OT Test # 2
What does the menorah (or lampstand) represent in the Tabernacle?
The menorah is highly representative in the tree in the garden of eden.
What is the best translation of the Hebrew phrase yam suph?
"Reed sea" (despite common translations of "Red Sea")/ "Sea of Reeds", (located possibly in one of the fresh water lakes north of the Red Sea)
Liberation theology
"inappropriate" because not a movement from slavery to freedom, but from Pharaoh to Yahweh, flourish when we're servants of Yahweh
Which 3 sacrifices (of the 5 listed in Leviticus 1-7) most concern atonement?
'Ola, Hattat, and Asham
10 commandments
1) I am the Lord your God 2) Shall have no other god 3) Shall not misuse name of God 4) Keep the Sabbath 5) Honor Father and mother 6) shall not murder 7) shall not commit adultery 8) Shall not steal 9) Shall not lie 10) shall not covet
List the names of the 5 sacrifices that are described in Leviticus 1-7.
1. 'ola: rising (having to do w/ smoke) whole burnt offering- atonement 2. minha: tribute- grain offering- a gift to God 3. shelamin: peace- fellowship offering- a celebration of people 4. hattat: un-sin, sin offering 5. asham: guilt, guilt offering
Define and describe a covenant. Make sure you describe the structure of a covenant and how the different parts relate to one another. How is the book of Deuteronomy related to the covenant idea? Please give a biblical theology of a covenant in the Bible. (potential essay question)
A covenant is God's promise to his people about how he's going to care for them. It's accompanied w/ blessings and curses. Deuteronomy is God reestablishing this covenant w/ his people after a major crisis. Moses has just died and they are under new leadership about to begin conquest on a land that was promised to Abraham. The people need reassurance so God reestablishes the covenant. It's in the form of a treaty saying now that if the Israelites mess up, they too will get punished now, not like in previous covenants where only God would "punish" himself for breaking the covenant. In the bible there are 6 covenants that God makes w/ his people. First is the Noaic covenant, also associated with Adam. God promises never to flood the earth again and gives the rainbow as a sign. It's not only for humanity but all of creation as God also talks to the animals. The second is that of Abraham. He says he'll make Abraham's descendants more numerous than the stars. And the sign of the covenant is circumcision. This is a covenant focused on promise, but not excluding law. The third is the Mosaic covenant. God gives the people the 10 commandments and the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant. The covenant is focused on law but does not exclude promise. The fourth is in Deuteronomy, the reestablishing of the Mosaic covenant. As stated before, the people were on the brink of war and lost their leader, so God reestablishes this covenant with them. The fifth is the Davidic covenant where God establishes David's kingship. There's no specific sign for this covenant. The sixth deals with Christ's fulfillment of prophets. Christ is the "second Adam" succeeding where Adam didn't. He is the seed of Abraham, the ultimate seed. He is the ultimate law keeper, dying for the penalties of the law and fulfilling the Sabbath. He's the "greater son of David" being in the line of Melchizadek, the high priest. A covenant is God's treaty with his people, claiming that he will take care of them and prevail in the end.
If you wanted to offer God a gift, which of the 5 sacrifices would you offer and why?
A gift offering would be the minna offering. This is the tribute offering. It's a gift of grain, incense, and flower w/ salt mixed into it. It's not allowed to have fruit honey or yeast in it because when it's burned, these things ferment, symbolizing death, which the priests can't be around. Salt must be added because it is the sign of the covenant which even in extreme heat is never changing. This offering is to show thanks to the priests who are God's so it's a gift to God through them.
How would a minimalist understand about the historicity of the Exodus? Why?
A minimalist would say there's a limited amount of truth to the OT. They would say the people of Israel created the stories in order to lay claim to the land.
At what kind of structure did Abraham worship the Lord?
Abraham built an alter everywhere he worshipped God at. He was only a holy extended family and was continuously on the move, so he didn't need a large structure and wasn't going to build something like a temple, which showed permanence. It's also mentioned that at every spot the altar was build by a tree. This could symbolize the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and thus God's presence with Abraham.
