible, how many years had the Israelites lived in Egypt?
430 years
About the Exodus route...why such an indirect trip?
The Israelites/Hebrews were inexperienced in war and God thought they would be afraid and change their minds and return to Egypt. He also did this to test their faith in him.
What strange thing did Moses take with him into the Exodus according to chapter 13?
The bones of Joseph
How did the Lord guide the people by day? By night?
by day with a pillar of cloud
by night with a pillar of fire
What sarcastic remark do the Hebrews make to Moses when they see the Egyptians coming after them?
“Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?”.
What Sea do the Hebrews traditionally cross?
Red Sea
Before crossing, how were the Hebrews kept safe by night from the Egyptians?
by placing a pillar of cloud and fire between them and the pursuing Egyptian army,
What did Moses do at God’s command that saved the Israelites from the Egyptians?
He parted the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to flee.
What is repeated 36 times in the Jewish Scriptures?
It is repeated that the Jews are called to remember the stranger
Deuteronomy
Events
The book of Deuteronomy was discovered during the reign of whom?
King Josiah
What does the name Deuteronomy mean?
It means "copy of the law."
The material in Deuteronomy does what for the Mosaic Law founded at Mt. Sinai?
It completes and offers explanation for the Law
Where are the historical events of the book situated?
They are situated in the plains of Moab between the Chosen People’s wanderings in the desert and the crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
Where is the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) given for the first time?
In the Book of Exodus.
How many laws are there in the Torah?
613
Who gave the eloquent speeches found in the Book of Deuteronomy?
Moses.
According to Deuteronomy 8:3, by what do people live?
"Not by bread alone but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord."
What proof do the Israelites have that they worship the one true God, according to Deuteronomy 3:24?
"What god in heaven or on earth can perform deeds and powerful acts like yours?"
What is the greatest commandment in Jewish Law found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 called?
The Shema. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
What is a mezuzah and where is it placed according to Deuteronomy 6:9?
It contains the Shema and is placed on doorposts.
What will happen to the Israelites if they obey or disobey the Lord’s commandments according to Deuteronomy 11:26–28?
They will be blessed if they obey, cursed if they disobey.
Which three groups of people were the Israelites especially concerned with, according to Deuteronomy 14:29 and 26:12?
The resident alien, orphan, and widow.
What custom did the Israelites have to help the poor escape their poverty every seven years?
Remission of debts. (Deuteronomy 15:1–3)
What does Deuteronomy 15:11 command the Israelites to do?
"Open your hand freely to your poor and needy kin."
According to Deuteronomy 14:10, which sea creatures could the Israelites not eat?
Sea creatures without fins and scales.
What were the Israelites not to consume, viewing it as the source of life according to Deuteronomy 12:23?
Animal blood.
According to Deuteronomy 20:10, what was the first thing the Israelite army was to do when attacking an enemy city?
Offer terms of peace.
How many witnesses were required to condemn a criminal to death according to Deuteronomy 17:6?
Two or three.
What was the maximum number of lashes a guilty party could receive in punishment according to Deuteronomy 25:3?
Forty.
Who was the great leader whose death marks the end of Deuteronomy and the whole Torah?
Moses.
Joshua
Events
Who was put in charge of Israel after Moses died?
Joshua
What did Joshua do to ensure that the Israelites followed the Lord's commands?
He read the law to them
How did the Israelites demonstrate their trust in God during the conquest of Jericho?
By following the Lord's commands faithfully
What was the significance of the spies' mission to Jericho?
To gather information
What land were the Israelites instructed to cross into?
Canaan
How did the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh respond to Joshua's commands?
They agreed to help.
What consequences did the Israelites warn the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh about if they rebelled against the Lord?
They would face a plague like at Peor
How did the Israelites deal with the towns that made peace with them during the conquest of Canaan?
They spared the towns.
What was the name of the Canaanite prostitute?
Rahab
What did Rahab, the prostitute, do to protect the Israelite spies in Jericho?
She hid them on the roof of her house.
What did Rahab acknowledge about the Israelites and their God?
They were strong
How did Rahab demonstrate her faith and trust in the Israelites?
By hiding the spies.
Why did the Israelites spare Rahab and her family during the conquest of Jericho?
She helped the Israelite spies
How did the Israelites ensure that Rahab and her family were spared during the conquest of Jericho?
They marked their house with a special symbol
What was the significance of the scarlet cord in Rahab's house during the conquest of Jericho?
It symbolized Rahab’s faith and protection
What did the spies report to Joshua after their mission in Jericho?
The inhabitants were afraid.
What was the role of the Ark of the Covenant in the conquest of Jericho?
It was carried around the city by priests.
According to Joshua 6:1–20, God brought down the walls of Jericho following what?
The shouts, marching, and horn blowing of the Israelites
On the seventh day, how many times were they to march around the city?
7
What lesson can be learned from the story of the conquest of Jericho?
The power of faith and obedience
What did the Lord command Joshua and the Israelites to do with the devoted things from Jericho?
Burn them
What was the consequence of Achan's disobedience?
He was stoned to death
What did the commander of the army of the LORD instruct Joshua to do?
To remove his sandals.
