BIB214 OT Survey Unit 2 ch4-7
What were the physical and religious conditions in Canaan?
A Canaanite city was often built on a hill and had a tall, thick wall around it to help make the city secure. The cruel, evil nature of the many gods the Canaanites worshipped was reflected in the religious customs. Archaeologists believe that they sacrificed their children, consorted with religious prostitutes, and worshipped snakes.
Who was Abimelech, and what sets him apart from the other judges?
Abimelech was the opposite of the type of judge God usually appointed. Unlike the six major judges, he did not deliver Israel from any enemies, and unlike the six minor judges, there is an entire chapter about him.
Who was the best-known and most sinful king in the third dynasty, and what famous Bible story occurred during his reign?
Ahab's reign included the story of Elijah's confronting the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and God's answering Elijah in a spectacular, miraculous way.
The second dynasty was characterized by what king and his reign?
Baasha, who reigned for twenty-four years. His dynasty was characterized by idolatrous lifestyles.
Who were the main characters in the book of Esther?
Courageous Esther, her wise uncle Mordecai, pompous King Xerxes, defiant Queen Vashti, and evil Haman
Identify the three stages of exile, including people involved and dates.
Daniel and others were taken to Babylon in 605 BC; Ezekiel and ten thousand more were exiled in 597 BC; and the rest of Judah was taken in 586 BC.
What had happened in David's life that might have contributed to his sin with Bathsheba?
David achieved great power and authority. Reveling in his military, political, and spiritual successes may have contributed to his sin with Bathsheba.
What kind of heritage did King David leave Solomon with, and how did Solomon enlarge on it?
David left Solomon the heritage of a kingdom that was united, had expanded borders, and was respected by other nations. Solomon increased the kingdom further, divided it into twelve districts for supplying the government, and added greatly to the number and military strength of Israel's army.
How did David's sin affect his family and the nation of Israel?
David's personal sin cost the lives of people, his lack of firm discipline contributed to bloodshed in his own family, and his pride brought a plague against the nation.
What was Israel's cycle of failure during the time of the judges?
Israel refused to obey God and became enamored with idols and immorality. God sent other nations to conquer them. After some years of slavery, Israel cried out for deliverance, and God sent deliverers. They returned to God and worshipped Him, but eventually returned to idolatry and sin, again setting the cycle in motion.
What does 1 Samuel record, and over what period of time?
First Samuel describes Israel's transition from judges to kings and covers about one hundred years from Samuel's birth to Saul's death.
What is the benefit of studying both good and evil kings and the impact of their reigns?
It (1) commends obedience and proper motives, (2) warns against disobedience and (3) demonstrates God's sovereignty in spite of human mistakes, sin, and poor decisions.
How would you describe the theme of Esther?
It could be described as God's sovereignty and protection of His people and chosen nation. The book also reveals the character of Queen Esther.
What details about Esther's character emerge from the story?
God gave Queen Esther favor with everyone who saw her, she turned to the Lord through prayer and fasting, she cared more about her people than her own life, she was very wise in the way she dealt with Haman, and she was the person God used to deliver the Jews. In other words, she was honorable and gracious, spiritual, unselfish and loving, discerning and wise, and a willing instrument of God.
Describe the miracle of entering Canaan as told in Joshua 4.
God rolled back the waters of the Jordan River, enabling the Israelites to cross in safety.
With what does Hebrew tradition credit Ezra?
Hebrew tradition credits Ezra with organizing the entire Old Testament into the Hebrew canon. In addition, the Hebrew canon combines Ezra and Nehemiah as one book called Ezra.
What happened to Hezekiah when the prophet Isaiah told him he would die?
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed. God answered by adding fifteen years to his life.
First Samuel 16:5-13 emphasizes which characteristic of David?
His heart attitude, which pleased God
Describe briefly the topic and main occurrences of Joshua 22-24.
Israel enjoyed a time of peace and commitment to God. Before Joshua died, he called all Israel together, reminding them that God had called Abraham out of idolatry and warning them to always fear and obey God.