How does the story of Abraham lying about Sarah's status as his wife fit in with the overall theme of the Abraham narrative and what is that theme?
Abraham's narrative is themed by his response of faith or fear. He doesn't trust God's promises. Gen 12:1-3- promises God made to Abraham, covenant, sign-circumcision- which has to do w/ descendants and is a self-maledictory oath
Define apodictic law and tell me where we find it in the Bible.
Apodictic laws are general ethical principles, most famously found in Exodus 20 with the 10 Commandments.
What is case law? Give an example.
Case laws are specific situational laws that are built out of apodictic laws and depend on the sociological redemptive historical status of the people. Examples include the goring ox law and the "fence-around your roof". Case laws are usually given in a if-then format.
What is the structure of the book of Exodus?
Chp. 1- 18: God delivers Israelites from Egypt, God saves Chp. 19-24: God gives Israelites the law, God's given law Chp. 25-40: God gives instruction for the tabernacle, God commands building
What follows the law in a biblical covenant?
Curses and blessings
How does Jesus fulfill OT covenants?
Davidic covenant- kingship, descendant of David, on the throne forever, Messiah- anointed one, Mosaic Covenant-Jesus is the perfect law-keeper, Jesus is the giver of the law, and he suffers the penalty of the law on our behalf, Abrahamic covenant- when he says and to his seed- Jesus is the seed, Noahic covenant- covenant with Adam in Gen 1-2-creation, so then covenant w/ Noah is what we can call a covenant of re-creation
Why is Deuteronomy called the "linchpin" of the Old Testament?
Deuteronomy is the capstone of the Pentateuch but also casts its shadow across the rest of the OT. It ties it all together, providing the transition from the Pentateuch to the rest of the OT.
What does the title Deuteronomy mean and how is it related to the content of the book?
Deuteronomy means second giving of the law and it's called such because it's an account of Moses's preachings on the plains of Moab, where he reiterates, expands, and clarifies the law that was already given earlier by God on Mt. Sinai.
4 Renewals
Deuteronomy, Joshua 24, I Samuel 12, Nehemiah 9-12
Who is Enkidu? What role does he play in the epic in which he is a character? and name the epic.
Enkidu is the best friend/former enemy of Gilgamesh. Enkidu was appointed by some other gods to kill Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh pinned Enkidu down then they made eye contact and realized that they should be friends Then the two of them kin a monster and there's some dreams with this goddess Istar. Enkidu ends up dying in Gilgamesh's arms and Gilgamesh is confronted with death. The Gilgamesh epic tells all of this.
True or False: The Mosaic covenant taught that a person became a member of God's people by keeping the law.
False
What significance does the story of Abraham offering Isaac have for the Abraham story? For an extra point, give the Jewish name for this story or name the chapter in which this story is found in Genesis.
Found in Gen 22, and the story of Abraham offering Isaac is an example of Abraham responding to a threat with faith not fear. Although God promised Abraham descendants through Isaac, Abraham was still faithful to God when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son.
Why did God harden Pharaoh's heart?
God is not making Pharaoh evil. It allows God to manifest his glory.
In what way might God's turning the Nile River into blood be seen as a battle against a specific Egyptian god?
Hapi was the god of fertility and the Nile, and when the waters turned to blood, the Egyptians would have thought God killed Hapi.
Who was Duppi-Teshup and what significance did he have for the class?
He was a king of Amurru, a small and not very powerful near-east nation. He entered into a vassal treaty with King Mesillius of the Hittites. He was the dominant king and Duppi-Tashup was the vassal. His vassal treaty is very similar to Deuteronomy and God's treaty (or covenant) with Israel.
Who is Sargon?
He was born to high priestess. She couldn't keep him and put him in a reed basket in Tigris river and it's discovered by irrigation ditch digger and he raises Sargon. Sargon becomes king of Mesopotamia. Sargon the great 23rd BC.