What strategy did Joshua use in the conquest of Ai that differed from Jericho?
Setting an ambush
What did Joshua do to ensure the sun stood still during the battle against the Amorites?
He commanded the sun to stand still
What did Joshua do to the kings he defeated in the northern hill country?
He put them to death
What was the consequence of the Israelites making a treaty with the Gibeonites?
They were cursed by the Lord
What was the fate of the kings who were found hiding in a cave at Makkedah?
They were put to death
What was the fate of the town of Hazor after Joshua defeated its king?
It was burned with fire
What was the fate of the Anakim in the hill country of Judah and Israel?
They were put to death
What regions of Canaan were still unconquered according to the reading?
The regions of the Philistines and the Geshurites
What is the difference between other nations’ relationship with their gods and the Israelites’ relationship with God concerning war?
Other nations believed their gods fought with their armies and the Israelites thought YHWH fought for them.
What were the restrictions on who was allowed to fight?
Men who had just planted a vineyard, built a house, became engaged to marry, or were afraid to fight were supposed to go home.
What were the reasons for the restrictions on men who were allowed to fight?
To show that it is only God’s power that matters in war.
Why did Rahab express her belief that YHWH was "indeed God in heaven”?
Because the people of Jericho had heard that YHWH had dried up the waters of the Red Sea.
What is similar between Moses with the Red Sea and Joshua with the Jordan River?
The Jordan River divided for Joshua, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground.
What did Joshua command the priests to do when they reached the Jordan River?
Stand still in the Jordan
What specific instructions did Joshua give to the officers of the people?
Cross the Jordan in three days.
What did the Israelites eat after crossing the Jordan?
Unleavened cakes and parched grain
In Joshua 3 what do the priests carry to signify YHWH was preceding them into the Jordan?
The Ark of the Covenant
What did the Israelites do to commemorate their crossing of the Jordan?
Set up twelve stones
What was the reason for circumcising the Israelites a second time?
To fulfill covenant
What did the LORD instruct Joshua to do after the nation finished crossing over the Jordan?
To select 12 men from each tribe.
In Joshua 3 and 4, how many men are chosen to carry out what Joshua is asking them to do?
12
What was the significance of the altar built by the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh?
To serve as a witness between the tribes
What did the Israelites give to Joshua as an inheritance?
A city in the hill country of Ephraim
What did Caleb receive as an inheritance?
The town of Hebron
What was the main reason for the tribe of Joseph protesting to Joshua?
They were concerned about the Canaanites' chariots
What reasons did the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh give for building the altar?
To serve as a witness for future generations
Judges
Characters
Events
Deborah
Deborah's Leadership: Prophetess and judge, led Israel alongside Barak.
Barak's Role: Military leader who fought under Deborah's guidance.
Victory Over Sisera: Led to the defeat of the Canaanite commander Sisera.
Jael's Act: Jael killed Sisera by driving a tent peg through his temple.
Song of Deborah: A victory hymn praising God and recounting the battle.
Gideon
Oppression by Midianites: Israel faced seven years of oppression by the Midianites.
Divine Encounter: An angel appeared to Gideon while he was threshing wheat in a winepress.
Questioning God: Gideon questioned the angel about God's presence and past miracles.
Assurance from God: The angel caused fire to consume an offering as a sign.
Destroying the Altar of Baal: Gideon tore down his father's altar to Baal at night.
Summoning an Army: Gideon gathered soldiers from multiple tribes to fight the Midianites.
Fleece Test: Gideon asked for signs from God with a fleece to confirm His promise.
Reducing the Army: God instructed Gideon to reduce the army to 300 men.
Divine Strategy: Gideon's 300 men used trumpets, jars, and torches to create confusion in the Midianite camp.
Victory Over Midianites: Midianites turned on each other and were defeated by Israel.
He then built an Idol which the israelites worshipped.
Ehud
Oppression by Moabites: Israel faced oppression by the Moabites under King Eglon.
Ehud's Left-Handedness: Ehud was left-handed, which played a crucial role in his mission.
Assassination of Eglon: Ehud delivered a tribute to King Eglon and used a concealed dagger to kill him.
Escape and Rally: Ehud escaped and rallied the Israelites to attack the Moabites.
Victory Over Moabites: Israel defeated the Moabites, bringing peace for eighty years.
Samson
Samson's Birth: Announced by an angel, dedicated as a Nazirite.
Samson's Strength: Killed a lion with his bare hands, performed incredible feats.
Conflicts with Philistines: Repeatedly fought against the Philistines, often single-handedly.
He killed 30 of them over a wager
He lit their crops on fire with the tails of fox
Samson and the Jawbone: Killed 1,000 Philistines with a donkey's jawbone.
Samson's Weaknesses: His attraction to Philistine women led to his downfall.
Samson and Delilah: Delilah's betrayal resulted in Samson's capture.
Samson's Final Act: Pulled down the pillars of a Philistine temple, killing himself and many Philistines.
The Philistines
Conflict with Israel: The Philistines were a constant threat and enemy to Israel.
Sin and Idolatry: The Philistines worshipped false gods and led Israel into sin.
Oppression: They oppressed Israel and were involved in conflicts throughout the period of the judges.
