NEAR E 202: Review Questions
Conventional usage of "Israelites" designates the people of Israel in both ancient and modern times. ___ True ___ False
False
Most of the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered between: ___ 1947-1956 CE ___ 1947-1956 BCE ___ c. 10th c. BCE
1947-1956 CE
The oldest law collections we now possess in clay tablets from Mesopotamia date as far back as: ___ 5000 BCE ___ 24th c. BCE ___ 10th to 6th c. BCE
24th c. BCE
Frequently mentioned food products of ancient Israel were: ___ Bread, beer, butter, potatoes, corn ___ Grain, wine, oil, milk, honey
Grain, wine, oil, milk, honey
Extensive trade routes connected major regions of the ancient Near East hundreds of years before the arrival of Israel in the land of Canaan. ___ True ___ False
True
Israel emerges in the historical record around 1200 BCE, during a period of general economic decline in the ancient Near East. ___ True ___ False
True
Over the course of time, the Tetragrammaton was believed to be too sacred to pronounce. Yet, today many scholars believe there are strong, though not definitive, indications that the Tetragrammaton was pronounced in ancient Israel as "Yahweh." ___ True ___ False
True
Pentateuchal criticism was (and in some circles still is) a hotly contested methodological approach, partly because of the belief that Moses himself wrote the entire Torah from Genesis 1:1 to the end of Deuteronomy. ___ True ___ False
True
The "Adultery Test" in Numbers 5 has some parallels with the Mesopotamian "divine River Ordeal." ___ True ___ False
True
The Egyptian Palermo Stone, the Sumerian Kinglist, and the Genesis Genealogies envision a remote past in which people lived for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. ___ True ___ False
True
The Hebrew title for the book of Deuteronomy is simply devarim (words, or sayings). ___ True ___ False
True
The books of 1-2 Samuel place a central theme of external and internal crises as the background for the emergence of the first monarchy in Israel. ___ True ___ False
True
The earliest biblical Hebrew texts were written without vowels. ___ True ___ False
True
The expression "from Dan to Beersheba" is used in the Hebrew Bible to designate the general extent of the land of Israel. ___ True ___ False
True
The history of ancient Egypt begins approximately 2,000 years before the arrival of Israel in the land of Canaan. ___ True ___ False
True
Throughout the narrative of 1 Samuel, the demand of the Israelites to have a king "like other nations" appears to follow an agenda that shows this demand to be naively conceived, that is, one that did not envision the political realities and problems of kingship that surfaced even in very powerful states throughout the ancient Near East. ___ True ___ False
True
According to the uniform record of both Joshua and Judges, all the land of Canaan was taken by the Israelites in the three military operations found in Joshua chs. 1-11. ___ True ___ False
False
In Egyptian and Mesopotamian art, kings are differentiated from other human beings only by their distinctive clothing. ___ True ___ False
False
The Babylonians named their city Babel, because the Akkadian/Babylonian word means "confused." ___ True ___ False
False
The Silver Amulets contain the same form of the Priestly Blessing as found in the book of Numbers. ___ True ___ False
False
The book of Deuteronomy places special focus on the proper location for bringing sacrifices. That location is clearly identified in the book of Deuteronomy as the Jerusalem temple, and all Torah traditions have always recognized this. ___ True ___ False
False
The character of Abraham presented in Genesis 22 as "an ideal figure, unquestionably obeying every divine command" is sustained throughout Genesis in every narrative involving Abraham. ___ True ___ False
False
The classic 4-source Documentary Hypothesis is now accepted by virtually every biblical scholar in the same form as Wellhausen articulated it. ___ True ___ False
False
The contents of the Hebrew Bible are identical to the contents of the Christian Old + New Testaments ___ True ___ False
False
The idea of a "Tree of Life" or a "Sacred Tree" is completely unique to the culture of ancient Israel and the Hebrew Bible. ___ True ___ False
False
The process of establishing the successor of Saul as recorded in 1 Samuel followed the normal pattern of primogeniture, namely the principle of patrilineal succession. ___ True ___ False
False
We currently possess the original autographs of the separate writings of the Hebrew Bible. ___ True ___ False
False
Which two key figures assist Moses, one in a military action, the other in an organizational matter? ___ Jacob and Joseph ___ Joshua and Jethro ___ Jeremiah and Jehoshaphat ___ Jack and Jill
Joshua and Jethro
The three-part structure of the book of Joshua is: ___ Prologue, Laws, Epilogue ___ Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim ___ Conquest, Division of Land, Farewell Addresses
Conquest, Division of Land, Farewell Addresse
The biblical texts from the Dead Sea offer readings that: ___ Are identical among each other and with all later manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible ___ Contain many variations in spelling and wording
Contain many variations in spelling and wording
Where does Coogan place himself on the "historicity" spectrum in connection with the Hebrew Bible? ___ Coogan views himself as a maximalist ___ Coogan views himself as a minimalist ___ Coogan views some texts as idealized, and other texts as preserving authentic history
Coogan views some texts as idealized, and other texts as preserving authentic history
In the ancient Near East, city-dwellers and semi-nomadic pastoralists were always opponents. ___ True ___ False
False
In the book of Deuteronomy the Hebrew word "torah" always means the written 10 Commandments. ___ True ___ False
False
Israel established the first major historical empire in the history of the world. ___ True ___ False
False
Israel was the only new national entity to surface in historical records during the period from ca. 1200-1000 BCE. ___ True ___ False
False
The 3-fold promise is developed throughout the Hebrew Bible in a simple, direct, straightforward and linear manner. ___ True ___ False