What New Testament book tells us more than any other how Jesus fulfills the priesthood and sacrifices of the Old Testament?
Hebrews, especially chapter 10, is very direct in its explanation and claim of Jesus being the high priest from the line of Melchisadek as well as being the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and fulfilling the covenant of Moses, dealing with the law.
After 4 renewals
II Samuel 7, Davidic covenant, no sign for this covenant, God says I"m gonna build you a house, kingship
What is the most holy object in the tabernacle? Why?
It was the ark of the covenant. This box of pure gold holds the tablets of the 10 commandments, some manna, and Aaron's budding rod. On top it has 2 cherubim w/ outstretched wings. The ark was thought to be God's throne or even his footstool.
According to Deuteronomy 13 and 18, how can you tell a true prophet from a false prophet?
In Deuteronomy 13, it says that if a prophet comes and gives a true prophecy and then says to follow Baal, he should be stoned b/c he is not sent from God. But if, in vs 18, it explains a prophet comes and gives a false prophecy and claims to be from Yahweh, pay no attention to him b/c he can't be from Yahweh b/c Yahweh is never wrong. A true prophet would proclaim a prophecy, have it be true and says to follow Yahweh.
How does the law related to the historical prologue in a biblical covenant?
In the Bible, the law is delivered in a situation of grace. The historical prologue has outlined the amazing grace of God and the myriad of ways in which he has helped and saved Israel. Thus the law is not a requirement to receive His grace, but instead something to be followed out of the love, reverance, and awe we have for God.
What are the five most important elements?
Intro of the parties, historical prologue, law, blessings & curses, and witnesses (found in Joshua 24)
What is the essence of the law of centralization?
It calls for all the people to worship together at one place. In this way, it foreshadows the building of the Temple.
Why is the vulture classified as unclean food in Leviticus?
It is a scavenger bird, living off of carrion (dead flesh)
What does the title of the book of Leviticus mean?
It means it's about the Levites and their priestly business.
What was the first covenant established?
It was the covenant with Noah, established in Gen 9, covenant b/t God and all of creation (covenant first mentioned in Gen 6)
Where was pure gold used in the construction of the tabernacle (not the furniture)?
It was used in the Lampstand, the Menorah. It was used in the holy of holies to signify that this was the most holy place in the tabernacle. As a person from the outside of it to the inside, the preciousness of the materials used to construct the various rooms and furnishings got increasingly nicer. Pure gold was the most precious metal known to the Israelites, and was there used in the holy of holies, the place where the spirit of the Lord dwells.
Would a lobster be considered clean or unclean? Why or why not?
It would be unclean because it doesn't follow the "norm of creation." It's stated that sea creatures with scales and fins are clean but a lobster has neither of these, making it unclean. It's not a 'fishy fish." The food laws were to symbolize the separation of Gentiles and Jews. The Jews were to be set apart and one way of doing that was the food laws. Also modern day tribes sometimes distinguish themselves by having food laws so this was to distinguish their nation.
Why is a woman who has just had a child considered unclean and what does the term "unclean" mean in this context?
It's because once she has come in contact with blood, which symbolizes life and is therefore a holy substance. She has also given life which is holy and that's why giving birth to a girl makes her unclean longer than a boy because a girl has potential of giving life later. Being "unclean" means that that person has come into contact with a holy substance. To keep that substance holy, taboos are placed around the handling of that substance. Being unclean ensures the recognition of holiness of that substance.
What chapter in Deuteronomy tells us about the law of centralization and what is that law?
It's in chp. 12 of Deuteronomy. The law says that no longer are people allowed to sacrifice wherever they want to but they most only sacrifice in the centeral place of God's choosing. It's believed by some that king Josiah made up this law to de-Paganize his country and to make sure that everyone was worshipping to God. It could also be God anticipating the settling of the nation of Israel, and explaining what they were to do when they settle.
Significance of Nuzi? Why is it important?