What does King Manasseh's life portray about God, and why?
Manasseh was considered the most wicked king Judah ever had (in addition to other horrors he committed, he ordered Isaiah to be tied between two boards and sawed in half), but when he was taken to Babylon in chains, he repented and returned to Judah to lead the people in serving the one true God. His life shows that God forgives anyone who repents, even the worst sinner.
What was the length in time of Israel's first dynasty, and who were its kings?
The first dynasty lasted for twenty-four years: Jeroboam reigned for twenty-two years, and his son Nadab ruled only two years.
How long was the first period of Judah, and how is it characterized?
The first period lasted sixty years and was characterized by war with Israel.
How could seven-year-old Joash have the wisdom to reign as king?
The godly priest Jehoiada heavily influenced Joash at the beginning of his reign, and that period was known as the period of Jehoiada's godly influence.
What were some of Solomon's building programs?
The most important was the temple, with its dedication being one of the most significant events in Israel's history since they left Mount Sinai. He also built a palace for himself.
Why was the name Purim chosen for the celebration feast?
The name Purim was chosen because it means "two or more lots." It would remind them that Haman had used a pur to choose a day to destroy them, but God was faithful and delivered them.
Why was King David not allowed to build God's temple?
The prophet Nathan revealed that David's son would build the temple since David was a warring king and his son Solomon would be a man of peace.
What characterized Judah's second period, and how long did it last?
The second period was seventy-five years of political alliance between Israel and Judah.
What is the importance of the story of Ruth, and how does it apply to us?
The story of Ruth reveals that God is the sovereign King over all and extends His mercy to all, specifically to those who experience great suffering—a great application for believers today.
Describe the main theme and purpose for the book of Joshua.
The theme and purpose of Joshua is to demonstrate that God kept His promise to Abraham involving the land of Canaan. The book also demonstrates that God, though rich in mercy, eventually judges sin as an act of justice. Also, Joshua shows that God judges sin in all nations.
What theological emphases are found in the book of Ezra?
The theological emphases include the viability of the community, repentance, covenant renewal in the postexilic community, and reaffirmation of divine sovereignty.
How long did the third period last, and how was it characterized?
The third period lasted seventy-five years and was characterized by war between Israel and Judah.
Who led the three stages of the Jews' return to Jerusalem?
The three leaders were Zerubbabel (538 BC), Ezra (457 BC) and Nehemiah (445 BC).
How old was Josiah when he became king of Judah? a) 8 b) 18 c) 21 d) 25
a) 8
The Canaanites' believed that heaven, earth, and childbirth were controlled by a) Baal. b) Asherah. c) Chemosh. d) El.
a) Baal.
After Cyrus's decree, who led the second group of Jews back to Jerusalem? a) Ezra b) Nehemiah c) Zerubbabel d) Zechariah
a) Ezra
Cyrus's permission for the Jews to return to Jerusalem was prophesied 160 years in advance by a) Isaiah. b) Jeremiah. c) Zechariah. d) Amos.
a) Isaiah.
Which king arranged for his son to marry Athaliah, Ahab and Jezebel's daughter? a) Jehoshaphat b) Rehoboam c) Asa d) Baasha
a) Jehoshaphat
Which king helped to kill Zechariah, son of Jehoiada? a) Joash b) Amaziah c) Uzziah d) Jehoram
a) Joash
Which king of Judah sacrificed children to Molech in the valley of Hinnom? a) Manasseh b) Josiah c) Joash d) Amon
a) Manasseh
Ruth was from the land of a) Moab. b) Ammon. c) Edom. d) Judah.
a) Moab.
Who confronted David concerning his sin with Bathsheba? a) Nathan b) Samuel c) Hushai d) Ahijah
a) Nathan
Who was the last judge to rule Israel? a) Samuel b) Gideon c) Samson d) Jephthah
a) Samuel
When anointing David, Samuel learned that a) humans look at the outside, but God looks at the heart. b) the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. c) God hears the prayers of the righteous. d) obedience is better than sacrifice.
a) humans look at the outside, but God looks at the heart.