False
Writing in the ancient Near East did not exist until after 1000 BCE ___ True ___ False
False
Which narrative of Genesis may have served to mark an end of sacrificing first-born humans to a deity? ___ Genesis 12 ___ Genesis 22 ___ Genesis 37
Genesis 22
Kingship ideology in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia involved a close connection between kings and gods. ___ True ___ False
True
Literary, or source, criticism attempts to identify older sources used to produce a textual unit. ___ True ___ False
True
The Hebrew word mashach is used in the Hebrew Bible to mean: ___ "anoint" and it is used for installation ceremonies for priests and kings ___ "assemble at the doorway to the tent of meeting" ___ "put on priestly garments"
"anoint" and it is used for installation ceremonies for priests and kings
How many versions of the "10 Commandments" are found in Exodus and Deuteronomy? ___ 1 (in Exodus 20) ___ 2 (in Exodus 20 and Exodus 34) ___ 3 (in Exodus 20, Exodus 34, and Deuteronomy 5)
3 (in Exodus 20, Exodus 34, and Deuteronomy 5)
The Dead Sea Scrolls date (were written) from: ___ 2000-1000 BCE ___ 3rd c. BCE - 1st c. CE ___ c. 10th c. CE
3rd c. BCE - 1st c. CE
The "Tetragrammaton" is the name of God consisting of how many Hebrew consonants? ___ 3 ___ 4 ___ 7
4
How tall was Goliath according to early extant Hebrew and Greek manuscripts? Check all that apply. ___ 4 cubits and a span ___ 5 cubits and a span ___ 6 cubits and a span ___ 7 cubits and a span
4 cubits and a span 5 cubits and a span 6 cubits and a span
The oldest textual witnesses for parts of the Hebrew Bible date from: ___ 2000-1000 BCE ___ 7th c. BCE - 1st c. CE ___ c. 10th c. CE
7th c. BCE - 1st c. CE
What is the canonical sequence of the following narratives? [The narratives below are listed in alphabetical order.] A. Creation / B. Exodus from Egypt / C. Flood / D. Passover / E. Patriarchal Narratives / F. Slavery in Egypt / G. Ten Plagues ___ A B C D E F G ___ G F E D C B A ___ B G A C D E F ___ A C E F G D B
A C E F G D B
In David's speech to Goliath, David says: "the LORD does not deliver by sword or spear." This phrase is an echo of: ___ Typical military annals of Mesopotamian rulers ___ A central theme found in Hannah's Song in 1 Samuel 2 ___ A common Sumerian proverb from the 3rd millennium BCE
A central theme found in Hannah's Song in 1 Samuel 2
Identify the 3 main components of the "Ark of Testimony" or "Ark of the Covenant." ___Temple, Holy Place, Most Holy Place ___A chest or box, a lid ("mercy seat"), and Cherubim facing each other ___Golden lampstand, altar of bronze, altar of incense
A chest or box, a lid ("mercy seat"), and Cherubim facing each other
The so-called "Standard of Ur" reflects: ___ A dual view of Sumerian kingship in images of warfare and a procession of goods ___ The legal system of the Hittites which included standards for weights and measures ___ The Laws of Hammurabi as inscribed on his famous diorite stela
A dual view of Sumerian kingship in images of warfare and a procession of goods
How do Coogan, Gordan & Rendsburg assess the period of the Judges? ___ An ideal period of unity, peace, and prosperity in Israelite history ___ A period of anarchy, chaos and disorganized tribalism ___ The period when Joshua ruled as King of Israel
A period of anarchy, chaos and disorganized tribalism
Mesopotamian laws sometimes refer to a "River Ordeal." What was that? ___ A guilty person was punished by drowning ___ A person's guilt or innocence was established by whether or not one survived being cast into the river ___ An accuser and a person charged with a crime were both put into a river; one of them would drown
A person's guilt or innocence was established by whether or not one survived being cast into the river
The Israelite "tent-shrine" or "tabernacle" described in Exodus can best be described by which one of the following? ___A permanent temple constructed like a Mesopotamian ziggurat ___A simple tent with a single upright pole in the middle ___A portable structure with inner and outer chambers surrounded by a courtyard
A portable structure with inner and outer chambers surrounded by a courtyard
What scholars mean by "Deuteronomic History" is: ___ Just the content found in the book of Deuteronomy ___ The contents of the entire Hebrew Bible ___ A range of texts found in the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings
A range of texts found in the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings
The "canon" of the Hebrew Bible consists of: ___ All of the writings ever produced in ancient Israel ___ A selection of texts that came to be viewed as especially authoritative
A selection of texts that came to be viewed as especially authoritative
The trajectory for the emergence of Israel in the canonical sequence of biblical books from Genesis through 1 Kings involves which of the following? Check all that apply. ___ A series of three groups of three major personalities: 3 founding patriarchs, 3 key leaders, 3 monarchs ___ A focus on the successes of first-born sons who subdue and control younger and weaker contenders ___ A migration of peoples from Mesopotamia who eventually settle in Canaan and develop a unified state ___ The rapid development of a world empire that rivals major power centers in Egypt and Mesopotamia ___ A concept of kingship that descends from heaven at creation and grants human kings godlike status ___ A development of religious structures from local shrines to one portable shrine to a permanent temple ___ The invention of pyramid-like ziggurats as the main axis between heaven and earth
A series of three groups of three major personalities: 3 founding patriarchs, 3 key leaders, 3 monarchs A migration of peoples from Mesopotamia who eventually settle in Canaan and develop a unified state A development of religious structures from local shrines to one portable shrine to a permanent temple
The word prophet (Hebrew navi) is used for the first time in the canonical order of the biblical texts for which person and with what primary function? ___ Adam as the founder of the human race ___ Noah as the survivor of the Flood ___ Abraham as an intercessor or mediator ___ Moses as a great Lawgiver ___ Isaiah as a visionary who predicts the future.