Themes and Lessons
Leadership of Deborah: Example of strong, godly leadership.
Faith and Obedience: Importance of following God's commands.
Consequences of Disobedience: Seen in Israel's repeated suffering.
Redemption and Deliverance: God's mercy despite Israel's failures.
Exodus
1. According to Exodus, how many of the family of Israel first came to Egypt?
It says that the house was of 70 people.
2. According to the Pharaoh, what was the trouble with the Hebrews?
He thought that they would become strong and overpower him, but they were also becoming to many.
3. What happened when the Taskmasters increased their oppression of the
Hebrews/Israelites?
Their population grew and the Egyptians became even more scared.
4. What were Pithom and Raamses?
They were cities built under the rule of the Pharoah to store their riches built by the Israelites.
5. What order did the Pharaoh give the Hebrew midwives, and then all the Egyptian people?
The order was that all the Hebrews kill their sons once they were born.
6. From what tribe did the parents of Moses come?
The tribe of Levi
7. How was Moses hidden when first born?
The Bible tells us he was hidden in the tall grass in the Nile.
8. After Moses’ mother could not hide them any longer, what did she do?
She put him in a basket and covered it with pitch.
9. Why did Pharaoh’s daughter need someone to nurse the child?
Because she could tell that he was a Hebrew child so she got a Hebrew to nurse him.
10. How was Moses’ own mother chosen to nurse him?
Because Moses’s sister got her mother to come and Nurse him because the Pharoahs daughter needed a wet nurse.
11. Where did he go? Why did Moses flee Egypt?
Moses accidentally killed an Egyptian after protection a Hebrew so he fled to the land of Midian.
13. Who is Reuel? Who is Jethro?
Reuel and Jethro are the same person referred to in different ways at different times and is the father in law to Moses.
14. Who was Zipporah? Who was Gershom?
Zipporah was the wife of Moses and Gershom was the son of Moses.
15. Where did Moses first meet his soon-to-wife? What motif is used?
He meets his future wife at a well when Jethro was being harassed by traders and he then helped water Jethros flock. In return he offers one of his daughters to marry.
16. Where did Moses first encounter God?
Horeb
17. How did God appear to Moses?
In a Burning Bush
18. How did God identify himself?
He says I am who I am.
19. How did God poetically describe the land to which he would lead the Israelites?
A land flowing with milk and honey.
20. How is the name for God revealed to Moses, by God?
He again said I am who I am but Moses later says, Yahweh.
21. What was to be Moses’ first request to Pharaoh?
To allow the Israelites to go into the wilderness to worship.
22. What three tricks is Moses first given?
He makes a staff into a snake makes his hand appear like he has leprosy and turns water into blood.
23. When the Israelites leave, God promises that they will not go empty handed. What will
they bring with them and why?
God says that the wifes are to go into the houses of their neighbors and strip them of all their gold and silver because he does not want them to be without wealth and to hurt the Egyptians who wronged them.
24. How do we know that Moses isn’t too anxious to go to Egypt?
Because God promised him that those who wanted to kill him were dead.
25. Why is Aaron sent to accompany Moses?
Because Moses could not speak well himself.
26. Why did Pharoah’s daughter name him Moses? (Whatcan we deduce is the meaning of
his name?) What Hebrew name is it based upon?
1 Samuel
15
What does Saul do that displeases Samuel? Saul spared King Agag and the best livestock, disobeying God's command to destroy everything.
What curse does Samuel put on Saul? Samuel declared that God had rejected Saul as king and will give the kingdom to someone else.
What happens to old Agag? Samuel executes Agag, fulfilling the command Saul had ignored.
1 Samuel 16
Who does the Lord choose as the new King? The Lord chooses David, the youngest son of Jesse.
From which tribe is he? David is from the tribe of Judah.
What "mistake" was Samuel making when choosing from the sons of Jesse? Samuel judges by appearance, assuming Eliab is the chosen one, but God looks at the heart.
How would an evil spirit descending on Saul be interpreted today? It might be seen as psychological distress or mental health struggles.
How does David enter the service of Saul?
In Chapter 16, David plays the harp to soothe Saul.
In Chapter 17, David enters Saul’s service after defeating Goliath.
What service does David perform for Saul?
In Chapter 16, David calms Saul with music.
In Chapter 17, David serves as Saul's armor-bearer.
1 Samuel 17
About Goliath: Who was he? How tall was he? Evidence of his strength? Goliath was a Philistine giant, about 9 feet 9 inches tall, wearing heavy armor and wielding a massive spear.
Who was David? Who was his father? How many brothers? Where was he from? David was the youngest son of Jesse, from Bethlehem, with seven brothers.
How long did the giant "torment" Israel? Goliath taunted Israel for 40 days.
What does David bring as a bounty gift to King Saul? What does he keep for himself? David brings Goliath's head to Saul and keeps his armor.
Who was Abner and what was his position in the story? Abner was the commander of Saul’s army.
1 Samuel 18
What chant do the women sing that angers Saul? "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands."
What did Saul try to do to David? Saul attempts to kill David by throwing a spear at him.