It's the site of an archaeological dig where certain tablets were found. These tablets pertain to the laws of the Penteteuch and add validity to the biblical account and customs of the day/people and customs described in the bible.
What is the outline of the book of Deuteronomy?
It's written like a treaty. It resembles both the Hittite and Neo-Assyrian forms of treaties. It begins with the intro of the parties (God & Israelites) and then goes into the historical prologue (how God has been merciful to the Israelites then comes the laws followed by blessings and curses (follow law=blessings) and then the witnesses. Last is the renewal and succession (keep treaty current).
Prophecy of a new covenant
Jeremiah 31:31-34, covenant that will be more intimate, intense, internal, and and more immediate
Book of Comfort?
Jeremiah chp 31-33
What is the theme of the book of Numbers?
Judgment on old generation and hope for the new generation. This can be seen through the 2 census taken. The old generation run when God wants them to fight and God pronounces judgment on them. He allows only two of the original generation into the promise land. The second census of the new generation is of the hope they have entering the promise land and getting it right.
Why is a woman unclean when she has her period?
Just as when a man emits semen, a woman is unclean because the blood from a period is fluid of life, since it comes from shedding the uteran lining and the uterus is where life starts.
In the minha sacrifice, it says not to add leaven. Why?
Leaven when cooked or burned on an alter, ferments, which is the same as death in some respects. The minha was given to the priests to not only burn on the alter for that person, but also to eat, as it was grain or flower. The priests were not allowed to come into contact with death, so they were not allowed to have leaven or fruit honey in their grain. It's because the minha, or grain offering was given to the priest as payment or a gift to God through them that no leaven was added.
What is the connection b/t sacrifice and repentance and covenant? Name the 3 major sacrifices discussed in class and describe them as fully as you can in terms of their names (Hebrew and English if you are able), the way they are performed and what they signified. What are the other sacrifices mentioned in the first 7 chapters of Leviticus? How do the sacrifices look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ? Mention biblical passages as you are able to. (Potential essay question).
Leviticus 1-7 outline 5 different sacrifices that the Israelites could use to make an atonement. Three of these sacrifices are particularly important. First there's the burnt offering ('ola). The person is making the sacrifice is to buy an animal consistent w/ his/her economic status (rich man buy a bull, poor man buy a bird). They take this animal and place their hands on it, signifying that the animal is taking the person's place. Then the entire body of the animal is burnt and the smell is pleasing to God This offering brings atonement to God. Then there's the grain offering also called the minha. There can be no yeast in the grain because it ferments and fermentation is a form of decay and death. When the sacrifices burns the grain for God, they also put in salt which represents the unending covenant b/t God and his people. The last important offering is called the fellowship offering. It also goes by the names peace offering, well-being offering, and the shelemin. In this offering, the undesirable parts of an animal (like organs and bones) are removed and the meat is burnt. Then unlike the 'ola, the priests and worshippers eat the meat in fellowship with each other. The last two sacrifices are the guilt offerings and the sin offering. These two offerings can vary depending on who is doing the offering and what the reason for offering was.
Why is someone who is completely covered with rash considered "clean" according to Leviticus?
Leviticus is concerned with "wholeness." Divde-ness is unclean but if one is entirely covered with a rash, then one is still whole and thus is clean.
What does the book of Exodus mean when it refers to Israel as "a kingdom of priests"?
Mediate God's holiness to nations
What is the minha sacrifice and its significance?
Minha is Hebrew for gift or tribute and it's a sacrifice given as tribute to God. It's a grain offering that is split into 2 parts. Part of the grain has incense and olive oil added to it and is burnt to the Lord, creating a pleasant smell. The rest is given to the priests. Salt is added as a sign of the covenant (does not change in fire) but fruits, honey, and yeast are not allowed (ferment as they burn-sign of death)
Jethro
Mose's father in law
Why is Deuteronomy a moment of crisis?