The years of Solomon's reign were a) peaceful and prosperous. b) peaceful but unsuccessful. c) prosperous but volatile. d) oppressive and uncertain.
a) peaceful and prosperous.
King Xerxes ordered a search for a new queen because Vashti a) rebelled and refused to obey him. b) was old and unable to fulfill her duties. c) was unable to have children. d) became ill and died.
a) rebelled and refused to obey him.
Naomi literally means a) "bitter." b) "pleasant." c) "my God is king." d) "barren."
b) "pleasant."
Who led Israel in worshipping Baal? a) Omri b) Ahab and Jezebel c) Jeroboam d) Baasha
b) Ahab and Jezebel
The book of 2 Samuel recounts the years of a) Samuel's birth to Saul's death. b) David's rule. c) Saul's life. d) Samuel's life.
b) David's rule.
According to Jewish tradition, who organized the entire Old Testament Hebrew canon? a) Nehemiah b) Ezra c) Zerubbabel d) Zechariah
b) Ezra
Ezra 1-6 focuses on the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple, while Ezra 7-10 describes a) the dedication of the priests. b) Ezra's journey and work. c) opposition from other nations. d) Haggai and Zechariah's prophetic ministry.
b) Ezra's journey and work.
When Assyria besieged Jerusalem, which prophet urged Hezekiah to trust in the Lord? a) Jeremiah b) Isaiah c) Zechariah d) Amos
b) Isaiah
When Athaliah tried to destroy David's lineage through Jehoshaphat, God spared a) Asa. b) Joash. c) Jehoram. d) Jehoshaphat.
b) Joash.
According to Jewish tradition, the author of the book of Joshua is a) Moses. b) Joshua. c) Samuel. d) unknown.
b) Joshua.
Who revealed a plot to kill King Xerxes? a) Haman b) Mordecai c) Nehemiah d) Ezra6
b) Mordecai
Which major judge was Caleb's nephew and fought the king of Aram? a) Ehud b) Othniel c) Jephthah d) Samson
b) Othniel.
David learned the benefits of iron from the a) Ammonites. b) Philistines. c) Jebusities. d) Moabites.
b) Philistines.
Israel and Judah saw seventy-five years of political alliance in which period of the divided kingdom? a) First b) Second c) Third d) Fourth
b) Second
What characterized the reigns of both Saul and David? a) Peace with surrounding nations b) The sacredness of the office of king c) Their wholehearted service to God d) Their godly character
b) The sacredness of the office of king
Which king of Judah entered the temple to burn incense and died of leprosy? a) Amaziah b) Uzziah c) Jotham d) Ahaz
b) Uzziah
The events of the book of Esther took place a) before the Jews returned to Jerusalem. b) between the first and second returns. c) between the second and third returns. d) after the final return of the Jews.
b) between the first and second returns.
Solomon's ability to trade with other nations came from Israel's mines of a) gold and silver. b) iron and copper. c) coal and gold. d) silver and copper.
b) iron and copper.
Solomon disobeyed God by a) handling the ark of the covenant inappropriately. b) marrying many foreign wives. c) accumulating a lot of wealth. d) counting his fighting men.
b) marrying many foreign wives.
The book of Ezra centers on a) rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. b) rebuilding the temple. c) God's grace and forgiveness. d) God's judgment and wrath.
b) rebuilding the temple.
The period of the judges lasted about a) 100 years. b) 200 years. c) 400 years. d) 500 years.
c) 400 years.
Judah went into exile in Babylon for how many years? a) 50 b) 60 c) 70 d) 80
c) 70
Who was Ruth's kinsman-redeemer? a) Obed b) Elimelech c) Boaz d) Mahlon
c) Boaz
Who confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel? a) Elisha b) Ahijah c) Elijah d) Jehu
c) Elijah
The Jews completed rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem in how many days? a) Thirty b) Forty-eight c) Fifty-two d) Sixty-four
c) Fifty-two
David captured Jerusalem from the a) Philistines. b) Ammonites. c) Jebusites. d) Moabites.
c) Jebusites.
