Study Guide for the First Exam, RL 1143

Study Guide for the second Exam, RL 1143


Key Works from Reading

  • Primary Text:

    • Goheen, Michael W. and Craig G. Bartholomew. The True Story of the Whole World: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2020.

  • Act 3: The King Chooses Israel: Restoration Initiated

    • Scene 2: A Land for God’s People (pp. 59-92) includes the following concepts and events:

    • Joshua: The initial conquest of the promised land.

    • Jericho: The first city conquered by the Israelites.

    • Holy War/Herem: Concept of dedicating spoils to God; destruction of cities and people in context of war.

    • Achan: Individual who disobeyed God's command regarding the spoils of Jericho; led to Israel's defeat at Ai.

    • Ai: A city that symbolizes the consequences of sin in Israel's campaign.

    • Sabbath Laws: The importance of rest and holiness in Hebrew law.

    • Idolatry: Recurrent theme leading to Israel's disobedience.

The Book of Judges

  • Judges: Leaders raised up by God to deliver Israel from oppression.

    • Cycle of Disobedience (pp. 63-64)

    • Israel falls into sin, oppression by enemies, cries out to God, God raises a judge.

    • Key Judges:

    • Samson: A judge known for his strength and his downfall due to relationships with women, specifically Delilah.

      • Nazirite Vow: A special commitment with specific abstentions (e.g., no cutting hair).

    • Samuel:

      • 1 and 2 Samuel: Books detailing the transition from judges to monarchy.

      • Key Figures: Hannah (Mother of Samuel), Eli (Priest), Ichabod (One associated with God's presence leaving Israel).

Transition to Monarchy

  • Saul: First king of Israel, chosen because of his outward appearance.

    • Messiah/“Anointed One”: Title indicating God's chosen leader.

  • David: The successful king, significant for establishing Jerusalem as the political and religious center, known through the Davidic Covenant (pp. 70).

    • Bathsheba: David's sin involving adultery and murder.

    • Solomon: Known for wisdom; built the Temple in Jerusalem.

The Divided Monarchy

  • 1 and 2 Kings (pp. 75-76): Historical account of the divided kingdoms.

    • Central Concepts:

    • Jeroboam/Rehoboam: Leaders of the northern and southern kingdoms, respectively.

    • Golden Calves: Idols set up in Israel as centers of worship.

    • Apostasy: Turning away from worship of Yahweh to idols.

    • Key Prophets:

    • Elijah & Elisha: Major prophetic figures who spoke against the kings and idolatry.

    • Ahab & Jezebel: Notorious for leading Israel into Baal worship.

    • Mount Carmel: Site of the famous contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal.

Assyrian and Babylonian Exile

  • Historical Context:

    • Assyria invaded Israel (722 BC) leading to the fall of the northern kingdom.

    • Hezekiah and Josiah: Kings noted for reforms and attempts to return Israel to Yahweh.

    • Babylonian Exile: Key events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem (587/586 BC).

    • Key Figures: Nebuchadnezzar (King of Babylon), Cyrus of Persia (who allowed the return).

    • Prophets during this period:

    • Isaiah: Assured the people of God’s presence even amidst exile.

    • Jeremiah: Known for his laments and pleading with Judah. Specifically mentioned are chapters detailing his conflicts and messages to the exiles.

Intertestamental Period (93-105)

  • Cultural Context:

    • Diaspora: The scattering of Jewish people out of Israel.

    • Key Figures: Cyrus, Alexander the Great; their impact on Jewish life.

    • Cultural Developments:

      • Septuagint: Greek translation of Hebrew scriptures.

      • Ptolemies and Seleucids: Dynasties influencing the Jewish world.

    • Antiochus IV Epiphanes: Known for his oppression of the Jews and the resultant Maccabean Revolt.

Maccabean Revolt and Hanukkah

  • Key Events:

    • Judas the Maccabee: Leader of the revolt against the Seleucid Empire (164 BC).

    • Hanukkah: The festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple after its desecration.

    • Hasmoneans: The dynasty established after the successful revolts.

  • Rome's Influence:

    • Herod the Great: King during the time of Jesus; known for his building projects and political maneuvering.

Jewish Religious Groups during the Second Temple Period

  • Major Sects:

    • Pharisees: Focused on oral tradition and law.

    • Essenes: Withdrawal from society, known for communal living and apocalyptic beliefs.

    • Sadducees: Aristocratic, priestly group with a focus on the Temple.

    • Sanhedrin: The ruling council of the Jewish people.

  • Common People: Varying responses to the religious leaders and their practices.

Study Questions for Exam Preparation

  • Essay Questions:

    1. Explain why Saul was such a poor king. Include biblical examples of his "heart problems."

    2. Describe the ministry of Amos and Hosea: their lives, messages, and accusations against Israel.

    3. Discuss forms of idolatry that still tempt Christians today, referencing Goheen and Bartholomew.

    4. Tell the story of David and Uriah’s family from 2 Samuel 11-12 and impact on David’s relationships.

    5. Discuss Jeremiah’s prophecies about Judah, highlighting his conflicts and his letter to the Exiles.

    6. Analyze the reasons for the division of the United Monarchy and describe the aftermath (1 Kings 11–14).