Abraham as an intercessor or mediator
The book of Genesis tracks the story of 4 key people and their families. Which of the following is the correct list of names of those key people, and the order in which they are presented in Genesis? ___ Adam, Noah, Moses, David ___ Abraham, Jacob, Israel, Joseph ___ Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
The Nazirite vow in Numbers 6 involves what elements? Check all that apply. ___ Abstaining from wine ___ Abstaining from grapes ___ Not cutting one's hair ___ Not going near a dead person ___ Providing an offering at the end of the vow ___ Making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Abstaining from wine Abstaining from grapes Not cutting one's hair Not going near a dead person Providing an offering at the end of the vow
How do the various versions of the "10 Commandments" in Exodus and Deuteronomy compare with each other? Check all that apply. ___ All of the versions agree with each other to the letter of the text ___ All of the versions have some unique readings not found in the other versions ___ The version in Exodus 34 is quite different from the other(s) ___ The reason given for keeping the Sabbath is the same in all versions
All of the versions have some unique readings not found in the other versions The version in Exodus 34 is quite different from the other(s)
The main source of ancient Israel's water supply was: ___ The Nile River ___ The Euphrates River ___ A monsoon during the month of August ___ An "early rain" and a "latter rain" from late Fall to early Spring
An "early rain" and a "latter rain" from late Fall to early Spring
Which of the following statements describe the character and/or role of Joshua as presented in the Hebrew Bible? Check all that apply. ___ A person who made a lot of mistakes, but learned from his mistakes ___ An ideal leader with almost no recorded character flaws ___ The chosen successor of Moses ___ A leader whose life and actions show many parallels with the life and actions of Moses
An ideal leader with almost no recorded character flaws The chosen successor of Moses A leader whose life and actions show many parallels with the life and actions of Moses
The book of Genesis contains many "etiologies" which: ___ Describe the nature of God (etiology is another term for theology) ___ Answer specific questions concerning causation or origination ___ Are prophecies concerning the future of Israel
Answer specific questions concerning causation or origination
Many English translations use the word "hosts" for the Hebrew word tseva'oth, especially in the phrase, "The LORD of hosts." What does the Hebrew word tseva'oth mean? Check all that apply. ___ Organisms that harbor other organisms ___ Armies (composed of human soldiers) ___ Astronomical entities such as the sun, moon, and stars ___ Heavenly beings, such as angelic messengers ___ People who provide hospitality and are responsible for guests at the major Israelite festivals
Armies (composed of human soldiers) Astronomical entities such as the sun, moon, and stars Heavenly beings, such as angelic messengers
How is Saul's successor first introduced to us in the narrative of 1 Samuel? ___ As David who kills the Philistine giant Goliath ___ As an unnamed person described as a man after God's heart, who is better than Saul
As an unnamed person described as a man after God's heart, who is better than Saul
The conviction that Moses did not himself write the entire Torah was articulated: ___ Beginning in the 17th century CE with Baruch Spinoza ___ As far back as the 12th century CE with Abraham Ibn Ezra
As far back as the 12th century CE with Abraham Ibn Ezra
The "judges" in the book of Judges serve in what primary capacity? Check only one. ___ As local military leaders who defeat invading enemies ___ As kings who rule over the entire land of Israel ___ As those who listen to and decide civil cases in a court of law
As local military leaders who defeat invading enemies
The history of Israel takes place during a period of major political powers in the ancient Near East. Which of the following is the correct chronological order of those major powers? ___ Assyria, Babylonia, Persia ___ Babylonia, Persia, Assyria ___ Persia, Assyria, Babylonia
Assyria, Babylonia, Persia
Joshua's farewell addresses contain a number of "Deuteronomic" phrases, among which are which of the following? Check all that apply. ___ Be careful to observe that commandment that Moses commanded you ___ These are the genealogies of ___ Serve the LORD with all your heart and soul ___ Love the LORD your God ___ There was a certain woman, and she was barren and had no children
Be careful to observe that commandment that Moses commanded you Serve the LORD with all your heart and soul Love the LORD your God
What is the canonical sequence of the following individuals? [The names below are listed in alphabetical order.] A. Abraham / B. Adam / C. Isaac / D. Jacob / E. Joseph / F. Moses / G. Noah ___ A B C D E F G ___ G F E D C B A ___ B G A C D E F ___ B A G D C F E
B G A C D E F
Match the key character to the narrative units in Genesis. ___ The Flood ___ The "Akedah" ___ The 3rd "Matriarch in Danger" Motif ___ The "Ladder to Heaven" Dream ___ Sold into Egypt A. Jacob B. Noah C. Abraham D. Joseph E. Isaac
B. Noah C. Abraham E. Isaac A. Jacob D. Joseph
Exodus 25:22 records that God is said to deliver commands to the Israelites from where? ___The temple courts ___The city of Jerusalem ___Between the 2 Cherubim above the mercy seat on top of the ark of the covenant
Between the 2 Cherubim above the mercy seat on top of the ark of the covenant
Anitimonarchical sentiments are recorded in 1 Samuel: ___ By Samuel who characterizes the demand for a king as evil and a rejection of God as king ___ From people who opposed Samuel's vision of a monarchy for Israel ___ By territorial judges who wanted to retain local power
By Samuel who characterizes the demand for a king as evil and a rejection of God as king
Vowel signs and other reading aids were added to biblical texts: ___ By the Masoretes, between the 8th and 10th centuries CE ___ By the original writers of the ancient texts ___ By modern scholars since the 20th c. CE
By the Masoretes, between the 8th and 10th centuries CE
The books of 1 & 2 Samuel are each framed with accounts of: ___Great leaders who inspire the people with their faithfulness, military victories, and building projects ___ Crises involving military defeats, civil war, and pestilence in Israel
Crises involving military defeats, civil war, and pestilence in Israel
A rather literal, and often used Greek expression of what is known as the "10 Commandments" is: ___ asereth ha-devarim ___ Pentateuch ___ LXX ___ Decalogue
Decalogue
According to examples we examined in class, it appears that among various Torah "codes": ___ Deuteronomy has a more humanitarian cast than Exodus ___ Exodus has a more humanitarian cast than Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy has a more humanitarian cast than Exodus
