OT Test #3
What three things are true at the close of 1-2 Samuel?
- David's dynasty is established yet tainted by Sin - The nation is united under one kings leadership - Yet seeds of dissension are sown to bear fruit in about 40 years
What four consequencecs of David's sin does Nathan deliver in 2 Samuel 12?
- Violence will always be in David's family (2 Samuel 12:10) - One of David's own family will disgrace him publicly (2 Samuel 12:11-12) - David will not die (2 Samuel 12:13). - But the child born to Bathsheba will (2 Samuel 12:14)
What three things are true at the close of Nehemiah?
1. All three groups of exiles return to Judah 2. Judah and Jerusalem are starting to get back on their feet 3. the people recommit to keeping the covenant
What two things have we learned from Esther at the close of the book?
1. The Jews are being protected even if unbelieving and disobedient 2. God can be trusted to protect his people
What four statements summarize life in Israel in 1 Kings 15-16?
1.Israel experiences terrible problems & unrest 2.Each king is worse than the previous one 3.Power struggles for the throne are constant with several families wiped out 4.The reason is clear the sin of Jeroboam
What three things are true at the end of 1-2 Kings?
1.Israel splits and declines greatly from its glory years 2.The Northern Kingdom is destroyed. The Southern Kingdom is exiled to Babylon 3.Little hope is given for Judah
When do the events of Nehemiah take place?
14 years after Ezra came back after the third group returns
What three things are true at the end of Ezra?
2 groups of exiles have returned to Judah The temple is rebuilt The people recommit to keep the covenant
Why does God allow Abijam's son to rule Judah, according to 1 Kings 15:6?
Abijam rules next, but rules only three years because of his evil. (1 Kings 15:3). He is always at war with Jeroboam (1 Kings 15:6). God allows Abijam's son, Asa, to rule, because of David (1 Kings 15:3-4).
How does the rebellion of Absalom begin? What does Absalom do after he drives David from Jerusalem? How does it fulfill Nathan's prediction?
Absalom's rebellion against David (2 Samuel 13-18) The rift begins with the family (dissention in the royal family) over the rape of the Tamar (2 Samuel 13:20-22) Absalom takes revenge for his sister (2 Samuel 13:28-29) and flees, but David brings him back (2 Samuel 14). Absalom rebels, sets up his own force (2 Samuel 1:1-12), and forces David to flee to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13). Absalom takes David's house and sets himself up as king, even going into royal harem on top of the palace (2 Samuel 16:21-22), fulfilling Nathan's prophecy (2 Samuel 11-12).
Describe the three returns from exile--dates, people, and purpose for returning.
After the national humiliation in Babylon, God brings His people back from exile The Jews return to the land in three groups 538 Zerubbabel (Zerubbabel returns from Exile: The Temple is built (Ezra 1-6). 458 Ezra (Ezra returns from Exile: The people are renewed (Ezra 7-10) 444 Nehemiah To encourage the remnant (leftover) to depend on God fully shown through temple worship and following the Law
Why did God prohibit David from building a temple? What was David's response?
Even when prohibted from building the temple (1 Chronicles 22:6-10), David prepares everything for Solomon to build it: materials, laborers, and job descriptions 22:5, 14-16).
How does 1-2 Chronicles relate to and overlap 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings?
For the most part, 1-2 Chronicles covers the same historical period as 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings. 1 Chronicles 10-29 covers the same history as 1 Samuel 16 to 2 Samuel 24. 2 Chronicles 1-9 overlaps with 1 Kings 1-11 2 Chronicles 10-36 records the history of the kings Judah, overlapping with 1 Kings 12 to 2 Kings 24. (Therefore, the Chronicler is not writing merely to provide another historical record of the period of the united and divided monarchies. He writes for another purpose, described below.
How is God's rule of the earth altered by the Davidic covenant? How does Messiah fit that altered plan?