Moses is about to die. Need to get the Israelites straight. (Then there's Joshua who will die at end of Joshua 24. I Samuel 12- people want a king and God gives Saul Nehemiah 9:12- renewal)
3rd category of OT Text
Prophets 8-6 BC, like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, start talking about Exodus as a future event, prophets bring a message of judgment when Israel sins
Who is Re and how does he relate to the plagues?
Re, or Amon-re, is the Egyptian son god. He is the most powerful of the gods. It was believed that he would ride across the sky in the day on his fiery chariot and then descend into the netherworld at night and fight the serpent god of chaos and every morning would signify his victory. The plague of darkness was symbol of defeat of Re, saying that Yahweh is the most powerful god. The darkness implied that Re has been defeated by Yahweh.
What is the shelemim sacrifice and its significance?
Shelemim comes from the Hebrew shalom for peace. It's a fellowship offering that is shared with the priests and the other worshippers. An animal is sacrificed and the fats and kidneys are given to God while the people enjoy the good meat together.
Why are skin diseases given special attention in the book of Leviticus?
Skin diseases were important for a few reasons. Hygiene played a small role. If a person was contagious, they were declared unclean just b/c they would infect others. Another reason was the symbolic separation of Jews and Gentiles. This is why a person w/ only 1/2 their body covered in rash was unclean- they were not whole, while someone w/ a rash on their entire body was clean because their were whole. Finally, a person w/ a rash looked like a corpse which the priests were not allowed to be around and so they were considered unclean.
Describe the distribution of metals in the construction of the Tabernacle? What does this distribution symbolize?
Starting from the outside going into the holy of holies, there was bronze, then silver, then gold, then pure gold. This symbolizes the purification we need, and the purity that God has.
What is the relationship between the Ten Commandments and the laws that follows the Ten Commandments? Give an example.
The 10 Commandments are apodictic laws, meaning that they cover a very wide range as they are very general. The laws following are case laws, which define the 10 commandments and are related to the sociological and redemptive historical situation of Israel at the time. An example of a case law would be the goring ox laws. If the ox gores a man and kills him, the owner isn't guilty the first time. But if the ox is known for doing this and the owner hasn't done anything, then he's charged with murder. This defines the you shall not murder commandment.
In what way might the plague of darkness be seen as a battle against a specific Egyptian god?
The Egyptian sun god Amon-Ra (sometimes called Amon-Re) was said to cart the sun across the sky every day only to go to the netherworld every night and do battle with the serpent of chaos. The rising sun every morning represented Amon-Ra's victory. The plague of darkness symbolized the defeat of Amon-Ra at the hands of Yahweh.
What did the Israelites do for God to make them wander in the wilderness for 40 years? For one extra credit point, name the mountain on which Moses presumably died.
The Israelites were on the border of the promise land and they sent in spies to examine the land so they could form a plan. When the 13 spies came back (one from each tribe and Joshua), they reported that the land was indeed flowing with milk and honey but that there were giants in it. The people didn't trust God so they didn't go fight. God got mad and said they would never enter the land so then they went and fought but lost because God wasn't helping them. God sentenced each one to die in the desert. Moses died on Mt. Nebo.
What is the name of the document that contains the first extra-biblical mention of Israel? When is it dated?
The Merneptah Stele, dated to 1208 BC
What is the Urim and Thummim? How does this relate to the priestly task of being bodyguards of God's holiness?
The Urim and Thummim are used in casting lots and diving God's will for the people. They were thought to be dice-shared and could respond either yes or no, or no answers. The priest maintained the holiness of God among the people by only following His will for Israel.
What do the clothes of the priests symbolize?
The clothes of the priests were identical to the inner curtain of the tabernacle. Because of this similarity, the priests were considered to be mini-tabernacles, or "the future of the tabernacles." They were a holy people, to be set apart. They were in charge of protecting the holiness or the tabernacle, being God's body guards on earth like the cherabim are in heaven. It's because of their job to protect holiness that they themselves had to be holy.
What is the significance of the innermost curtain of the tabernacle? Make sure you describe what it looks like.