In the classic 4-source Documentary Hypothesis developed by Julius Wellhausen, God is referred to primarily as "Elohim" in which 2 sources? ___ J & E ___ J & P ___ E & P
E & P
Which of the following describe the geographical position of Israel relative to surrounding regions? ___ Mesopotamia lies directly west of Israel ___ Egypt lies southwest of Israel ___ Anatolia lies northwest of Israel
Egypt lies southwest of Israel Anatolia lies northwest of Israel
The earliest (oldest) extant records of the so-called "sea peoples" are: ___ Ancient Sumerian royal praise poems of King Shulgi from ca. 2000 BCE ___ Ancient Egyptian pyramid texts of Pharaoh Unas from ca. 2300 BCE ___ Egyptian victory texts from Merneptah and Ramesses III from ca. 1200 BCE ___ Biblical texts from Joshua and Judges from ca. 1000 BCE
Egyptian victory texts from Merneptah and Ramesses III from ca. 1200 BCE
The selection of David in 1 Samuel follows what typical motifs? Check all that apply. ___ Barren woman motif ___ Exposed infant motif ___ Elevation of the younger over the older motif ___ Selection of a shepherd to become a ruler
Elevation of the younger over the older motif Selection of a shepherd to become ruler
A frequent designation for Israel's God, occurring over 2,500 times in the Hebrew Bible, is the Hebrew word generally translated into English as "God." That Hebrew word is: ___ Elohim ___ YHWH ___ Adonai
Elohim
The period from c. 600 to 539 BCE is known as: ___ Pre-Exilic Period ___ Exilic Period ___ Post-Exilic Period ___ Second Temple Period
Exilic Period
According to the Documentary Hypothesis, the J source describes God only in refined speech, and never uses anthropomorphic language for God. ___ True ___ False
False
The Torah contains 3 major sections of law collections: Covenant Code, Holiness Code, and Deuteronomic Code. These are found in order in the following books: ___ Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus ___ Genesis, Leviticus, Deuteronomy ___ Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers ___ Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy
Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy
To modern scholars (such as Coogan), the Creation account in Genesis 1 appears to engage certain themes found in the Babylonian Creation account Enuma Elish in which of the following ways? Check all that apply. ___ Genesis 1 employs and alludes to concepts and phrasing in Enuma Elish ___ Genesis 1 adapts and transforms certain concepts in Enuma Elish ___ Genesis 1 partially demythologizes certain concepts in Enuma Elish ___ Genesis 1 merely translates Enuma Elish from Babylonian into Hebrew ___ Genesis 1 bears no resemblance in content, form, or structure to Enuma Elish
Genesis 1 employs and alludes to concepts and phrasing in Enuma Elish Genesis 1 adapts and transforms certain concepts in Enuma Elish Genesis 1 partially demythologizes certain concepts in Enuma Elish
In Genesis 3, the first humans are banned from the "Tree of Life" and may not live forever. This theme is paralleled in the Babylonian epic story of: ___ Shulgi ___ Sargon ___ Gilgamesh
Gilgamesh
How does Saul become the first king in Israel? ___ Like all kings: His military victories convinced the people that he would be a capable ruler ___ He is selected by God, anointed by Samuel, then proclaimed as king ___ Saul prayed to God to become king, and God heard his prayer
He is selected by God, anointed by Samuel, then proclaimed as king
Which of the following are designations for the set of religious texts from ancient Israel? ___ Hebrew Bible ___ Old Testament ___ Mikra ___ Tanakh
Hebrew Bible Old Testament Mikra Tanakh
Which of the following observations can be made from the Flood Sources exercise discussed in the Quiz Sections? Check all that apply. ___ In the J source, animals are taken by sevens and twos; in the P source, animals are taken by twos. ___ If the phrase "The LORD was sorry that he made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart" is thought to be a humanlike response, it fits well within the theory that this is part of the J source. ___ The passages that describe the shutting of the door to the ark and the smelling of Noah's sacrifice are naturally part of the P source.
In the J source, animals are taken by sevens and twos; in the P source, animals are taken by twos. If the phrase "The LORD was sorry that he made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart" is thought to be a humanlike response, it fits well within the theory that this is part of the J source.
How is the ancient Sumerian story of Dumuzid and Enkimdu different from the Cain and Abel story? ___ The Sumerian story involves a shepherd and a farmer ___ The Sumerian story involves a rivalry between shepherd and farmer ___ In the Sumerian story the shepherd and farmer reconcile and become friends
In the Sumerian story the shepherd and farmer reconcile and become friends
The demand for a king in the account of 1 Samuel 8 occurs: ___ In view of a previous series of chaotic incidents accompanied with problems in leadership ___ Because territorial judges convened to unite the nation under a monarchy ___ Because the prophet Samuel envisioned and implemented a grand new vision for Israel ___ In spite of Samuel's stern warnings that a monarchy would bring serious undesirable consequences
In view of a previous series of chaotic incidents accompanied with problems in leadership In spite of Samuel's stern warnings that a monarchy would bring serious undesirable consequences
Which two of the following are true about the title "Deuteronomy"? ___ It is the literal Hebrew title ___ It is a Greek compound word meaning "second law" ___ The Greek term is used in Deut 17:18 as a translation of the Hebrew "copy of the Law" ___ It is a term scholars invented in the early 20th century CE
It is a Greek compound word meaning "second law" The Greek term is used in Deut 17:18 as a translation of the Hebrew "copy of the Law"
The "House of David" inscription from Tel Dan has captured biblical scholars for which of the following reasons? Check all that apply. ___ It is the oldest extant biblical Hebrew text dating 2000 years before the oldest Dead Sea Scrolls ___ It relates to the history of northern Israel, but was commissioned by a king of Aram, not Israel ___ The text contains a phrase "house of David" which may be the earliest mention of the Davidic dynasty ___ Many scholars date the inscription to the 9th century BCE, placing it within a century of David's reign
It relates to the history of northern Israel, but was commissioned by a king of Aram, not Israel The text contains a phrase "house of David" which may be the earliest mention of the Davidic dynasty Many scholars date the inscription to the 9th century BCE, placing it within a century of David's reign
In the classic 4-source Documentary Hypothesis developed by Julius Wellhausen, God is referred to primarily as "Yahweh (YHWH)" in which 2 sources? ___ E & P ___ J & D ___ E & D
J & D
Which narrative of Genesis may have served as an "etiology" for the practice of tithing, or giving 1/10th of one's possessions to God? ___ Noah's sacrifice of animals after the Flood ___ Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac in the "Akedah" narrative ___ Jacob's vow to God in the "Ladder to Heaven" narrative