God blesses David, his family, and the earth with the covenant He makes with David God's rule has been linked to a man and his family, through whom the ultimate God man will rule the earth
What does Elijah's withholding of the rain and defeat of the prophets of Baal demonstrate about God in this period?
God shows his control over both nature and the idols through Elijah (1 Kings 17-22). God is ready to forgive, even after so much sin (1 Kings 18:36-38). Withholding rain (1 Kings 17:1-7). Multiplying food reserves (1 Kings 17:816). Giving life to the dead (1 Kings 17:17-24). Sending fire to defeat Baal's prophets (1 Kings 18:1-40).
What influence do the older and younger advisors have on Rehoboam concerning taxes? What is the result for the nation?
He listens to the young advisors words. The response of the ten tribes? See ya (1 Kings 12:4-11).
How is Hezekiah described in 2 Kings 18-20? What does he do to serve God?
Hezekiah is the high point of the section. He is described as a good king who served God, removed the idols, and trusted God (2 Kings 18:1-8). Only David is regarded as a greater king (2 Kings 18:5). N.B. Hezekiah's story covers three chapters (2 Kings 18-20) far more than the others of the period indicating his greatness.
What are each of the appendices' subjects?
Final details about battles and justice served for the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21:1-14). Listings of battles with giants (2 Samuel 21:15-22). David's song of thanks for God's deliverance (2 Samuel 22). The psalm is repeated in Psalm 18. David's "last words" (2 Samuel 23:1-7), similar to an inscription on a gravestone. David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8-39). David's census of the people (2 Samuel 24). A forlorn ending of the book, inciting God's wrath to strike 70,000 Hebrews (2 Samuel 24:15). Note that Joab and the army's other commanders urge David to not count the people (2 Samuel 24:3-4). Why was it wrong for David to count the people?
Why does the author include the decree of Cyrus at the end of 1-2 Chronicles? What is the message and what are the readers challenged to do?
•Chronicles ends positively with hope of the temple to be rebuilt •The temple stands so use it readers
In what sense is 1-2 Chronicles a "historical polemic?" Why does the author review Israel's history? How does he use David, Solomon, and the times of the kings of Judah to argue his message?
•Consequently, the Chronicler writes an historical Polemic urging the people to devote themselves to worshipping God at the Temple because it is their only hope of survival. After the genealogies (1 Chronicles 1-9), the author reviews Israel's history from David through Judah being exiled to Babylon. The Chronicler uses the history as the reason to persuade the returned exiles to remain devoted to God and the Temple worship. How three ways? 1.By showing that David, Israel's greatest king, was devoted to God and the temple, even before it was built (1 Chronicles 10-24). 2.The Chronicler records selective highlights of David's life: David is bringing the Ark to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 13-16), David preparing for the construction of the Temple (1 Chronicles 22), and David preparing the leadership for the worship ritual (1 Chronicles 23-27) 3.By showing the nation's great wealth and power when they construct the temple and worship God there (2 Chronicles 1-9). 4.The Chronicler highlights Israel's power and prosperity after Solomon builds the Temple. The author does not mention Solomon's sin
What appeal does God make to Israel during the "battle of the gods?" How is this same appeal shown when Ahab shows repentance for killing Naboth in 1 Kings 21?
•God is ready to forgive, even after so much sin (1 Kings 18:36-38). 20:42) and stealing Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21:1-16). (Even so God relents when Ahab mourns his fate (1 Kings 21:27:29). •Ahab does two foolish things: a treaty with Syria (1 Kings
In light of 1 Kings 11:37-38, why are the consequences for Jeroboam so tragic? What is the "sin of Jeroboam?"
•He is warned against the idolatry. (13:1-10), but he does not stop
What behavior characterizes the entire history of the Northern Kingdom? How (if at all) is the Southern Kingdom different? What fate befalls both kingdoms in the end?
