Unit 3 Religion
Ptolemies
Egyptian kingdom that takes over Judah
Read Daniel 7:15-28. What is the primary concern in the interpretation of Daniel's dream?
The fiercely oppressive rule of foreign kings, and the ultimate triumph of the holy people.
Read Ezekiel 37:1-14. How do Ezekiel's prophetic words symbolically restore hope in the people of Israel, while they live in exile in Babylon?
The words of Ezekiel cause dried bones to become whole bodies, and the winds he summons cause the bodies to breathe again.
Three facets or nuances of "the fear of the Lord," and how Ruth embodies this "fear"
1. Humility, submission 2. trust in, depend on 3. Emulate, follow "A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" Ruth is "a wife of noble character"
Four primary theological themes of Isaiah 1-39
1. The LORD is king 2. Trust in the LORD, not idols 3. Do justice and righteousness 4. A remnant will return
The historical setting of the life of Daniel, and the historical setting of the visions of Daniel
An early exile, like Ezekiel Trained in Babylon; serves as a govt. official Babylon worked by training their conquered peoples (like an international school) Lives through Babylonian Empire into Persian Empire Visions: Israel's God protects the faithful to the end dreams about the empires that would rule Judah
Hannukah
An eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BC - result of the Maccabean revolt
Read Isaiah 6:8-13, and notice what it says here about eyes, ears, and heart (= "mind"). What is the LORD's stated goal for the people's eyes, ears, and heart?
He says that he wants the people's eyes, ears, and hearts not to see or hear or understand, so that they will not be "healed" of their sins.
This chapter describes the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, a king who "did not do what was right." What events from the reign of King Ahaz contribute to this negative evaluation?
King Ahaz builds a new altar for the temple in Jerusalem, an altar based on the design of one he saw in Damascus King Ahaz sacrifices his son in a fire.
Read Isaiah 36:1-22 . An Assyrian army surrounds Jerusalem. The Assyrian field commander speaks to the defenders of Jerusalem, telling them not to "depend on" or "trust in" two powers that oppose Assyria. What two powers cannot save Jerusalem, according to this Assyrian commander?
The LORD and Egypt.
Read Isaiah 10:20-23, where Isaiah speaks of Israel as a "remnant" (a small piece left over). What does the prophet say in this passage about Israel as a remnant?
The LORD will punish Israel and only a remnant will return. There will be a remnant of Israel that will genuinely rely on the LORD.
Read Isaiah 5:1-7. The LORD says he expected Israel (his vineyard) to produce grapes of justice and righteousness. What are the "wild grapes" they produce instead?
They produce bloodshed and cries of despair.
How Ezekiel's later prophecies convey hope
Valley of dry bones: Babylon considered graveyard, God promises to put his spirit back in the exiles and "reanimate them" Two sticks: (Ephraim/Israel and Judah) N and S reunited, no more idols ("I will be their God"), ruled by house of David New Jerusalem: a river bubbles from under the Temple that makes the Dead Sea freshwater and full of life and the land around very fertile - The LORD's power to revive nature implies power to revive the nation
Parallels between Ezekiel's description of New Jerusalem and descriptions of Heaven in the New Testament
Vision of heaven on earth in Revelation 22 River of Life flows from God's throne; Tree of Life bears fruit every month; leaves heal the nations Images of physical life reinforce reality of spiritual life
Samaria
capital of Israel (N) - people of Samaria (Samaritans) intermarry with Assyrians when Assyria invades
Nehemiah
contemporary of Ezra, governor, city-builider, enforces Ezra's laws, excludes foreigners from worshipping in the Temple, provides for the Levites, says no work on Sabbath, cites Solomon's wives as reason to dissolve foreign marriages
Ezra's policy toward inter-faith marriages
dissolves them, citing the way Solomon's foreign wives corrupted his heart - only dissolved marriages between foreign wives and Jewish husbands
Ahaz
father of Hezekiah, bad king of Judah who allied with Assyria and promotes idolatry and child sacrifice
Zedekiah
final king of Judah - Jeremiah warns that Jerusalem will fall if they don't repent before Zedekiah becomes king, but this happens while he is king - rebells against Babylon with a coalition of other small nations, but fails, tries to run away, but is caught and forced to watch is family be executed right before his eyes are poked out
Seleucids
kingdom from Syria, driven out by Maccabeus
Judas Maccabeus
leads the Maccabean revolt against Antiochus IV and the Seleucids (Syrians) - leads to Hannukah
Boaz
marries Ruth (a moabite), goes against Ezra and Nehemiah's belief that Israelite men shouldn't marry foreign women son of Rahab
Explain how "the fear of the Lord" provides the means for a grateful response to the skepticism and futility expressed in Ecclesiastes
"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole* of man." "fear of the LORD" resolves the skepticism and futility of life because God provides health, wealth, work, and wisdom as gifts (but they're not the meaning of life)