Jacob's vow to God in the "Ladder to Heaven" narrative
Thematic Summary. The following list of themes (not listed in canonical order) maps to which sequence of books? Themes: Conquest of Canaan / Sacrificial System / Patriarchal History / Military Preparation / Tent-Shrine ___ Genesis, Deuteronomy, Judges, Joshua, Exodus ___ Joshua, Leviticus, Genesis, Numbers, Exodus ___ Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Genesis, Joshua
Joshua, Leviticus, Genesis, Numbers, Exodus
The "Deuteronomic History" ends the historical survey of Israel about when? ___ Death of Moses, ca. 1400 BCE ___ King Jehoiachin's release from prison in Babylon, ca. 561 BCE, middle of the "Exilic" period ___ Edict of Cyrus to free the Jews, ca. 538 BCE
King Jehoiachin's release from prison in Babylon, ca. 561 BCE, middle of the "Exilic" period
Most printed English versions translate and typeset the Tetragrammaton by which one of the following? ___ Master ___ LORD ___ lord ___ God
LORD
In Genesis 12 Abraham receives a 3-fold promise that becomes a frequent theme throughout the Hebrew Bible. The 3 primary elements of the promise are: ___ Land, Descendants, Blessing ___ Grain, Wine, Oil ___ Peace, Prosperity, Power
Land, Descendants, Blessing
A frequent structuring and organizational feature used in the books of the Torah from Exodus through Deuteronomy involves: ___ Lists of goods and property acquired by the Israelites ___ Lists of places describing stages of travel undertaken by the Israelites ___ Genealogies, typically covering 10 generations at a time
Lists of places describing stages of travel undertaken by the Israelites
The corpus of biblical texts from Genesis through 2 Kings (canonical order) contains a geographical "frame" as follows: The first geographical reference in Genesis (Gen 2) and the last geographical reference at the end of 2 Kings set the respective narratives where? ___ Egypt ___ Israel ___ Anatolia ___ Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia
The 3-part structure of Deuteronomy (Prologue, Laws, Epilogue with Blessings and Curses) is like: ___ The Sargon Birth Legend ___ Enheduanna's Temple Hymns ___ Mesopotamian Law Codes
Mesopotamian Law Codes
A debate continues to divide some biblical scholars in their assessment of the historicity of events described in the Hebrew Bible. This debate is often framed around which of the following? ___ Marginalists who defend the absolute historicity of all events recorded in the Hebrew Bible ___ Maximalists who place maximum historical value on ancient sources except the Hebrew Bible ___ Minimalists who view much of the Hebrew Bible as rhetorical rather than historical
Minimalists who view much of the Hebrew Bible as rhetorical rather than historical
Samuel functions in which of the following roles in the Hebrew Bible? Check all that apply. ___ Nazirite ___ Judge ___ Priest ___ Prophet ___ King
Nazirite Judge Priest Prophet
Which of the following are topics found in the book of Numbers? Check all that apply. ___ Organization of the community, including taking a census twice ___ Preparation of the Israelites for military engagements ___ Elaboration of a list of rebellions in the wilderness ___ Explanation for why the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness ___ Description of the first military victories of the Israelites in Transjordan territory ___ Narration of the deaths of Miriam and Aaron, and Joshua as successor to Moses
Organization of the community, including taking a census twice Preparation of the Israelites for military engagements Elaboration of a list of rebellions in the wilderness Explanation for why the Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness Description of the first military victories of the Israelites in Transjordan territory Narration of the deaths of Miriam and Aaron, and Joshua as successor to Moses
A common theory for the origin of the Philistines in the land of Canaan as early antagonists for the Israelites is: ___ The Philistines were the indigenous people of Canaan ___ Philistines arrived in Canaan during the "Collapse" as "sea peoples" identified as PRST in Egypt ___ The Philistines arrived in Canaan after the Babylonian Exile
Philistines arrived in Canaan during the "Collapse" as "sea peoples" identified as PRST in Egypt
In ancient Mesopotamian thought, ziggurat-temple complexes functioned as which of the following? Check all that apply. ___Burial place for kings and priests, insuring their ascent to the heavenly afterlife ___Places where heaven and earth were joined together ___Centers for the collection and redistribution of goods for the community ___Dwellings of important city-state deities
Places where heaven and earth were joined together Centers for the collection and redistribution of goods for the community Dwellings of important city-state deities
The Hebrew word "prophet" occurs in the narrative of the roles of Moses and Aaron in what primary sense? ___ Prophet = mediator or intercessor ___ Prophet = one who sees and foretells the future ___ Prophet = spokesperson for someone in authority
Prophet = spokesperson for someone in authority
The book of Joshua belongs to which part of the Hebrew Bible? ___ Torah ___ Prophets ___ Writings
Prophets
Prologues and Epilogues to ancient Mesopotamian law collection emphasize the ruler's responsibility to govern according to principles of equity, truth and justice. Which of the following are specific examples of those principles emphasized in this ancient codes? ___ Protecting orphans, widows, and the poor from mistreatment by people in power ___ Eliminating violence and crime within controlled territories ___ Putting down rebellion and defeating attacks on controlled territories ___ Establishing an overall sense of prosperity and well-being in controlled territories
Protecting orphans, widows, and the poor from mistreatment by people in power Eliminating violence and crime within controlled territories Putting down rebellion and defeating attacks on controlled territories Establishing an overall sense of prosperity and well-being in controlled territories
What were the functions of sacrifice in ancient Israel? Check all that apply. ___Provide atonement for sin ___Support the priesthood ___Support the poor
Provide atonement for sin Support the priesthood Support the poor
Samuel's impact in Israelite and Christian tradition can be described by which of the following? Check all that apply. ___ Samuel's impact, though extensive and important, is confined in the books of 1 & 2 Samuel ___ Samuel is regarded as one of the authors of events that occurred during the reign of David ___ Samuel is ranked with Moses and Aaron as a great mediator between God and Israel ___ Samuel is regarded as the last in a series of judges ___ Samuel is regarded as the first in a series of great prophets ___ Samuel is said to have prophesied even after his own death