•Israel the Northern Kingdom, completely forsakes God for the idols in every generation. They are wiped out in 722. •Judah wavers from generation to generation, also going into captivity in 586. (after 70 years of humiliation, Judah returns from exile, a small remnant of their former glory)
What is Jeroboam's first act as king? Why does he do it? What are the consequences for him, and for Israel?
•Jeroboam's first action: sets up idol worship in the North (Dan and Bethel), to keep the northern tribes from worshiping in Jerusalem in the south (1 Kings 12:25-30). •A great personal tragedy for Jeroboam cf. 1 Kings 11:37-38). •Jeroboam is warned about idolatry (13:1-10), but he does not stop (1 Kings 13:33-34) and is judged by God (1 Kings 14:4-11) he will be removed and his name wiped out. •N.B. The sin of Jeroboam (idolatry) perpetuated throughout the entire duration of the Northern Kingdom (used 19 times in 1-2 Kings).
What king leads in great revival after Manasseh? What does he do? What discovery starts it all? As a result, how does God change the judgment coming to Judah?
•Josiah's great revival delays the judgement (2 Kings 21:10-15). •As the temple is repaired, Hilkiah the High priest finds the Law in the temple (2 Kings 22:8). As they read, perhaps lost for 40-50 years, they repent (2 Kings 22:11-13) leading to the renewal of the covenant and great reforms in Judah (2 Kings 23:24-25). •Yet God does not relent because of Manasseh (2 Kings 23:26-27), but he delays the judgement because of Josiah's reforms (2 Kings 22:18-20). •Soon after Josiah's death, the Babylonians (Chaldeans) persecute and finally take Judah off into captivity (2 Kings 24-25).
What judgment falls on Judah because of the evil of Manasseh?
•Manasseh reintroduces idolatry and pagan practices (2 Kings 21:1-6). •God's response to Manasseh? Judah will go to exile (2 Kings 21:10-15).
What is the difference between Israel and Judah after 931 B.C.? What other names describe these two kingdoms?
•Northern Kingdom: Israel, Ephraim, Samaria: Israel the Northern Kingdom, completely forsakes God for the idols in every generation. They are wiped out in 722 *Southern Kingdom: Judah, Jerusalem: Judah wavers from generation to generation, also going into captivity in 586.
How is Israel changed from 931 to 586, the dates that span this period?
•Now at the death of Solomon, the nation splits in 931, never again to unify •Before the split the nation is strong united and prospering •In 722 half of the nation (Israel) is destroyed. The other half (Judah) is weak and vulnerable to its enemies. •In 586, Judah id carried off to exile in Babylon for 70 years.
Explain the literary style used in 1-2 Kings to tell the story of Israel and Judah?
•Observe the literary style of interchange in 1-2 Kings, covering this period . The story jumps back and forth from the north to the south.
What kind of messages do the prophets deliver to the kings of Judah during this period?
•Shemiah warns Rehoboam not to fight Israel after the split (2 Chronicles 11:2-4). •Azariah gives Asa the options of prosperity or failure, depending on his obedience (2 Chronicles 1:1-2). •Hanai condemns Asa's unbelief (2 Chronicles 16:7-10). N.B. King Asa imprisons Hanai for it. •Jahaziel assures: Jehosophat of victory in battle (2 Chronicles 20:14-17).
Why is the end of Solomon's life tragic? What are the consequences for him and the nation?
•Solomon wanders away from the Lord to idols (1 King 11:1-4). The consequences for him and the nation are far reaching. •The immediate result is adversity for Solomon and the entire nation: Hadad the Edomite (1 Kings 11:14-22), Rezon (1 Kings 11:23-25), and most significantly Jereboam (1 Kings 11:26). •The long term result is that most of the tribes will be take from David's dynasty. Only Judah will remain (1 Kings 11:9-13, 29-36).
What two groups dominate the period of the divided kingdoms? In what way do they influence their kingdoms?