How Ezekiel prepares his audience for the fall of Jerusalem
"He says that [Jerusalem] will know that [it is] the LORD" who is causing their suffering, then he digs a hole in the city wall and crawls through and covers his eyes, foreshadowing what King Zedekiah will do when Jerusalem falls to Babylon and the people are exiled
Ways Isaiah develops the theme of "servant" in Isaiah 40-55 to complement the theme of "the Lord is king"
- Jerusalem has suffered because "the Lord is king" - "the Lord is king" even over Cyrus (of Persia, His anointed) because He is the creator - the Lord anoints "servants" who will bring blessings to His people, but even these powerful servants are subservient to the Lord because he is king
Four sins of Jeroboam, perpetuated by later kings of (North) Israel
- Puts GOLDEN CALVES in two sanctuaries - Builds many new SHRINES (instead of allowing people to worship in Jerusalem) - Appoints non-Levite PRIESTS - Reschedules Fall FESTIVAL Does this to draw Israel away from God so he can solidify his power
Ways Jeremiah develops the theme of "heart"
- The LORD judges the heart (Jeremiah 17:10; 20:12) - Israel has "uncircumcised hearts" (Jer. 4:4; 9:26) - The people have "stubborn hearts" devoted to idols (see Deut. 10:16; 30:4-6) - Sin - not the law - is inscribed on their hearts (Jer. 17:1)
The changing tone (three phases) of Jeremiah's message
1. Threats: "Jerusalem will fall unless you return to God" unfaithful wife metaphor for Israel being unfaithful to God (broke Mosaic covenant), says Israel is trying to rely on empty religion (not actually being faithful to God, just claiming that they are protected just because they go to the Temple) (informed by Jeremiah's family heritage because Jeremiah was from the line of Abiathar (and Eli) who were exiled from to Anathoth by Solomon) Just like the LORD abandoned Shiloh so can he abandon Jerusalem 2. Warnings: "Jerusalem will fall" Two fig baskets - one very good, one very bad (good = Babylonian exile, bad = Jerusalem) --> means that Jerusalem and Zedekiah will be destroyed, but that those brought to Babylon will learn to know God 3. Hope: "Jerusalem will rise again" New covenant (four parts: 1. laws written on the heart 2. renew marriage vows 3. "all will know the LORD" (experience & imitate his ways) 4. Forgiveness ("I will remember their sin no more")) different from Mosaic covenant because, "I will put my law within their minds and write it on their hearts," so Israel will know God better
Jeroboam
A prophet offers Jeroboam a dynasty like David's (1 Kings 11:38) Jeroboam is an official under Solomon who is in charge of all the laborers (he's there representative to the throne) Offered a dynasty as long as he obeyed God's commands Jeroboam "rebels," ignoring God's commands, and setting his kingdom on a doomed course (makes Israel worship idols to solidify his power) Israel splits into Israel (N) and Judah (S) because of him - Becomes king of Israel (N)
Progression of four empires that ruled Judah between destructions of Jerusalem
Babylon: 586-539 BC Persia: 539-331 BC - Allow Jews to return home, but they remain under Persian rule Greece: 331-63 BC Rome: 63 BC - 70 AD * Babylon sets up Judah as a province, and the subsequent three inherit it as a province in their empire
The call vision of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6) and the significance of leprosy language Isaiah's messages as the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem progresses (before, during, after the siege); how Isaiah presents the four themes during this crisis
Call vision: sees God as enthroned in the Temple, God says that only a remnant will survive - leprosy language: Isaiah like king Uzziah, shows that Isaiah needs God's grace to save him * Assyrians approach, Isaiah: "Assyria is God's weapon of choice" (Theme 1 LORD is King) "they will no longer rely on Assyria, they will rely on the LORD" (Theme 2 trust in the LORD) "only a remnant will return (Theme 4) * Theme #1 - The LORD is KING - Isaiah 6:1-7 - Isaiah's call - Isaiah 10:15-19 - Assyria approaches, the LORD's weapon - Isaiah 37:14-20 - Hezekiah's prayer Theme #2 - TRUST in the LORD, not idols - Isaiah 6:9-10 - Isaiah's first prophecy (Psalm 115:1-8) - Isaiah 36:4-10, 13-15 - at siege of Jerusalem - Isaiah 37:9-13 - Sennacherib's ultimatum Theme #3 - Do JUSTICE & RIGHTEOUSNESS - Isaiah 6:9-10 - Isaiah's first prophecy - Isaiah 5:1-7 - Song of the Vineyard - Isaiah 1:10-17 - as Assyria leaves Theme #4 - A REMNANT will return - Isaiah 6:11-13 - reaction to Isaiah's first prophecy - Isaiah 10:20-23 - Assyria approaches, only a remnant - Isaiah 37:30-32 - end of siege of Jerusalem - Isaiah 1:7-9 - as Assyria leaves
Ways hero stories in Daniel promote remaining faithful to God
Daniel 1 - Daniel & friends reject food, excel in studies = they're faithful to God and he helps them succeed Daniel 3 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow to an idol, "even if God does not deliver [them]"; and they survive the fire Daniel 6 - Daniel defies a prayer prohibition, God's angel protects Daniel from lions
Read Ezekiel 47:1-12. This is part of an extended vision of future Israel and Jerusalem that Ezekiel sees. What significant part is described in this passage?