Samuel is regarded as one of the authors of events that occurred during the reign of David Samuel is ranked with Moses and Aaron as a great mediator between God and Israel Samuel is regarded as the last in a series of judges Samuel is regarded as the first in a series of great prophets Samuel is said to have prophesied even after his own death
The narrative of Saul's decline begins with a rather subtle, but telling, account. In that account: ___ Saul plans a festival but does not invite Samuel, leading to conflict ___ Saul appears to take credit for his son Jonathan's military success against the Philistines
Saul appears to take credit for his son Jonathan's military success against the Philistines
How does the narrative in 1 Samuel generally treat and characterize the reign of Saul? Check all that apply. ___ The narration reinforces Saul's rule as a great success story ___ The period of Saul's reign becomes a model for utopian visions of later Hebrew prophets ___ Saul's major accomplishments are confined to a very small portion of the text of 1 Samuel ___ Saul quickly falls into disfavor with the prophet Samuel ___ Saul's character flaws become a primary focus of the narration for roughly the last half of 1 Samuel
Saul's major accomplishments are confined to a very small portion of the text of 1 Samuel Saul quickly falls into disfavor with the prophet Samuel Saul's character flaws become a primary focus of the narration for roughly the last half of 1 Samuel
Which of the following describe the Amarna Period of ancient Near Eastern history? Check all that apply. ___ Several equally powerful states communicated and traded with each other ___ Rulers of powerful states referred to each other as "brother" ___ The word "love" often referred to a political relationship among powerful rulers ___ Byblos (Gubla) and Jerusalem were two of the most powerful of states of the period
Several equally powerful states communicated and traded with each other Rulers of powerful states referred to each other as "brother" The word "love" often referred to a political relationship among powerful rulers
Who is Miriam? Check all that apply. ___ She is the only prophetess in the Hebrew Bible ___ She is the first prophetess named in historical records ___ She is Aaron's sister ___ Her role as prophetess is connected with music
She is Aaron's sister Her role as prophetess is connected with music
Who is Enheduanna? Check all that apply. ___ She is the daughter of Sargon of Akkad ___ She composed Sumerian songs exalting the goddess Inana as the destroyer of foreign enemies ___ She was installed as high priestess of the moon god at Ur ___ Her name means "priestess fitting for heaven"
She is the daughter of Sargon of Akkad She composed Sumerian songs exalting the goddess Inana as the destroyer of foreign enemies She was installed as high priestess of the moon god at Ur Her name means "priestess fitting for heaven"
Biblical accounts regarding Shiloh provide which of the following scenarios? ___ Shiloh was an early political center which grew in size and importance through the Persian period ___ Shiloh had a "house of God" in the period of Judges, but that "house" and the city were destroyed
Shiloh had a "house of God" in the period of Judges, but that "house" and the city were destroyed
The account of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 involves which of the following themes and motifs commonly found in the Hebrew Bible? Check all that apply: ___ Sibling rivalry ___ Elevation of the younger over the older ___ Exile and Return ___ Part of a complex development of the 3-fold promise to Abraham
Sibling rivalry Elevation of the younger over the older
Although texts from Ugarit differ in many points of theology from the Hebrew Bible, there are also numerous parallels between Ugaritic and ancient Hebrew literatures. Among these parallels are which of the following? Check all that apply. ___ Similar themes & motifs, such as the childless ancestor, and divine promise of offspring ___ A major deity named "El" ___ A storm deity named "Baal" who serves "El" ___ A divine, female consort of El, who is the mother of 70 gods ___ Similar poetic forms, such as parallelism and divine imagery ___ Texts that derive from similar geo-political and climatological settings
Similar themes & motifs, such as the childless ancestor, and divine promise of offspring A major deity named "El" Similar poetic forms, such as parallelism and divine Imagery Texts that derive from similar geo-political and climatological settings
The Nash Papyrus contains the Decalogue, or 10 Commandments, as found in: ___ Exodus 20 ___ Deuteronomy 5 ___ Sometimes Exodus 20 and sometimes Deuteronomy 5
Sometimes Exodus 20 and sometimes Deuteronomy 5
The "King is/as Shepherd" motif occurs in which cultures and literatures? Check all that apply. ___ Sumerian literature ___ Egyptian literature ___ Hebrew Bible
Sumerian literature Egyptian literature Hebrew Bible
Ancient Hittite treaties contain elements that are also found in connection with ancient Israelite law codes, such as: Identification of the overlord, history of relationship, stipulations, copies, witnesses, blessings & curses. These ancient Hittite treaties are known as: ___ Parity Contracts ___ Suzerainty Treaties ___ Holiness Codes
Suzerainty Treaties
The Sumerian Kinglist records which of the following? Check all that apply. ___ That kingship was a purely human invention ___ That the earliest 8 Sumerian kings ruled for a combined total of nearly 1/4 million years ___ That one king, Dumuzid, is also called a "shepherd" ___ That there was a marked drop in the length of reigns after the Flood
That the earliest 8 Sumerian kings ruled for a combined total of nearly 1/4 million years That one king, Dumuzid, is also called a "shepherd" That there was a marked drop in the length of reigns after the Flood
Tension between Moses (as leader of the people) and Aaron (as priest and religious head of the people) is evident in which two of the following narratives? ___ The instructions for building the tabernacle ___ The "Golden Calf" incident ___ The instructions for the "Day of Atonement" ___ The "Strange Fire" incident in Leviticus 10
The "Golden Calf" incident The "Strange Fire" incident in Leviticus 10
What is commonly known as the "Ten Commandments" is in Hebrew: ___ The 10 Words (or Sayings) ___ The 10 Prohibitions ___ The 10 Commandments (using the regular Hebrew word for "commandment")
The 10 Words (or Sayings)
The well-known and often quoted principle "you shall love your neighbor as yourself" is found in: ___ The 10 Commandments ___ The Covenant Code of Exodus ___ The Holiness Code of Leviticus
The Holiness Code of Leviticus
The oldest complete copy of the entire Hebrew Bible currently in our possession is: ___ The Dead Sea Scrolls ___ The Leningrad Codex ___ The Aleppo Codex
The Leningrad Codex
Which of the following observations have we connected to the Passover? Check all that apply. ___ The Passover embeds elements of agricultural and pastoral Spring festivals ___ The Passover favors only the offerings of shepherds, just like in the story of Cain and Abel ___ The Passover in Exodus 12 was celebrated throughout Israelite history without any modifications