•The Kings and the prophets. As the kings go, so goes the nation. See the ESV study Bible chart, p. 622. 1.If the king serves and obeys God the nation prospers 2.If the king rebels the nation suffers 3.Israel's kings are all idolatrous Judah has good and bad kings The prophets, through their words and actions speak for God. 1.They warn, rebuke, encourage and instruct the people 2.They are God's only reliable voice in the period 3.They must obey God exactly or he removes them
Why does Israel never come back from exile, according to Assyrian practices?
•The effect? Israel is gone. The final chapter of the Northern Kingdom has been written (2 Kings 17:41).
What events and their dates span the books of 1-2 Chronicles?
•The events of the book run from the death of king Saul about 1010), to the decree of Cyrus (2 Chronicles 36) to rebuild the Temple in about 530. (Based on 1 Chronicles 36), the book appears to be written substantially later. The genealogy traces the descendents of Zerubbabel for two more generations therefore , 1-2 Chronicles is probably written in the early to mid- 400's)
What sources did the author have available to write about the period?
The author appears to write soon after the start of the Babylonian Captivity (c. 550). He refers to the destruction of Jerusalem and Judah taken to Babylon (2 Kings 25), to the 37th year of the exile (2 Kings 25:27), but does not mention the return from Babylon. (Some of the great writers of that period include Jeremiah, Ezekiel or Ezra.
What do we know about the author of Ezra?
The author is not named, but a consensus of evangelical scholars point to Ezra as the author. Ezra was a priest and scribe of the Law (Ezra 7:21) Ezra speaks in the first person in 7:27 to 9:15
When do the events of Ezra take place?
The events of the book cover two time periods 1. The Jews return to the land in three groups 2. After the national humiliation in Babylon God brings his people back from exile (the book was probably written after the book's events in about 450)
What does David and Absalom narrative explain? How is David's kingdom affected by his sin?
The narrative explains the effects of David's sin on the unending dynasty. The same tension emerges: human sin damages God's promises, reducing the full potential effect of the promises. For David, the kingdom remains, but its greatness is reduced, and David's life is needlessly complicated. David remains in Jerusalem instead of leading his army and fall in sin with Bathsheba. (2 Samuel 11:1-5). To cover their sin, David arranges for Uriah's death (2 Samuel 11:15) and takes Bathsheba for his wife (2 Samuel 11:27).
How do the people respond in Nehemiah 8-12, to the reading of the Law in Neh 8?
The people are weeping and mourning (8:9) The people confess their sins (9:1-3) They sign a pledge to keep the covenant (9:30-10:1).
What do the people do in response when the foundation is laid for the Temple (Ezra 3:10-11)? What happens to the work after the foundation is done?
The priests and Levites rejoice with a great shout, yet the old men weep (Ezra 3:10-13) Why? the temple is nothing compared to the glory of Solomon's temple (Haggai 2:3).
What do we know about the author of 1-2 Kings? Who might it have been?
Unknown, but probably one person because of the unity of writing style throughout the books. As with 1-2 Samuel, the writer had access to several named sources: Book of the Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 11:41), book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (1 Kings 14:29) and Israel (1 Kings 14:19).
What do we know about the author of 1-2 Chronicles?
Unknown. Jewish tradition points to Ezra the Priest, but without any substantiation from the books themselves. As with 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings, the author does use several ancient sources to write the books.
What do we know about the author and date of Esther?
Unnamed someone in Persia (eyewitness) Ezra or Nehemiah maybe Mordecai
Why does David bring the tabernacle to Jerusalem?
David brings the tabernacle to Jerusalem, his capital (2 Samuel 6: 12-14). David desires to build a permanent temple (2 Samuel 7:1-2), to replace the tent of meeting
What does David do for the nation at the start of the King David narrative?
David goes about consolidating the kingdom. He unites the nation (2 Samuel 2-5) and then expands and fortifies the kingdom (2 Samuel 6-10)
How does David demonstrate his heart for worship and to be in God's presence?