The intermost curtain of the tabernacle has cherabim woven onto it along with the colors blue and purple used primarily, very fine fabric was used. This curtain is essentially claiming that the holy of holies is heaven on earth. The angels and colors used signify the presence of God, along with heaven. The presence of God was shown by these curtains, which is why the high priest was the only one allowed into the holy of holies and even then only once a year.
What is the sign of the Noahic covenant? The Abrahamic covenant? The Mosaic covenant?
The rainbow (hebrew- qeshet)(Gen 9), circumcision (Gen 12:1-3), the Sabbath (Exodus 19-24), respectively.
What is the tabernacle? Describe it physically as well as any possible symbolic function in Israel. Also how does the tabernacle relate to the temple? (potential essay question)
The tabernacle is Israel's place of worship from the time of Moses through the time of David. While constructed, it's home to the land's most holy place and represents the dwelling place of God on earth and thus also represents God's presence with the people. The tabernacle itself is a large tent structure. It's formation is "layered" with successive inward layers representing outermost layers there is bronze, which then becomes silver and eventually gold as one moves inward. At the innermost layer (the holy of holies) pure gold is used, the most precious material known to the Israelites. Similar to the increase in value of materials used, as one moves inward there is a decrease in types of people allowed, until finally when one reaches the holy of holies, only the high priest himself is allowed in, and even then only once a year. He even wears a special robe with bells around the bottom and a rope tied to his leg so that if he dies the bells will stop making noise and the other priests can drag his body out without going in. The tent itself continues the layered structural design by having 7 layers of blankets, composing the tent walls and ceiling. These layers provide the benefit of waterproofing and the innermost layer is a beautiful elegant tapestry of deep blue w/ gold embroidered increasing levels of holiness. Corresponding to his increase in holiness, one notes an increase in the value of precious metals used in construction. At thecherubim (the bodyguards of God's holiness) on it. In front of the tabernacle is the altar where the priests facilitate the sacrifices. Inside the tabernacle one finds the menorah as the lamp and light source. The tree-shape of the menorah is reminiscent of the tree of life in Eden, the first home of worship for mankind. Also in the tabernacle is the Israelites' most holy object, the ark of the covenant. This box of pure gold holds the tablets of the 10 commandments, some manna, and Aaron's budding rod. On top it has 2 cherubim w/ outstretched wings. The ark was thought to be God's throne or even his footstool. The Shekinah glory cloud that lead the Israelites through the wilderness was believed to settle in the tabernacle, representing God's holy presence there. The tent structure of the tabernacle also make it mobile, able to be taken down and transported and then reassembled again. This was an essential feature because Israel wasn't yet settled in their own land and was still nomadic in their ways. It wasn't til the Israelites had cleared the promised land of all God's enemies and thus established themselves in the land that god would allow the construction of a "permanent tabernacle", the temple.
What is the significance of the census reports in the books of Numbers?
The two census reports shows the theme and structure of Numbers. The first census in Numbers 1 is of the generation coming out of Egypt. It's a draft. This generation fails and all are sentenced to die in the wilderness. The second census in Numbers 26, is of the new generation as they are waiting to enter the promise land. These two censuses point to the theme of Numbers- judgment on the old generation and hope for the new generation.
Why is a woman unclean twice as long if she gives birth to a girl as opposed to a boy?
The woman is unclean due to her closeness to new life. Since a girl could potentially create more new girl, this is an even more holy event and it takes longer for the new mother to become ritually clean again.
Reactualization
There's two during Prophet Elijah's time, 2 Kings 2, Elisha and Elijah Prophets represent Yahweh at this time period time of Elijah is time of apostacy- turn against God
What significance do Numbers 1 and 26 play in the structure and theme of the book?
They are the census (draft registrations) for Israel. Numbers 1 is the old generation leaving Egypt and Numbers 26 is the new generation entering the promise land. This represents the theme of judgment on the old generation (who sinned and weren't allowed into promise land) and hope of the new generation. The chapters after chp. 1 tell of the sin (and resulting death) of the old generation, while chapters after chp. 26 look forward to the lives of the new generation in the promise land.