The Passover embeds elements of agricultural and pastoral Spring festivals
The German phrase "Sitz im Leben" is used especially by biblical scholars to describe which of the following? Check all that apply. ___ Where the ancient Israelites lived ___ The cultural setting, or social context, of a text ___ How a text functioned within the community that produced it ___ The occupation of an ancient Israelite
The cultural setting, or social context, of a text How a text functioned within the community that produced it
Which one of the following statements reflects the view of Coogan in regard to differences in biblical narratives, such as variant names (Sinai, Horeb), or the possible merging of three separate accounts into the narrative of Exodus 14? ___ The differences are illusions; they do not actually exist ___ The differences are evidence of a complete lack of control in the final editing processes ___ The differences show less concern with a superficial consistency, in favor of preserving a variety of traditions
The differences show less concern with a superficial consistency, in favor of preserving a variety of traditions
A larger frame surrounding the combined books of "Samuel" involves a central theme delivered in poetic form. That central theme is: ___ Moses, the great Lawgiver of Israel ___ A guarantee of prosperity in Israel regardless of circumstances ___ The exaltation of poor and humble, and the humiliation of the rich and proud
The exaltation of poor and humble, and the humiliation of the rich and proud
Joshua 6 contains what Coogan describes as "one of the most troubling elements in the book of Joshua." What is that troubling element and a possible understanding of it in light of comparative texts from Egypt? ___ The fact that a foreign prostitute could become a well-respected member of the Israelite community, but prostitutes were well regarded in Egyptian texts from the same time period. ___ The extermination of indigenous populations including men, women, young and old, but Egyptian texts use this "rhetoric of conquest" language using non-literal hyperbole
The extermination of indigenous populations including men, women, young and old, but Egyptian texts use this "rhetoric of conquest" language using non-literal hyperbole
How are the birth narratives of Isaac, Jacob, Samson, and Samuel similar? Check all that apply. ___ The narratives employ the "exposed child" motif ___ The narratives employ the "barren woman" motif ___ God calls their name twice when they are born
The narratives employ the "barren woman" motif
Mesopotamian and biblical laws make use of the principle of "lex talionis." In practice this meant: ___ The punishment for a crime is exactly the same as the crime committed ___ The punishment for a crime is often a monetary fine considered commensurate with the crime ___ The punishment for a crime is always the death penalty since "lex talionis" means "law of death"
The punishment for a crime is often a monetary fine considered commensurate with the crime
Conventional usage of "Jews" designates the inhabitants of Judah after the Babylonian exile. The underlying Hebrew term (yehudim) is generally translated "Judeans" when it refers to the inhabitants of Judah before the Babylonian exile. ___ True ___ False
True
Shortly after his birth, Moses was put in a waterproofed basket and placed on the bank of a river. The motif employed here, and the particular word for "basket" in this narrative, engage what two literary features? ___ The same motif used in the Sargon Birth Legend & an internal link to the word "ark" in the Genesis Flood account. ___ The "Barren Woman" motif & the symbolic use of the number 70 ___ An etiology for the Sabbath & an etiology for the discontinuation of child sacrifice
The same motif used in the Sargon Birth Legend & an internal link to the word "ark" in the Genesis Flood account
The term "criticism" is used in fields of textual scholarship in which one of the following senses? ___ Complaining about stupid mistakes made by earlier writers ___ The scholarly investigation of literary or historical texts to determine their origin or intended form
The scholarly investigation of literary or historical texts to determine their origin or intended form
Which of the following are thought to be examples of how Genesis 1 might "demythologize" Babylonian Creation texts? Check all that apply. ___ Genesis 1 places emphasize on the power of the spoken word. Enuma Elish does not. ___ The tehom (watery deep) in Genesis 1 is a de-personalized version of the goddess Tiamat. ___ In Genesis 1, the Hebrew word "sun" is replaced by the phrase "great light."
The tehom (watery deep) in Genesis 1 is a de-personalized version of the goddess Tiamat. In Genesis 1, the Hebrew word "sun" is replaced by the phrase "great light."
In the Hebrew Bible, the name "Israel" can refer to which of the following? Check all that apply. ___ The territory referred to as "Canaan" in ancient Egyptian texts ___ Another name for the son of Isaac, or grandson of Abraham ___ The descendants of Jacob ___ A region of Canaan north of the territory of Judah ___ The inhabitants of the region north of the territory of Judah
The territory referred to as "Canaan" in ancient Egyptian texts Another name for the son of Isaac, or grandson of Abraham The descendants of Jacob A region of Canaan north of the territory of Judah The inhabitants of the region north of the territory of Judah
The Cain and Abel story is an example of which of the following motifs? Check all that apply. ___ The younger chosen over the older ___ Sibling rivalry and its damaging consequences ___ Shepherd vs. farmer rivalry ___ Pastoralists vs. City-dwellers
The younger chosen over the older Sibling rivalry and its damaging consequences Shepherd vs. farmer rivalry Pastoralists vs. City-dwellers
What do we observe when we carefully compare the 3 different Torah "codes"? Check all that apply. ___ There are numerous parallels among the codes ___ There are some differences in wording for similar laws covered in the codes ___ The 3 codes have identical text and structure
There are numerous parallels among the codes There are some differences in wording for similar laws covered in the codes
Genesis 3:20 reads: "and the man called his wife's name Eve because she was the mother of all living." The explanatory phrase ("because...") makes more sense in Hebrew than in English because: ___ Everyone in ancient Israel already knew the story ___ There is a Hebrew word play between "Eve" and "living"
There is a Hebrew word play between "Eve" and "living"
Why are Egyptian records of Sheshonq I and Assyrian Eponym Chronicles especially useful for historians? ___ They corroborate the historical accuracy of events in the Hebrew Bible ___ They provide cross-tabulations that help anchor the chronology of events from c. 10th-7th c. BCE ___ They both mention a solar eclipse that occurred on July 15, 763 BCE in Ugarit