David is also worthy to be king, demonstrated by his heart for worship and to be in God's presence. God in their midst is tied to the nation's prosperity.
Why is the kingdom not torn from David as it was from Saul?
David repents immediately (Psalms) God promised David an unending dynasty A sin of passion vs. open rebellion
Why is it wrong for David to count the people (2 Samuel 24)?
David's census of the people (2 Samuel 24). A forlorn ending of the book, inciting God's wrath to strike 70,000 Hebrews (2 Samuel 24:15). Note that Joab and the army's other commanders urge David to not count the people (2 Samuel 24:3-4). 1. David is trusting in his army and people instead of God 2.Since Joshua God declares that he is their strength
What does David's long prayer of thanks indicate in 2 Samuel 7:18-29?
David's long prayer of praise is recorded to confirm the importance of the promise (2 Samuel 7:18-22). David understood!
What is Elisha demonstrating about God through all of the miracles that he performs?
Elisha also demonstrates God's mercy to His needy people (2 Kings 2-7). He purifies poison water (2 Kings 2:19-22), provides victory in battle to king Jehoram (2 Kings 3), provides food for a poor woman (2 Kings 4:1-7), raises a dead boy (2 Kings 4:32-35), makes poison food edible (2 Kings 4:38-41), heals Naaman's leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-27), and recovers the lost axe head (2 Kings 6:1-7).
What is the key text in Esther and what does it show about God's working?
Esther 4:13 1. If Esther does not act, relief and deliverance will come from another source (Esther 4:13) 2. Esther may have been chosen as queen for this (Esther 4:14).
What does the nation do in response to Ezra? What does the shocking action of the nation say about Judah's priorities?
Ezra's solution is radical! The people dissolve their marriages with the Gentiles (Ezra 10:1-3). The shock makes the point even the sanctity of marriage is not as important as the nation remaining separate from their Gentile neighbors- it is their only hope of survival and blessing.
What is the result of the civil war? How is division sown among the tribes?
In civil war, Absalom is defeated and Joab kills him against David's wishes The result of Absalom's rebellion David grieves excessively for Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33 to 19:1), confusing the people and leading to divisions (2 Samuel 19:5-6) Another rebellion is led by Sheba, sowing the seeds of division between the Northern tribes and Judah (2 Samuel 20: 1-2).
What does Nehemiah do in response to the report on Jerusalem in Nehemiah 1?
Nehemiah defends his actions as governor of Judah, guiding the rebuilding of the walls and holding the people accountable to God (Nehemiah 5:19, 13:14, 22, 31).
What do we know about the author of Nehemiah?
Nehemiah he writes much of the book in first person narrative (Nehemiah chapters 1-7; 12:31 to 13:31)
Why does Nehemiah return to Judah with the exiles in 444 B.C.? Why do they accomplish their mission in only 52 days?
Nehemiah knows he is accountable to God. The section shows God's faithful guidance and protection to Nehemiah and the remnant as they re-fortify Jerusalem.
What are the six appendices of 1-2 Samuel included for?
Six final episodes finish the books. They consolidate the details about the greatness of David, God's anointed king.
What is Solomon faithful to build?
Solomon is also faithful to build the temple (1 Kings 6:1).
What are the unique characteristics of Esther? What conclusion have some scholars made about the book and its Jewish characters because of these unique features?
There is no mention of God the Law, the temple or sacrifices. Esther is also never quoted in the New Testament and it is not found in the Dead Sea Scrolls and it was also slowly added to the Old Testament canon (Mordecai and Esther were also not particularly spiritual people, but they were good) There were a lot of people who were Jews by ethnic origin but not practicing Jews.
As a result, how does God treat them?
They must obey God exactly or he removes them
What is the purpose of Esther? What is the foundational covenant for the book? Why?
To display God's faithful preservation of the Jews the foundation for the book is the Abrahamic covenant
What is the purpose of 1-2 Kings?