What does Saul promise David if he annihilates the Philistines? Saul promises his daughter Merab, but she is later given to another man.
What does Saul ask for from David as a “marriage-present”? 100 Philistine foreskins.
Whom does David eventually marry? Michal, Saul’s daughter.
1 Samuel 19
How did David’s wife save him from being killed by Saul? Michal helps David escape through a window and uses a household idol to deceive Saul's men.
What lie did David’s wife tell her father Saul to explain why she helped him escape? Michal claims David threatened to kill her if she didn’t help him.
1 Samuel 21
What does David mean when he tells the priest Ahimelech that “the vessels of the young men are holy”? David assures Ahimelech that his men are ritually pure.
Besides the “bread of the Presence,” what else did the priest give David to take with him? The priest gives David Goliath’s sword.
1 Samuel 24 and 26
What did David take from Saul in the first story? What did David take from Saul in the second story? In the first story, David takes a piece of Saul’s robe. In the second story, he takes Saul’s spear and water jug.
What reason does David give in both stories for refusing to kill Saul? David refused to harm Saul because Saul was the Lord’s anointed.
1 Samuel 28
Who has now died? Samuel has died.
Why did Saul feel the need to consult a Medium? Whom did he wish to communicate with? Saul seeks guidance because God is silent; he wants to communicate with Samuel.
What earlier prediction was confirmed, and what new prediction was made concerning Saul’s outcome versus the Philistines? Samuel confirms that Saul’s kingdom has been taken from him and predicts his death in battle.
1 Samuel 31
Where did Saul and his sons die? They died on Mount Gilboa.
How did Saul die? Saul fell on his sword after being wounded in battle.
What does the death of Saul and his sons now guarantee? It guarantees the end of Saul’s dynasty, paving the way for David to become king.
2 Samuel 1
What happened to the messenger who delivered the news of Saul’s death to David? David orders the messenger’s execution for claiming to have killed Saul, the Lord’s anointed.
2 Samuel 2
Where did the people anoint David King? In Hebron.
What did Abner do that created two kingdoms? Abner declares Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son, king over Israel, dividing the kingdom.
What were the two kingdoms? Judah, ruled by David, and Israel, ruled by Ish-Bosheth.
2 Samuel 3
How many wives did David have at this time? David had six wives, as listed in 2 Samuel 3:2-5.
Who is responsible for Abner’s death? Joab kills Abner to avenge his brother Asahel.
2 Samuel 5
How old was David when he began to reign? David was 30 years old.
How long did he reign? He reigned for 40 years.
2 Samuel 6
How and why did Uzzah die? Uzzah was struck dead by God for touching the Ark of the Covenant.
What happened to Obed-Edom while taking care of the Ark? Obed-Edom’s household was blessed while the Ark stayed with him.
Why was Michal upset with David when he brought the Ark back to the capital? Michal disapproveddocsof David’s public dancing and celebration.
How many children did Michal have? Michal had no children.
2 Samuel 7
Who is David’s prophet? Nathan.
What did David want to build? A temple for the Lord.
What was God’s response to David? God told David that his son, not he, would build the temple.
2 Samuel 11
What is interesting about the first verse of Chapter 11? David remains in Jerusalem instead of going to battle.
With whom did David commit adultery? Bathsheba.
What was the result of their affair? Bathsheba became pregnant.
To whom was she married? Uriah the Hittite.
Why does the husband not take advantage of his situation and go to his house? Uriah refuses out of loyalty to his fellow soldiers still in battle.
What was David’s solution to rid himself of this problem? David arranges for Uriah to be killed in battle.
How did God communicate with David that He was displeased? God sends Nathan to confront David.
What is the name of the child born after these events? Solomon.
2 Samuel 13
How did Amnon trick Absalom's sister Tamar? Amnon pretends to be ill and lures Tamar into his room to assault her.
What did Absalom do after Tamar was raped? Absalom kills Amnon in revenge and eventually rebels against his father.
2 Samuel 18
How did Absalom die? Absalom is caught by his hair in a tree and killed by Joab and his men (2 Samuel 18:9-15)
Kings Two / The Exile Questions
Naaman and His Healing (2 Kings 5)
Who was Naaman?
Naaman was the commander of the army of Aram (Syria) and suffered from leprosy.
What problem did Naaman have that he came to Elisha with?
He had leprosy, a serious skin disease.
What did Elisha’s messenger tell Naaman to do?
He was instructed to wash himself seven times in the Jordan River to be cleansed.
What did Naaman think Elisha should have done to cure him?
Naaman expected Elisha to personally call on God, wave his hand over him, and heal him in a dramatic way.
What did Naaman do to cure himself?
He followed Elisha’s instructions and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan River, after which his skin was restored.
What did Naaman do after being cured?
He returned to Elisha, acknowledged the power of Israel’s God, and offered gifts in gratitude.
Shalmaneser, who attacked Samaria, was from what country?
He was the king of Assyria.
What did Shalmaneser do to the inhabitants of Israel?
He deported them to Assyria, scattering them across various regions.
God deported Israel because they worshipped what?
They worshipped idols and false gods.
How were the Israelites described before their exile?
They were described as stubborn and unwilling to obey God.
What did Israel reject?