Who immediately killed all his brothers once he was made king of Judah? a) Jehoshaphat b) Asa c) Jehoram d) Abijah
c) Jehoram
The first king of the Northern Kingdom was a) Omri. b) Baasha. c) Jeroboam. d) Rehoboam.
c) Jeroboam.
Jehoiada the priest had a profound influence on the life of a) Jehoram. b) Uzziah. c) Joash. d) Asa.
c) Joash.
Which king of Judah led a campaign to repair and restore the temple? a) Amon b) Zedekiah c) Josiah d) Joash
c) Josiah
Jeremiah wrote a lament in memory of King a) Manasseh. b) Zedekiah. c) Josiah. d) Joash.
c) Josiah.
The events of Esther took place in a) Israel. b) Assyria. c) Persia. d) Egypt.
c) Persia.
Which feast celebrates the Jews' deliverance from Haman and his plot? a) Trumpets b) Tabernacles c) Purim d) Passover
c) Purim
Solomon dedicated the temple during the Feast of a) Trumpets. b) Passover. c) Tabernacles. d) Unleavened Bread.
c) Tabernacles.
Which period of the divided kingdom saw seventy- five years of war between Israel and Judah? a) First b) Second c) Third d) Fourth
c) Third
Who led the first group of Jews back to Jerusalem after Cyrus issued his decree? a) Ezra b) Nehemiah c) Zerubbabel d) Zechariah
c) Zerubbabel
One purpose of the book of Joshua is to a) show God's provision and faithfulness. b) recount the Israelites' journey to Mount Sinai. c) demonstrate that God kept His promise to Abraham. d) summarize events that occurred at Sinai, Kadesh, and Moab.
c) demonstrate that God kept His promise to Abraham.
The book of Judges emphasizes the Israelites' a) steadfastness and faithfulness. b) complete fall into idolatry. c) failure to conquer much of the land. d) success in conquering Canaan.
c) failure to conquer much of the land.
The book of Ruth communicates the message of God's a) forgiveness and restoration. b) desire for purity and holiness. c) redeeming grace. d) judgment.
c) redeeming grace.
Assyria conquered the Northern Kingdom in a) 586 BC. b) 622 BC. c) 686 BC. d) 722 BC.
d) 722 BC.
Jephthah helped to deliver Israel from a) Moab. b) Canaan. c) Philistia. d) Ammon.
d) Ammon.
Who sought the Lord about the king of Assyria's siege of Jerusalem? a) Uzziah b) Joash c) Ahaz d) Hezekiah
d) Hezekiah
Who is considered the greatest king of the Northern Kingdom? a) Jeroboam b) Omri c) Jehu d) Jeroboam II
d) Jeroboam II
The man with exceptional organizational skills who helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was a) Ezra. b) Zerubbabel. c) Zechariah. d) Nehemiah.
d) Nehemiah.
First Samuel relates thrilling stories about Israel's ongoing struggle with the a) Moabites. b) Ammonites. c) Egyptians. d) Philistines.
d) Philistines.
The first king of the Southern Kingdom was a) Asa. b) Jehoshaphat. c) Jeroboam. d) Rehoboam.
d) Rehoboam.
How many tribes comprised the Northern Kingdom? a) Two b) Four c) Eight d) Ten
d) Ten
The last king to rule over Judah in Jerusalem was a) Josiah. b) Jehoahaz. c) Jehoiachin. d) Zedekiah.
d) Zedekiah.
The purpose of the Old Testament narratives of the kings is a) historical. b) theological. c) instructional. d) both historical and theological.
d) both historical and theological.
Joshua's military strategy for conquering Canaan is known as a) blitzkrieg. b) guerrilla warfare. c) surround and conquer. d) divide and conquer.
d) divide and conquer.
Because of Solomon's disobedience, God promised to a) cause Solomon's son to die. b) strike Israel with a plague. c) take away the gift of wisdom. d) divide the kingdom.
d) divide the kingdom.