They provide cross-tabulations that help anchor the chronology of events from c. 10th-7th c. BCE
The Aramaic translations of the Cain and Abel story in Genesis 4, found in Targum Pseudo-Jonathan and the Palestinian Targum manuscript Neofiti I, can be characterized by which of the following statements? Check all that apply. ___ They are both literal Aramaic renderings of the original Hebrew text ___ They provide extended explanations for the nature of the struggle between Cain and Abel ___ They insert back into the Cain and Abel story major theological differences of a later period ___ They attempt to answer questions left unanswered by the original Hebrew text
They provide extended explanations for the nature of the struggle between Cain and Abel They insert back into the Cain and Abel story major theological differences of a later period They attempt to answer questions left unanswered by the original Hebrew text
According to the Documentary Hypothesis, the D source places stress on the central religious shrine and adopts a moralistic approach, often employing long sermons. ___ True ___ False
True
There are a number of Flood accounts from the Ancient Near East and Mediterranean sources. Which of the following apply? ___ They agree with each other on all characteristics, including name of the hero, name of the destroyer, reason for the destruction ___ They disagree with each other on all characteristics, including name of the hero, name of the destroyer, reason for the destruction ___ They share a number of common elements, but neither agree nor disagree on every point
They share a number of common elements, but neither agree nor disagree on every point
Which of the following describe the genealogies of Genesis 5 and 11? Check all that apply. ___ They show no similarities to the Sumerian Kinglist ___ They show a drop in the average human lifespan after the Flood ___ They record that people before the Flood lived longer than the first kings in the Sumerian Kinglist
They show a drop in the average human lifespan after the Flood
Which of the following observations have we connected to the narrative of the 10 Plagues? Check all that apply. ___ The Exodus narrative of the 10 Plagues is repeated in the same form and sequence in the Psalms ___ This is a "contest narrative" between the Israelite leaders and the Egyptian priests ___ This is a "contest narrative" between Yahweh and the gods of Egypt ___ The narrative makes Yahweh almost as powerful as the Egyptian gods and Egyptian leaders
This is a "contest narrative" between the Israelite leaders and the Egyptian priests This is a "contest narrative" between Yahweh and the gods of Egypt
Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia developed strong institutions of kingship thousands of years before there was a king in Israel. ___ True ___ False
True
Ancient Mesopotamian kings describe themselves as "shepherds." ___ True ___ False
True
The book of Genesis belongs to which part of the Hebrew Bible? ___ Torah ___ Prophets ___ Writings
Torah
The term "Tanakh" is derived from which 3 major sections of the Hebrew Bible? ___ Old Testament, New Testament, Quran ___ Torah, Prophets ("Nevi'im"), Writings ("Ketuvim")
Torah, Prophets ("Nevi'im"), Writings ("Ketuvim")
Priests in ancient Israel belonged to which of the following groups? Check all that apply. ___ Tribe of Judah ___ Tribe of Levi ___ Sons of Aaron
Tribe of Levi Sons of Aaron
Saul is introduced in 1 Samuel 9, is acknowledged as king in 1 Samuel 10, and gains a military victory over Ammonites in 1 Samuel 11. This trajectory: ___ Continues over the next 20 chapters until Saul reaches the peak of his reign over Israel ___ Turns to accounts of his failures and his rejection as king over the next 4 chapters
Turns to accounts of his failures and his rejection as king over the next 4 chapters
How do prophets in the Hebrew Bible, such as Moses and Jeremiah, respond to the call to prophetic duty? ___ Always full of zeal and willingness ___ With a sense of reluctance, often with an expression of personal inadequacy
With a sense of reluctance, often with an expression of personal inadequacy
We know much about the culture of mid-third millennium BCE Mesopotamia due in large part to which of the following? Check all that apply? ___ Woolley's archaeological expeditions in Ur between 1922-1924 ___ Woolley's discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1923 ___ The artifacts from the so-called "Royal Cemetery" dating to ca. 2600-2100 BCE
Woolley's archaeological expeditions in Ur between 1922-1924 The artifacts from the so-called "Royal Cemetery" dating to ca. 2600-2100 BCE
The book of Psalms belongs to which part of the Hebrew Bible? ___ Torah ___ Prophets ___ Writing
Writing
The letters of the "Tetragrammaton" are generally transcribed by which one of the following? ___ HYH ___ YHWH ___ HHYWYYH
YHWH
Is there a problem using the term "code" for Mesopotamian law collections? ___ No, everyone knows these are law codes in every sense of the word ___ Yes, these are not complete law collections, and real law cases almost never refer to these "codes"
Yes, these are not complete law collections, and real law cases almost never refer to these "codes"
Which of the following occur in at least one of the biblical versions of the "10 Commandments"? ___ You shall not steal ___ You shall observe the Ritual Feast of Ishta ___ You shall worship the warrior goddess Inana, and her alone ___ You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor ___ You shall not be your brother's keeper
You shall not steal You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
The languages of the Dead Sea Scrolls are which of the following? ___ Hebrew ___ Aramaic ___ Greek
___ Hebrew ___ Aramaic ___ Greek
On the Day of Atonement, the sins of the people were symbolically transferred onto the head of: ___ a priest ___ a goat ___ Moses
a goat
What is "manna" in the Exodus narratives? Check all that apply. ___ bread, or grain, from heaven ___ bread of angels ___ a fine, flaky substance ___ a term that derives its name from the question, "What is this?" ___ a white substance, like coriander seed ___ a substance that tasted like wafers made with honey ___ a substance that tasted like any food an Israelite desired, whether meat, fish, foul, fruit or vegetable
bread, or grain, from heaven bread of angels a fine, flaky substance a term that derives its name from the question, "What is this?" a white substance, like coriander seed a substance that tasted like wafers made with honey
The ancient Sumerian (Mesopotamian) King Shulgi makes which of the following claims about his abilities? ___ exceptionally intelligent ___ a master of the scribal arts ___ excellent mathematician ___ exceptional musician who perfectly plays at least 7 instruments ___ speaks at least 5 languages ___ never exaggerates claims he makes about himself
exceptionally intelligent a master of the scribal arts excellent mathematician exceptional musician who perfectly plays at least 7 instruments speaks at least 5 languages never exaggerates claims he makes about himself