They rejected God’s covenant and commandments.
Who did Israel imitate?
They imitated the practices of surrounding nations, leading them away from God.
Who had Israel worshipped?
They worshipped Baal and other false gods.
What was the only tribe left after Israel was carried off?
The tribe of Judah remained.
Who invaded Israel during Jehoiakim’s reign?
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon.
What did Nebuchadnezzar do to the temple?
He looted the temple, taking its treasures to Babylon.
Who did Nebuchadnezzar not take into exile?
He left behind the poorest people of the land.
What name did Nebuchadnezzar give Mattaniah?
He renamed him Zedekiah.
What happened to Zedekiah after Nebuchadnezzar caught him?
His sons were killed before him, and he was blinded and taken to Babylon in chains.
1 Kings Questions
Elijah was from what area?
Tishbe (1 Kings 17:1)
Who was the king that Elijah addressed?
King Ahab (1 Kings 17:1)
What did Elijah announce would not happen except by his word?
There would be no rain except at his word (1 Kings 17:1)
Where was Elijah to hide after having announced a drought on Ahab and Israel?
In the Kerith Ravine (east of the Jordan) (1 Kings 17:3)
What did the ravens bring Elijah when he was at the Kerith Ravine?
Bread and meat delivered morning and evening (1 Kings 17:6)
After the Kerith Ravine, where did God guide Elijah during the drought?
To Zarephath in Sidon (1 Kings 17:9)
What did Elijah request from the widow of Zarephath when he first met her?
A little water and a piece of bread (1 Kings 17:11)
While the widow of Zarephath had no water or bread, what did she tell Elijah she did have? A handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug (1 Kings 17:12)
What did Elijah request from the widow of Zarephath after she told him she only had oil and flour?
He asked her to first make him a small loaf of bread (1 Kings 17:14)
What did Elijah tell the widow of Zarephath would not happen until they got rain? Her supply of flour and oil would not run out (1 Kings 17:14)
What did Elijah do to bring the widow of Zarephath’s sxon back to life after praying to God?
He stretched himself on the boy three times and prayed (1 Kings 17:21After Elijah brought the widow of Zarephath’s son back to life, what did she say? She declared that she now knew Elijah was a man of God and that the word of the Lord was truth (1 Kings 17:24)
After how many years did the Lord finally tell Elijah to go and tell Ahab that the Lord would send rain?
After three years (1 Kings 18:1)
What role did Obadiah play among Ahab’s officials?
He was Ahab’s palace administrator (1 Kings 18:3)
What had Obadiah done in the reign of Ahab and Jezebel?
He hid 100 prophets of the Lord in caves and provided them with food and water (1 Kings 18:4)
Who did Obadiah, Ahab’s palace administrator, meet as he was searching for grass for the king’s horses? He met Elijah (1 Kings 18:7)
What had Ahab been doing during the three-year drought, according to Obadiah?
He had been actively searching for Elijah (1 Kings 18:10)
Who did Obadiah say had killed the prophets of the Lord?
Jezebel had killed the prophets (1 Kings 18:13)
Why did Elijah tell Ahab he was the troubler of Israel? Because Ahab had forsaken the Lord’s commands and embraced the worship of Baal (1 Kings 18:18)
Where did Elijah tell Ahab to meet him with the prophets of Baal? At Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:19)
What challenge did Elijah lay down on Mount Carmel? He challenged the people to choose between following the Lord or Baal by having both parties call on their respective gods to light fire on an altar (1 Kings 18:21)
How many prophets of Baal were on Mount Carmel opposing Elijah? 450 prophets (1 Kings 18:22)
What test did Elijah arrange to prove which god was God? He built two altars and challenged both sides to call on their gods to send fire to consume the sacrifice, with the true God answering by sending fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:23ff)
What did the prophets of Baal do until noon on Mount Carmel? They cried out, danced, and invoked Baal without receiving any answer (1 Kings 18:26)
What did Elijah do to the prophets of Baal at noon? He mocked them, urging them to call out more loudly by suggesting that their god might be meditating, busy, traveling, or sleeping (1 Kings 18:27)
Elijah told the prophets to shout louder for all of the following reasons EXCEPT…? He did not mention that Baal was angry; he only suggested possibilities such as being meditative, busy, on a journey, or asleep (1 Kings 18:27)
What did the prophets of Baal do as they were shouting for Baal to respond with fire? They increased their shouting and even began to cut themselves with swords and spears (1 Kings 18:28)
What did Elijah do three times when he was on Mount Carmel confronting the prophets of Baal? He poured water over the altar three times (1 Kings 18:33–34)
What did Elijah order after fire fell from heaven on the altar on Mount Carmel? He ordered that the prophets of Baal be seized and executed (1 Kings 18:40)
How many times did Elijah tell his servant to look toward the sea? Seven times (1 Kings 18:43)
What did Elijah’s servant see over the sea? A small cloud rising from the sea, signaling the coming rain (1 Kings 18:44)
What was Jezebel’s response to the fact that Elijah had slain the prophets of Baal? She threatened to kill Elijah (1 Kings 19:2)
In his flight from Jezebel, where did Elijah sit down out in the desert by Beersheba? Under a broom tree (1 Kings 19:4)
What did Elijah pray as he sat under the broom tree in the desert of Beersheba? He prayed to die, feeling overwhelmed and deeply discouraged (1 Kings 19:4)
When the angel woke Elijah up, what did Elijah see? A cake of bread and a jar of water provided by the angel (1 Kings 19:6)
How many days did it take Elijah to get from the broom tree by Beersheba down to Horeb, the mountain of God?
