Study Guide for the First Exam, RL 1143

Study Guide for RL 1143 First Exam

Examination Structure

  • Total Points: 300 (Three exams, 100 points each)

  • Content Coverage:

    • Lecture material

    • Reading assignments

  • Exam Format:

    • Unit-specific (not comprehensive)

    • Multiple choice and true/false questions

    • Each exam consists of 25 questions worth 2 points each.

    • An essay component is included.

Essay Component

  • Length: 2-3 paragraphs

  • Choices: Students can choose between two essay questions.

  • Source of Questions: Questions derived from sections in the textbook entitled “FINDING OUR PLACE IN THE STORY” or related biblical content.

Key Works for Reading Assignment

  • Textbook: Goheen, Michael W. and Craig G. Bartholomew.

    • Title: The True Story of the Whole World: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama.

    • Publisher: Brazos Press, 2020.

Exam Content: Act 3 The King Chooses Israel: Restoration Initiated

  • Scene 2: A Land for God’s People (Pages 59-92)

    • Key Books:

    • The Book of Joshua

    • Major Topics:

    • The Land (Jericho, importance)

    • Concept of “holy war” or herem

    • Relevant Events:

    • Achan’s sin

    • Conquest of Ai

    • Sabbath laws regarding idolatry

    • Transition to the Book of Judges:

    • Introduction of judges in Israel

    • The Cycle of Disobedience illustrated in (Pages 63-64):

      • Key Figures: Samson, Delilah, and the Nazirite Vow

      • The impact of idolatry and worship of Baal

Key Books of Samuel and Kings

  • Books Covered: 1 and 2 Samuel

    • Significant Characters:

    • Hannah and her prayer

    • Eli the priest

    • Ichabod, noted as symbolic of God’s departure

    • The Ark of the Covenant significance

    • Kingship:

      • Saul as the first anointed king

      • Transition to David

  • Davidic Covenant (Page 70):

    • Importance of Bathsheba and Solomon

    • Solomon’s wisdom and literary contributions (Wisdom Literature) including Proverbs

    • Concept of “the fear of the LORD” in relation to wisdom

    • Role of the Temple in Jerusalem/Zion

The Divided Monarchy (Pages 75-76)

  • Key Monarchs: Jeroboam, Rehoboam

  • Significance of Golden Calves: Apostasy in Israel

  • Notable Prophets: Elijah and Elisha

  • Antagonists: Ahab and Jezebel; events on Mount Carmel

  • Historical Context: Assyrian conquest, notably 722 BC

  • Key Kings during Decline: Hezekiah and Josiah

  • Exile to Babylon:

    • Events leading up to the exile, prophets involved (Isaiah, Jeremiah)

    • Dates: 587/586 BC as pivotal periods

  • Key Concepts: Syncretism, implications of this mixing of belief systems

Post-Exilic Literature: Summary of Key Events/Figures

  • Significant Characters: Ezekiel, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus of Persia, Ezra, Zerubbabel, Nehemiah

  • Overview of Events:

    • The Intertestamental Period (Pages 93-105)

    • Key Historical Figures and Concepts:

    • Diaspora of the Jewish people

    • Resurgence of Five Fundamental Beliefs of Israel (Page 94)

    • Influential Rulers: Cyrus, Alexander the Great

    • The role of the Septuagint and respective dynasties (Ptolemies, Seleucids)

    • Antiochus IV Epiphanes—a central antagonist leading to the Maccabean Revolt

    • Implications of the Abomination of Desolation (0 BC)

    • Events of Maccabean Revolt

      • Judas the Maccabee’s leadership and significance of Hanukkah

    • Conclusion with the rise of Rome and Herod the Great

Study Questions for Examination Preparation

  • Three Possible Essay Questions:

    1. Analyze how Saul was a poor king with biblical examples highlighting his “heart problems.”

    2. Describe the ministry of the prophets Amos and Hosea, including their life stories, core messages, and criticisms of Israel.

    3. Discuss contemporary forms of idolatry that challenge Christians today alongside references from Goheen and Bartholomew (Pages 90-91).

    4. Biblical Content Exploration: Narrate the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12), including the implications on David's relationships.

    5. Jeremiah’s Role and Prophecy: Examine Jeremiah’s messages regarding Judah between Jeremiah 28-29, including his conflicts and letter to the exiles.

    6. Analysis of the United Monarchy’s Downfall: Outline the causes of the division, notable figures, and characteristics of the divided kingdom, citing relevant biblical chapters (I Kings 11–14; Page 75-76).