To evaluate the rise and fall of Israel because of the disobedience of the kings. The books could be appropriately titled "The Rise, Decline, and fall of the Hebrew Monarchy."
What is the purpose of Nehemiah? What two events stand out in the book?
To explain the people's obedient response to God's faithful restoration of Jerusalem. Jerusalem's walls are rebuilt under God's protection The covenant is rebuilt; the people rededicate themselves to God.
Why are the first exiles allowed to return to Judah? Why does Cyrus let them go? What prophets are influencing Cyrus?
Why did Cyrus do it? Why would he have any interest in Jerusalem? Most likely it is not the result of a vision or a dream because it is never mentioned in the text. It is probably the result of prophetic activity. When Cyrus issues the decree Daniel is still alive (Daniel 10:1), seeking the restoration of Jerusalem (Daniel 9:1-3). He is aware of Jeremiah 25:11-12). Cyrus might have read Isaiah's prediction from Daniel or another exile with access to Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28-45:7).
Why is so much time given to why the Northern Kingdom falls in 2 Kings 17?
•The fact of their exile is recorded (2 Kings 17:5-6). •Israel was dispersed permanently by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:18, 23). •Assyrian strategy was to conquer and then mix captives with other ethnic groups across their empire (2 Kings 17:24). •Babylonians exiled whole nations together in other lands. •Romans kept the conquered nation in their own land but imposed Roman law. •Other ethnic groups are settled in Israel's former lands in Samaria, setting up false worship of Yhwh along with all of the other pagan gods (2 Kings 17:27-29). N.B. The profaning of God, to treat Him as like all of the other gods. •The theological explanation for the exile is explained in detail (2 Kings 17:7-18). •Israel's history is retold since Egypt, including the sin of Jeroboam (2 Kings 17:21-23).
What two causes were identified for the split of the nation of Israel?
•The historical cause: Solomon's idolatry (1 Kings 11:9-13) •The immediate cause: Rehoboam's foolish decision. The people ask for tax relief (1 Kings 12:4). Rehoboam receives counsel from his old and his young advisors and listens to the young advisors words (1 Kings 12:4-11)
How did the professor compare the prophets to the role of the Bible today?
•The role of the Bible and its teaching in our lives is pictured by these prophets: teaching, reproof, correction, training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), reprove, rebuke, exhort patiently (2 Timothy 4:2).
How do we reconcile the conditional blessing on Solomon with the unconditional promise to David?
•There were no conditions on David •Each son of David must remain faithful to reign over Israel •If they do not God will place another son of David on the throne in their place.
Why is the end of Solomon's life tragic? What are the consequences for him and the nation?
•There were no conditions on David •Each son of David must remain faithful to reign over Israel •If they do not God will place another son of David on the throne in their place.
What does the section 1 Kings 1-11 explain? What is the power of Israel during this period?
•This section explains the initial deterioration of the nation after it reaches its greatest power •The nation expands to its greatest power with Solomon, yet because of his wandering, the nation begins to decline. It is predicted that the Northern tribes will be torn from Solomon and his family (1 Kings 11:9-13). •David establishes Solomon as King just before David's death (1 Kings 2:10-12) and charges Solomon to remain faithful, for the kingdom to endure (1 Kings 2:1-4).
What is the purpose of 1-2 Chronicles?
•To persuade the returned Jews to worship God at the temple following the lead of the priests
How does Jehoiada the priest serve Judah (2 Kings 11-12)? How is he rewarded in death?
•When Athaliah seizes the throne and kills the crown princes, Jehoiada acts righteously. He puts Joash, the rightful king, on the throne (2 KIngs 11:48), sees to Athaliah's execution (2 Kings 11:15-16, leads the people to make a covenant with God and Joash (2 Kings 11:17). Cleanses the Temple (2 Kings, 11:18), and puts Joash on the throne (2 Kings 11:19). N.B. Jehoiada is rewarded by being buried with the kings (2 Kings 11:15-19; 2 Chronicles 24:1-16).