Forty days and nights (1 Kings 19:8)
Where did Elijah spend the night at Mount Horeb?
In a cave (1 Kings 19:9)
Elijah, at Horeb, complains to the Lord about all of the following EXCEPT…?
He complained about his isolation, the threats to his life, and his feelings of failure—not about the drought, which was the fulfillment of his prophecy (1 Kings 19:10)
When Elijah came out to stand on the mountain of the Lord, how did he experience the Lord?
He experienced the Lord in a gentle whisper—a still, small voice—after a great wind, earthquake, and fire (1 Kings 19:11–13)
What was Elisha doing when Elijah first found him?
He was plowing with oxen (1 Kings 19:19)
What did Elijah do initially to Elisha?
He threw his cloak over Elisha, symbolically calling him to follow (1 Kings 19:19)
What one request did Elisha make when Elijah called him as he was plowing?
He asked to say goodbye to his parents before following Elijah (1 Kings 19:20)
What did Elisha do just before he began to follow Elijah?
He burned his plowing equipment, cooked his oxen, and gave the food to the people (1 Kings 19:21)
The Prophets Questions
They were?
Representatives of God’s message
Israelites
People who had a radical encounter with God
NOT?
Fortune Tellers
Their main concern was?
to remind Israel of their role in the covenants.
As "covenant-lawyers”, what do the prophets accuse Israel of?
Idolatry
Injustice to neighbors
What does it mean to repent?
To confess
To change your ways
To “turn around”
The Day of the Lord refers 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
The New Jerusalem is also described as
the New Garden of Eden
What was the Prophets’ social status in society?
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
Hosea
What Gospel word encapsulates Hosea's action of paying off his wife's debts (buying her back)?
Redemption
Who was the prophet who established a covenant with God on behalf of the Israelites at Mt. Sinai?
Moses
Which empire eventually defeated and exiled the Northern Kingdom?
The Assyrians
Why did the Israelites make sacrifices to God, even though He said before that it was bad?
Because the Israelites did not know God very well
God is going to repair what?
The human heart
Amos
Who was the king of Northern Israel during the time of the prophet Amos?
Jeroboam II
What were the two misdeeds that the king performed during his reign?
Committed injustices against the poor
Allowed idolatry
What was Amos’ place of origin?
Southern Kingdom of Judah
The book of Amos was a collection of what three things?
Visions
Poems
Sermons
What specific injustices in the Northern Kingdom does Amos speak out against?
The poor are sold into debt slavery
The poor are denied legal representation
The wealthy ignore the poor
Amos tells the wealthy and leaders of the Northern Kingdom that God does not approve of what?
Their sacrifices and worship
What is the Hebrew word for "justice?"
Mishpat
Which empire conquered and destroyed the Northern Kingdom?
Assyrians
The destruction of the temple at Bethel is an image of what?
God’s justice on the leaders and gods of Israel
The Book of Amos explores the relationship between what two characteristics of God?
Justice and Mercy
Types of Prophets
Who are considered “Major Prophets?”
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Who are the “Minor Prophets?”
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Who are the “Non-Writing Prophets?”
Abraham
Moses
Aaron
Deborah
Samuel
Elijah
Elisha
Nathan
Chapter 7 - Section 1
A prophet is what?
A special kind of messenger from God
They were present in what part of the Bible?
The Old Testament
What is the Hebrew word for “prophet?”
Nabi
The Hebrew word “Nabi” was used to describe which foundational figure in the Bible?
Abraham
How are the writing prophets categorized?
The three major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel)
The twelve minor prophets (Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi)
Major and minor are terms that refer to what of the book rather than the importance of the prophet or his message?
They refer to the length of the book
The Old Testament prophets were people who received what?
A call from God
What were the different ways in which the prophets received their call from God to share God’s message?
They heard voices
Had dreams
Received inspiration
The prophets often spoke messages that were what?
They spoke messages that were unpopular with the ruling establishment.
What are the
callnarratives of Isaiah and Jeremiah that each follow a similar pattern?The setting is one of mystery or holiness
God initiates the call
The person resists
God reassures the person
God sends the person on a mission
The prophets always spoke in which narrative perspective?
First person, as if God was speaking
The prophets often began their speeches with which famous words?
“Thus says the Lord,”
The short introduction to speeches that the prophets used is referred to as what?
The messenger formula
The Old Testament prophets showed passionate concern for which group of people after they suffered what?
They showed concern for the poor after they suffered oppression by the rich.
Many of the prophets announced that God would judge which group of people by what?
God would judge the Israelites by a single measure of their righteousness
God would judge the Israelites on how they treated the weakest members of their society, who were…?
The alien
The orphan
The widow
A brief, poetic declaration often preceded by the messenger formula is known as what?