David spent the last ten years of his life a) enjoying the rewards of his success and prosperity. b) building his palace. c) crushing his enemies to make peace for his son Solomon. d) preparing for Solomon to build the temple.
d) preparing for Solomon to build the temple.
Ezra was a a) shepherd. b) priest. c) cupbearer. d) priest and scribe.
d) priest and scribe.
The theme of Nehemiah is the a) grace and forgiveness of the Lord. b) judgment and wrath of God. c) rebuilding of the temple. d) rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.
d) rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.
How was Joshua's military strategy described?
"Divide and conquer." His armies drove a wedge between the Amorites to the south and the Canaanites to the north.
What three theological emphases are found in 1 Samuel?
(1) The fulfillment of God's ancient promise that kings would issue from the patriarchs; (2) the error of trying to run ahead of God's promises and attempting with human effort what only God can and should do; (3) the principle that the all-wise and all powerful God is sovereign and that nations or individuals who submit to His dominion enjoy great blessing
Do we know who wrote the book of Joshua? Explain your answer.
Although Joshua 24:26 suggests that Joshua wrote at least part of the book, the account of Joshua's death and other sections indicate a different author. The common phrase until this day suggests that an extended amount of time had elapsed since the events described. The best conclusion may be that the book was written by eyewitnesses, perhaps including Joshua himself.
Which kings were Josiah's sons, and what characterized all their reigns?
Although Josiah was a godly king, all three of his three sons—Jehoahaz, Eliakim (renamed Jehoikim), and Zedekiah, the last king to rule Judah—"failed to follow their father in obeying God."
Which king began Judah's third period, and what characteristic of his reign was similar to earlier Judean kings?
Although King Amaziah began his reign well, it did not end well.
Explain the title of 1 Samuel.
Although the Babylonian Talmud attributes authorship to Samuel, his death is mentioned twice before the end of the first book. Most likely, his prominence in 1 Samuel was considered reasonable evidence for the title of both books.
Approximately how long did the Southern Kingdom last?
Approximately 350 years
What is a unique aspect of the book of Esther?
Esther is one of two books of the Bible that do not mention God's name anywhere, although His hand is seen throughout the book. (The other book is Song of Songs.)
What does the book of Ezra demonstrate about God?
It demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promise and His people, sovereignly using three Persian kings to assist the Jewish nation in returning to their homeland and rebuilding it. God's faithfulness also included using Ezra, Jeshua, Zerubbabel, and Nehemiah as spiritual leaders in this time of restoration.
Explain why Joshua was an excellent choice for leadership in conquering Canaan.
Joshua was a former slave, well-trained leader, and witness to the miracles with which God delivered Israel. As Moses's aide, Joshua participated in several key developments in the Exodus. Before Moses died, he laid his hands on Joshua, who received God's Spirit, enabling and empowering him to lead Israel.
What famous biblical story is told in Joshua 6?
Joshua's army defeated Jericho through the unusual means of marching around the city and blowing trumpets.
Who was the final king of Judah during the divided kingdom, and what was his tragic mistake?
King Ahaz did not take the prophet Isaiah's counsel, which was to not be afraid and to trust in God alone. Instead, he turned to the nation of Assyria for help and led the people into idolatry.
What did David do militarily to make Israel the dominant power in western Asia?
King David conquered Edom and acquired iron and copper. He conquered the Moabites and Amalekites, taking gold and silver from them. He defeated Syria and Ammon. He liberated Israel from Philistine oppression and made their territories and people subject to his rule.
Describe some examples of David's political successes.
King David took Jerusalem back from the Jebusites. It became the place of authority for all Israel, and David organized the nation from Jerusalem (often called Zion).
Identify positive, significant aspects of King Hezekiah's rule.
King Hezekiah led the nation in righteousness restoration—cleansing the temple, removing idols, restoring prescribed worship patterns, and reinstituting sacrificial sin offerings and thanksgiving celebrations.
Who were the first and last kings of the second period in Judah's history? Compare their reigns.