Ezekiel sees a river flowing out of the temple, with fruit trees on both banks.
Read Ezekiel 37:15-28. How does Ezekiel describe the future reunification of the kingdoms of Israel (Ephraim) and Judah?
Ezekiel ties together two sticks. The LORD says they will have only one king and a covenant of peace that will unify them.
Read Daniel 2:24-49. What interpretation does Daniel give as the final outcome of Nebuchadnezzar's dream?
God will establish an eternal kingdom that will replace the four evil kingdoms before it.
Different interpretations that link King Nebuchadnezzar's statue dream with Daniel's vision of four beasts, but connect the final phase of both to different historical events
Gold → Lion Silver → Bear Bronze → Leopard Iron & Clay → Horned Beast Rock → Eternal kingdom Some interpreters say "one like a son of man" and the rock point to the Maccabees Many Christians say "one like a son of man" and the rock point to Christ A few modern Christians interpret "holy ones" and feet of iron & clay as a fifth stage yet to come: Catholics, protestants? Could be talking about the end times and the final generation
Four perspectives in Ecclesiastes on "What is gained...?"
HEALTH, WEALTH, and WORK: Enjoy food, health, & work BECAUSE GOD provides them WISDOM: Pursue wisdom & knowledge, do justice & righteousness BECAUSE GOD is their source For Qoheleth, God - and God alone - gives meaning to life
Read Isaiah 6:1-7, where the prophet Isaiah sees a vision of "the LORD of hosts." How is the LORD portrayed in this vision?
He is a powerful king on his throne.
Read Ruth 2-3. Why does Boaz treat Ruth so generously?
He observes Ruth's selfless actions on behalf of Naomi, Boaz's relative.
Read Jeremiah 3:1-13. What real-life situation does Jeremiah use here as an analogy for the relationship between the LORD and Israel?
He portrays Israel as the LORD's unfaithful wife, who has committed adultery with other gods.
Read Jeremiah 7:1-15. What does Jeremiah say to combat the people's misguided confidence in the Jerusalem Temple?
He says the LORD will protect the temple and Jerusalem only if the people stop oppressing the weak and breaking his laws. He says the LORD threatens to destroy the temple in Jerusalem just like he destroyed his place of worship in Shiloh.
Qoheleth
Hebrew for "Assembly Speaker," can refer to God
How does Jeroboam change worship practices in Israel, so the people following him will not return to Jerusalem to worship?
Jeroboam sets up two golden calves for the people to worship. Jeroboam appoints new priests who are not Levites.