An oracle
What does an oracle establish?
The reliability of the message coming from God
The religious concern of the prophets— to serve YHWH and no other god—was always accompanied by their what?
Social and political concerns
Chapter 7 - Section 2
Even though there are many stories of Elijah, Elijah doesn’t have what in the Old Testament?
There is no “Book of Elijah”
Who is considered the father of the prophets?
Elijah
What does the name “Elijah” mean?
YHWH is my God
Elijah lived under the rule of who?
King Ahab
Who did King Ahab marry?
The Canaanite princess Jezebel
What were the main concerns of Elijah and Elisha
Social justice
Religious devotion to YHWH
Why is social justice always connected to religious devotion to YHWH?
Devotion to YHWH requires commitment to social justice
What is the description of Amos?
A shepherd and tree farmer near Bethlehem in the Southern Kingdom.
Where did Amos’ prophetic ministry take place?
In the Northern Kingdom during the rule of Jeroboam
Amos is the first prophet for whom there is what?
A separate, recorded collection of sayings
(True/False) The book of the Prophet Amos was written by Amos himself.
False
(True/False) If alive today, the Prophet Amos would be a vocal opponent of minimum wage.
False
Amos was angry at the wealthy for what?
Pouring excess money into the Temple sacrifice
How did the wealthy justify their oppressive lifestyles?
By purchasing many animals for Temple sacrifice and making great public shows of their “piety”
Amos’s message was often one of what?
Judgement
What did Amos believe about the destruction of the people?
It was meant to be instructive, not destructive.
(True/False) Both the prophet Amos and the prophet Hosea anticipated the fall of the Northern Kingdom coming at the hands of the Babylonians.
False
They anticipated that the Neo-Assyrian Empire would take over
In the opening verses, it is explained that God called Hosea to marry a known prostitute who was whom?
Gomer
Homer’s marriage to Gomer is symbolic of what?
God’s everlasting love for his people, Israel
Chapter 8 - Section 1
The end of the independent Hebrew states–first Israel, then Judah, presented what?
The most significant change in the life of the Chosen People since the time of their formation during the Exodus
(True/False) Judah was a much smaller kingdom than Israel in both land and population
True
Which king provoked the wrath of Israel and the division of the kingdom?
Rehoboam
(True/False) The book of Isaiah was entirely written by the prophet Isaiah
False
The book of the prophet Isaiah is usually seen as being divided into how many sections?
Three
Chapters 1-39
Chapters 40-55
Chapters 56-66
Isaiah is considered to be one of the which prophets?
Major prophets
For Isaiah, the outstanding quality of God is God’s…?
Glory
According to Isaiah, God does not want sacrifices that are insincere, but rather wants people to "learn to do…?”
Good
Isaiah received his call to be a prophet in 742 B.C.E. Which king died in this year?
King Uzziah
Where did Isaiah receive his call?
While he was in the Temple
How is Isaiah purified for his job as a prophet of the Lord?
His lips were touched with a hot coal.
Isaiah was counsel of which two kings?
King Ahaz and King Hezekiah
In a time of great political trouble, King Ahaz intended to ask the country of Assyria for help. Isaiah warned Ahaz not to seek Assyria’s help but rather to trust the Lord. Isaiah tells him that the sign of God’s protection will that a young woman will bear a child and he will be named…?
Immanuel
As Isaiah had warned, the nation of Assyria waged war against Judah. In 701 B.C.E., the city of Jerusalem was besieged by the Assyrian king named…?
Sennacherib
Whereas before Isaiah’s words were ones of warning, now the words of Isaiah become words of …?
Comfort
In four places (Is 42:1-4, 49:1-6, 50:4-11, and 52:13–53:12), Deutero-Isaiah refers to a…?
Servant of the Lord
What is the description of the Servant of the Lord?
Having no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by others.
In 538 B.C.E., the Persians conquered Babylon, the captors of the Jews in the Exile. The Persian king let the Jews return to Jerusalem. The name of this king was…?
Cyrus
The primary message in the third section of Isaiah is to remind the Jews that now that they are back in their homeland, they must what?
“Maintain justice, and do what is right.”
Isaiah 1-39
Isaiah spoke for God to Israel a message of what?
Judgement and hope
Who does Isaiah say will ultimately destroy Jerusalem and take Israel into captivity?
Babylon
What does Isaiah say that God's judgment will do for his people?
Purify them and create a new Jerusalem with faithful followers.
What happens to Isaiah in God’s temple
He is afraid that God's holiness will destroy him.
He is sent by God to tell Israel of it's great sin.
He is purified of his sins.
According to Isaiah, what is true of the new coming king (Emmanuel)?
He will be empowered by God's Spirit
He will bring peace
All nations will come to him
What characterizes the nations (and cities) that Isaiah says God will judge?
Pride and injustice
What was the difference between Hezekiah's victories and Israel's future defeats?
Humility vs. pride
How is Isaiah shown to be a true prophet of God?
His prophecies all later came true
Isaiah 40-66
What were the two largest themes of Isaiah, chapters 1-39?
Judgement and hope
Who was the country that had Israel in captivity at this time?
