Chapter 5 Religion Test
In a word, what did God really want from his people?
Righteousness (cf. Zec 7:9-10; reproduced on p. 165). God wanted people to be just, fair, compassionate, and kind to one another, especially to the poor.
What surprising title is given to Cyrus in the book of Isaiah?
He is called the Lord's anointed, or messiah. [p. 163]
Why was Ezra so adamant about the people not taking pagan wives?
Pagan wives had usually led to Israel's infidelity. [p. 164]
From what two major deficiencies would the new Temple suffer?
a. It would not be nearly as magnificent as Solomon's Temple. b. The Ark of the Covenant would not be there-the Holy of Holies would be an empty space.
The word "Pharisee" comes from the Hebrew word "Perushim,"
the separated
Who was Hezekiah?
This King of Judah led reforms with the help of Isaiah. [p. 154]
Who conquered most of the known world of that time around 333 b.c.?
Alexander the Great
What is apostasy, and why would death be preferable to it?
Apostasy is turning away from the worship of the One True God. Since doing so would result in eternal damnation, it would be better to suffer martyrdom and lose life in this world so as to gain eternal life in the world that is to come.
Who edited the standard version of the Torah after the return from exile?
Ezra edited it. [p. 164]
According to Isaiah, what unlikely place would be made glorious "in the later time"?
Galilee would be made glorious. [p. 155]
Isaiah correctly warns the people of the wrath that is to come if they do not repent. Why did the people have hope that God would never abandon them?
God made some unconditional promises to David that he would not go back on.
What important edict did Cyrus issue in the first vear of his reign?
He allowed the Jews to return to Judah.
What happened when Manasseh was taken away by the Assyrians?
He converted and returned to undo the wrong he had done. [pp. 156157]
How did Josiah react when he found out Judah was to be punished by God?
He read aloud the Book of the Law and started a great reform. [p. 157]
What were some of the crimes of King Manasseh?
He restored all of the foreign idols that Hezekiah had destroyed; he defiled the Temple with pagan altars and images. He even burned his own sons as sacrifices to the false gods, and massacred people who insisted on staying true to God.
What causes Manasseh to abandon his evil ways? What did he do after he repented?
In captivity under the Assyrians he repents. Once back in Jerusalem he destroys whatever exists of the pagan cults he helped establish. He made sacrifices of thanksgiving in the Temple.
Most Christians are at least aware of the Jewish feast of Hanukkah because it is celebrated near the Christian feast of Christmas. What does Hanukkah celebrate?
It celebrates Judas Maccabeus and his brothers liberating, cleansing, and rededicating the Temple after the desecrations and profanations of Antiochus IV.
How did Jewish culture flourish during the time of the Exile?
Many of the Books of the Old Testament were edited in their final forms during the Exile. They wrote their history from the point of view of a people who had lost everything by disobeying God.
How do the Assyrians deal with the people of Israel?
Some poor farmers are left to till the ground, while the leading citizens are dispersed throughout the Assyrian Empire.
What important Christian doctrines are described in 2 Maccabees 12:40-45 (cf. p. 172)?
The doctrines of the resurrection, prayers for the dead, and purgatory are described.
By this time, what is all that is left of David's kingdom?
The kingdom of Judah, consisting of the large tribe of Judah and the small tribe of Benjamin, is all that remains.
Why did Hezekiah destroy Moses' bronze serpent?
The people had begun to worship it as a god. [p. 154]
The main religious problem in Jerusalem during the time of the Prophet Nehemiah was not pagan worship/idolatry , but rather hypocrisy . This was manifested by what?
The rich would buy and sell their neighbors and then make a small offering to God in the Temple, as if that made everything acceptable to God.
What is the main theme of Isaiah's prophecy?
The theme is repentance and the judgment to come without it. [p. 154]
The initial efforts of the Maccabees were unorganized and had little chance for success. Why, then, did people join the resistance?
They believed that it was better to die than to be unfaithful to God.
Where did the remnant of Judah flee after the leading citizens had been deported to Babylon?