Three religious impulses reflected in Biblical writings from the Second Temple Period
Main impulse: priests and scribes who have religious and political power REPAIR broken world through Law (with religious reform) (expressed through Ezra/Nehemiah laws) Second: God PROTECTS the faithful from an evil, dangerous world, expressed through apocalyptic writings, the voice of the marginalized (the world is beyond human repair) Third: Find MEANING in a personal relationship with God (expressed through wisdom writings)
The Maccabean Revolt as a possible setting for Daniel's vision of ram and goat
Many say Daniel's visions interpret events leading up to the Maccabean Revolt (Antiochus IV = fierce looking king that was struck down after trampling the sanctuary) Some interpreters say "one like a son of man" and the rock point to the Maccabees
Summarize views on the meaning of "meaningless" (hebel) in Ecclesiastes
Meaningless/vanity/'hebel' is like fog, something you cannot grasp -- no full explanation -- no lasting value -- no true justice The longing - and inability - to control
Ruth
Moabite wife of Boaz, Naomi's daughter in law, ancestor of David, said to fear the LORD
Ruth and other examples of inter-faith / inter-ethnic marriages
Moses married a Cushite - didn't involve idolatry Rahab of Jericho - she converted Ruth of Moab - ancestor of David Uriah the Hittite - Bathsheba = mother of Solomon - Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba are all ancestors of Jesus
General comparison of the political and religious histories of (N.) Israel and (S.) Judah
N Israel - secedes from other two tribes under Jeroboam - capital: Samaria - all bad kings (20) - exiled to Assyria when Assyrians conquer - intermarry with Assyrians S Judah - two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) - capital: Jerusalem - House of David rules - 8 good, 11 bad kings - exiled to Babylon after Israel exiled to Assyria
Read Nehemiah 2 and Nehemiah 6:1-15. What is Nehemiah's reason for leaving his official appointment in the Persian royal court and going to Jerusalem?
Nehemiah wants to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem.
Cyrus
Persian king who conquered Babylon- restores subject peoples to their homelands, and allows exiles to return home, with limited local rule - the LORD's "anointed"
Darius
Persian king who provides funds for the Jews to rebuild their Temple - ushers in "Second Temple Period"
Zerubbabel
Persian prince under Darius who helps Joshua build the Second Temple
An early interpretation of the vision of the ram and the goat in Daniel 8, as provided in the chapter itself
Ram = Medes and Persias Goat = Greeks
The purpose of Daniel and the range of views on the potential audience(s)
Reassure beleaguered believers. But which believers? Maccabean Jews? Early Christians facing persecution? The final final generation? All the above?
Projects implemented by Ezra & Nehemiah in Jerusalem
Rebuild walls of Jerusalem, enforce religious laws (including Sabbath), dissolve inter-faith marriages
Four suggested motivations for Ezra's policy on inter-faith marriages
SOCIAL Motivation: Religion is key to preserving cultural distinctiveness ECONOMIC Motivation: To protect the Temple-tax base Marriage to foreign women shrinks the base, and marriage to foreign men grows the base because only Israelites can be taxed and they taxed the land-owners SPIRITUAL Motivation: marriages are symptomatic of multiple "abominations" LEGAL Motivation: Law warns of dire consequences (God's wrath)
Read Jeremiah 24, then go back and read 2 Kings 24:8-17. What major event takes place during the reign of King Jehoiachin, that serves as the setting for Jeremiah 24?
The Babylonians invade Judah, and they take King Jehoiachin to Babylon as their prisoner.
Ezra
Scribe, judge - Ezra teaches the Law of Moses, Nehemiah enforces it. The Persian king appoints Ezra to organize the judicial system in JudahEzra calls for strict adherence to the Law of Moses In Ezra-Nehemiah, God communicates through written words, not verbal author it. Ezra blames foreigners for corruption, abominations, impurity. Ezra annuls marriages between Israelite husbands and foreign wives. Teaches in public religious instruction
Sennacherib
Seleucid king who tried to take over Jerusalem when Hezekiah was king- spreads propaganda in Jerusalem that the Jews can't trust the Egyptians or God (says He isn't special and that Hezekiah offended Him) to help them - God kills 185,000 men in his army and Sennacherib retreats to be killed by his sons
Josiah
The most righteous and reforming king of Judah who returned the people to the worship of God. During his reign the Book of the Law was found in the Temple, where it might have been hidden during Manasseh's persecutions. Jeremiah called to be a prophet during Josiah's reign. Josiah's reforms don't last after he dies. Measured his success on how well he served the needy
Read Daniel 3. How do Daniel's three friends respond to the royal command to bow before a golden image?
They humbly affirm their trust in their own God and refuse to comply with the command.
Antiochus IV
possibly represented in Daniel's dream about goat and ram. Antiochus IV, a Seleucid king, imposes worship of Greek gods (170 BC) Offer pigs as sacrifices - against Jewish custom to have pigs in the temple, so they can't worship in temple (what he thinks will happen) Maccabean revolt occurred against him
hezekiah
son of Ahaz - good king of Judah (S) as Israel (N) invaded by Assyria - reformed the religious practices (remove idols and high places) , built the tunnels under the city to secure a water supply and built stronger walls to protect against siege - Sennacherib laid siege to Jerusalem - Hezekiah prays to God: affirms his god is the only real god and asks that God will listen and deliver Jerusalem - God does