What is the connection b/t Eden and the New Jerusalem?
They represent the start and end of of places of worship for humanity across the temporal spectrum. In both places, everywhere is holy and God's presence fills everything. Both have the tree of life, although the New Jerusalem has more than one. Both represent ideal worship and living environments. After Eden came the altars, then Tabernacle, then the temple, and these periods were made moot by Jesus's final sacrifice which anticipates a return with a New Jerusalem and an improved Eden with 2 trees of life.
Identify and give the significance of the Merneptah stele.
They were granite tablets dated to 1208 BC. They were made by an Egyptian Pharaoh (Mernepthah) who was boasting over his "conquest" of Palestine. It was written that the seed of Israel was no more. When in actuality, this was a raid. These are significant because they are the first mention of Israel as a nation in a secular source. Also they disprove the minimalists who don't accept the Bible or any of Israel's history as fact, even though they would say these tablets aren't speaking of the same Israel.
In class, we discussed an ancient Near Eastern treaty b/t Mursilis and Duppi-Teshub. What countries did they represent? What language was the treaty written in?
This treaty represented a vassel treaty w/ Mursillis being the sovereign king from Hitte, or a Hittite, and Duppi-Teshub the vassal king from Ammarnu. The treaty itself was written in Akkadian, as this was the lingua franka of the time and all political and business transactions were carried out in this, but it was not the spoken language of the Hittites or the Ammarnu.
Why does an emission of semen render a man unclean according to the book of Leviticus?
Uncleanliness comes from not only unwholeness but also from close interaction with things of a very holy nature. This was a typical practice, placing taboos on very holy things to preserve their holiness. Semen gives and creates life and also represents God's covenant with Abraham (the "seed") and thus is very holy. It is this closeness to such holiness that makes the man unclean and has nothing to do with the morality of the act that induced the emission. To show it is holy, it renders a mean unclean in comparison.
What is theme of the Joseph narrative?
What man saw as evil, God intended for good.
What biblical book did Jesus quote when he resisted the temptations of the devil in the wilderness?
When Jesus was tempted, he was re-enacting the nation of Isarael's wanderings and temptations. All three trials/temptations given to Him by the devil, He responded with scripture passages from Deuteronomy. For the one of hunger, he pointed to the verse where it's reminding the Israelites of grumbling until God sent them manna. Then when he's told to test God by throwing himself down to be saved by God's angels, he points to where the Israelites are told not to test God like they did at Massen. And the last, when he was told to worship Satan, Jesus points to the verse about the golden calf. Jesus succeeded by pointing out Israel's failures.
What is the issue behind the Hebrew phrase yam suph and what are the potential translations of the phrase?
Yam suph is referring to the Red Sea translation in Exodus. Yam means "sea of reeds" and the Red Sea is a salt water sea, not being able to support reeds. It's believed that the Septugiant translated it wrong as well as the Greek. In ancient times, they were very large fresh water lakes which had reeds in them. It's possible that the Israelites crossed one of these. Some scholars believe that the lake was located on the north side of the left finger of the Red Sea.
Biblical scholars believe that the tower of Babel resembles what kind of structure known from ancient Babylon?
Ziggaraut (a stepped pyramid)
Yahweh
based on Hebrew word haya which means to be giving personal name, assertion of divine freedom
Isaiah 40
emphasize restoration after judgment, Isaiah's saying of the judgment is a second exodus
Goddess Hekhet
had a frog head, plague of frogs could be an insult
Dive tetragrammation
means 4 letters - YHWH
3 types of case laws
moral laws, civil laws, ceremonial laws
Conflict b/t Yahweh and Egyptian gods
plagues conflict w/ Egyptian gods who are real beings w/ power, these Egyptians gods are demonic powers
2nd category of reactualization
song of songs look back on the Exodus
Jebel mousa
speculated to be Mt. Sinai, mountain of Moses near Midian