They fled to Egypt. [p. 160]
When were many books of the Old Testament edited in their final forms?
They were edited during the Babylonian Exile. [p. 161]
37. What was the outcome for many of the poor citizens of Jerusalem who escaped their slavery in Babylon?
They were forced into indentured servitude to the wealthy Jews of Jerusalem.
What were some of the advances being made during this time in Greek culture?
They were getting rich through commerce. The arts (poetry, sculpture, philosophy, theatre, and literature) were all thriving.
Why did the people have mixed reactions toward rebuilding the Temple?
They were happy to have rebuilt the Temple but disappointed it was not as great as Solomon's Temple. [p. 163]
Who were the Samaritans?
They were people from the Assyrian Empire who settled the towns around Samaria and mixed with the Israelites. [p. 154]
What was unacceptable about the sacrifices that some people were making to God during this time?
They were sacrificing their sick and defective livestock.
When we study history, what is the word that we use to describe Greek culture and civilization, and from where does it come?
We use the word "Hellenism" because the Greeks called themselves "Hellenes." So we will speak of "Hellenistic art" or "Hellenistic philosophy" etc.
What two great things does Cyrus of Persia do for the exiled Jews?
a. He allows them to return to Jerusalem. b. He tells them to rebuild their temple and to send him the bill.
After some time, the kingdom was once again divided between which two powerful factions?
a. Pharisees b. Sadducees
What were three of the benefits that the world enjoyed under the Pax Romana?
a. The political state of the world was stable. b. Travel throughout the empire was easy. c. The system of currency and laws was consistent throughout the empire.
What is the prophecy that Isaiah gives to wicked King Ahaz?
"Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel..."
When Nebuchadnezzar had had enough of rebellious Jerusalem, he came and destroyed it. When did this happen?
. It was in 587BC.
The Book of Deuteronomy was key to the reforms of King Josiah
. ल 31.
How much did Nehemiah take for his salary as governor?
He took nothing. (p. 164]
How did King Manasseh begin his reign?
He undid his father's reforms and established pagan worship. [p. 156]
What did God desire from the Israelites at the time of Zechariah?
He wanted righteousness. [p. 165]
How old was Alexander the Great when he died, and from what did he die?
He was thirtythree years old, and he died from a fever.
What was the prophet Ezra's dream?
His dream was to restore a purified Israel in the Promised Land. [p. 164]
What is the name of Ahaz's son, and why does he appear to be the one to fulfill Isaiah's prophecy?
His name is Hezekiah, and by his reforms and the bettering of life in Judah at the time of his birth, he appears to have fulfilled the prophecy.
What did some of the Jews at this time believe happened after death?
Some believed in a resurrection of the dead. Those who had lived a good life on earth would be rewarded with eternal life in heaven, those who had been wicked would not receive this reward. There would be a resurrection of the body as well.
What were the people called who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead?
They were called Sadduceees.
What are some examples of the new persecution that broke out against the Jews under Antiochus?
Everyone, including Jews, was required to take part in pagan sacrifices. This might include being forced to eat meat that the Law of Moses prohibited. Mothers were murdered for circumcising their sons, and old men were killed for refusing to eat unclean foods. Antiochus then capped everything off by desecrating the Temple.
What brings the history of the northern kingdom of Israel to an end, and when does this happen?
Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722BC.
How long did Nebuchadnezzar's empire last after he died?
It only took about one generation for the Babylonian Empire to crumble.
Who does Isaiah's prophecy really point to?
It points to Jesus.
Why did the Jews begin to call their religion "Judaism"?
It was to differentiate it from "Hellenism."
Who was known as the great reformer?
Josiah was the great reformer. [p. 157]
Which of Matthias' sons was the most talented soldier?
Judas Maccabeus
What important discovery did the priests make during Josiah's reign?
They found the Book of the Law. [p. 157]
How did the Persians differ from the Babylonians in their style of ruling the peoples they conquered?
They tried to inspire loyalty in conquered people by allowing them to keep their customs and worship in their own ways.