Babylon
According to Isaiah, it was God's hope that his people would become what after he rescued them?
His servant
Instead of responding in gratitude and service to God, his people respond how?
Complaining and accusing
Which of these was NOT a response from God to his people's complaints?
He had left them completely on their own
What was strange or shocking about the way the new Servant of God would carry out his mission?
He would suffer, be rejected and killed.
What kind of prayers surround the announcing of God's kingdom?
Repentance
What are the themes of the book of Isaiah?
Hope for a renewed creation
A covenant family of all nations
A suffering servant king
Micah
Which major prophet was alive at the same time as Micah?
Isaiah
Which two empires would bring destruction to Israel?
Assyria and Babylon
Which TWO groups of people does Micah blame for Israel's corruption?
Leaders
Prophets
What pastoral imagery does Micah use to offer hope to Israel?
Shepherd
Where will the new Messianic king from the line of David be born?
Bethlehem
He has told you, O human, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: to do ___, to love ___, and to walk ___ with your God. Micah 6:8
justice, mercy, humbly
What are the two reasons for future hope?
God's character and promise
"God delights in ___ love, so he will again show compassion. He will trample our evil; He will toss our sins into the depths of the sea."
Covenant
Jeremiah
Besides being a prophet, what was Jeremiah's professional role?
Israelite priest
To which kingdom was Jeremiah a prophet to?
Southern Kingdom of Judah
What empire did Jeremiah predict would conquer Jerusalem and the Southern Kingdom as a result of their disobedience to God's covenant?
Babylonians
True or False: Jeremiah did not witness the siege and the destruction of Jerusalem and the consequential exile of the Israelite people from the land
False
True or False: Jeremiah had a scribe named Baruch.
True
Jeremiah's message to Israel and the nations consists of what?
Judgement
Hope
True or False: Jeremiah only condemns the Southern Kingdom for committing the sin of idolatry
False
True or False: God is not going to allow His Temple in Jerusalem to be destroyed.
False
Jeremiah was persecuted, kidnapped and taken to which country?
Egypt
True or False: God promises to never allow His people to return to the Promise Land
False
What is an "archetype"?
a typical example of a certain person or thing
Ezekiel Part 1
What was Ezekiel's job during the first Babylonian attack on the city?
A priest
What did Ezekiel's vision show?
The appearance of the glory of the Lord
What does God tell Ezekiel to prophecy to Israel about?
Breaking their covenant with God
What is the definition for the "sign acts" mentioned in Ezekiel 4-5?
A form of street theater Ezekiel used to get the people's attention
What was the bad news that God gave to Ezekiel?
Israel wasn't going to listen to him because of their hard hearts
While Israel's idolatry has driven God away, what hasn't God done?
Abandoned his people
What does Ezekiel 12-24 focus on?
God's judgment on Israel
What does God's goodness demand that He bring?
Justice
What is Ezekiel 33 about?
the destruction of Jerusalem
Ezekiel Part 2
True or False: The Temple of Jerusalem is still standing during the Ezekiel's time as prophet.
False
What is going to soften the Israelites' harden hearts?
God's Spirit
Ezekiel's vision of a field filled with human bones is a metaphorical vision of what?
Israel's broken covenant relationship with God
What does the person Gog represent in the Book of Ezekiel?
Represents human rebellion against God.
Represents all of the worse people in the Bible
Represents any and all violent Kingdoms
What literary devices does Ezekiel use to show God's final defeat of evil?
Symbols
Imagery
True or False: The meaning of Ezekiel's vision of the new, rebuilt temple can only be understood literally
False
True or False: The new, rebuilt temple that Ezekiel saw in his vision was said to have been built in Jerusalem.
False
True or False: The name of this garden is "The Lord is nowhere to be found."
False
It means “The Lord is there”
Daniel
The Book of Daniel is written in…?
Hebrew and Aramaic
Daniel is useful to the king because he is able to interpret dreams, just like ___________ whom we studied earlier this year.
Joseph
Read Daniel Chapter 3. What causes the King to believe in Yahweh?
The fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men; the hair of their heads was not singed, their tunics[h] were not harmed, and not even the smell of fire came from them.
He saw 4 men in the furnace.
He was impressed with their courage when they would not bow down to his god but were willing to be thrown into the furnace
Which king, although first becoming somewhat mad, repents before God and is restored to power after Daniel tells him to be humble?
Nebuchadnezzar
Read chapter Daniel 6. True/False: King Darius was extremely disappointed that David survived the Lion's Den.
False
In apocalyptic literature like Daniel and Revelations, evil kings are often depicted as beasts with _______
multiple horns
Christians believe that the imagery Daniel used when he refers to the "Son of Man" is a reference to
Jesus
The Book of Daniel should be a lesson to people of power to use it for doing God's will and for all people to remain _________
Faithful
Jonah
The Book of Jonah is intended to be
a humorous parable about sin and redemption
What is Jonah's response to God's call?
he runs away from where he is called
At this point in the story, Jonah is mostly…
Selfish
Jonah's sermon seems…
lazy and careless
Jonah's biggest problem is that he does not want God to be…
Merciful
Why is the Book of Jonah in the Bible?
it is a message for its readers to value mercy