King Jehoshaphat began the second period, and King Joash ended it. King Jehoshaphat reestablished some commendable practices, although his rule is best characterized as a mixture of spiritual and unspiritual leadership. King Joash began his reign as a godly king but turned to idolatry at the end.
What king's reign is sometimes considered one of Judah's most spiritual times? What did he do to bring this about?
King Jehoshaphat restored some godly practices, sent teachers to teach the Law of Moses, established peaceful relations with other nations, and led Judah in prayer and fasting.
Which king was considered the Northern Kingdom's greatest king, and why?
King Jeroboam II, the fourth ruler in Jehu's dynasty, won back much of Israel's land, made Samaria's walls larger, and brought peace and wealth back to Israel that had not existed since King Solomon.
Describe King Josiah's reign and its effects on Judah as a nation.
King Josiah sought the Lord, and at the age of twenty, he began to lead the nation back to God. During his reign, he led a campaign to repair the temple, and the book of the Law was discovered. Because he and the people sought God, the judgment of Judah was delayed.
What did Solomon do to increase Israel's power in business and trade?
King Solomon built ships to carry Israel's copper and iron to other nations where he traded for gold, silver, and ivory. He also gained wealth by trading spices with other countries. He obtained horses and chariots from the Hittites to increase his military strength, and his army enabled him to control trade in the entire region.
What was Solomon's disobedience, and what was God's judgment as a result?
King Solomon confirmed treaties and sealed alliances with other kings by marrying the kings' daughters. The foreign wives brought religious apostasy into the royal court and began the worshipping of other gods. After Solomon's death, God would divide the kingdom because of Solomon's disobedience.
What is the primary setting of the book of Ezra?
Much of the setting is in Jerusalem, where the Jews rebuilt the altar and completed the temple.
Describe Nehemiah's character, giving examples of each aspect.
Nehemiah had a servant's heart, working beside the people on the wall rather than dictating to them as governor. He had tremendous organizational abilities, was able to delegate, loved the Jewish people, prayed fervently, refused to take food money for his entire twelve years of service, and did not acquire land for himself. Nehemiah was godly—he and Ezra restored the temple ministry, dedicated the wall, and led the people in praise to God. After a time in Persia, he returned to Jerusalem and dispatched the foreigners, cleansed the temple, and restored temple worship.
Who was Nehemiah, and what was his political position?
Nehemiah was King Artaxerxes' cupbearer and confidant and later became governor of Israel. He emphasized rebuilding the walls and led the third and final group of exiles back to their homeland.
Who was head of the evilest ruling family in Israel, and how long did this dynasty last?
Omri's dynasty lasted about forty-seven years.
What is the one characteristic that applied only to the reigns of Saul and David?
Only in the stories of Saul and David are we told that the Spirit came upon them during their anointing.
What is most notable about Israel's fifth dynasty?
The fifth dynasty (Menahem's dynasty) was the last dynasty of the Northern Kingdom and lasted only fourteen years.
Who were the first and last kings of this period, and how are they remembered?
Rehoboam reigned at its beginning and turned to idolatrous practices. Asa ended it with a righteous reign.
How does Scripture treat Samuel, and what were some of his accomplishments?
Scripture commends Samuel for acting in a godly manner. Samuel taught, offered sacrifices, and cleansed the land from idols.
What hindered the progress of rebuilding the temple?
The Jews refused to let the Samaritans help with the temple because of their idolatry and mixed heritage. The Samaritans became angry and effectively opposed the rebuilding.
The battles to conquer Canaan were divided into what three campaigns?
The central battles involved defeating Jericho and Ai (6-8); the southern battles involved the defeat of the Amorites and the Gibeonites' deception of Israel (9); and the northern battles involved defeating the Canaanites and the destruction of the city of Hazor (11-12).
Which dynasty ruled the Northern Kingdom longer than any other family, and how long did it last?
The dynasty of Jehu (fourth dynasty) lasted almost one hundred years of the Northern Kingdom's two hundred years of existence.