HEBREW BIBLE/OLD TESTAMENT STUDIESTEST #4 REVIEW GUIDE

Elihu

A young friend of Job who gave counsel that was wiser than those older than him (32:1-5). He rebuked Job's self-righteousness. Elihu is a character in the biblical Book of Job who appears towards the end of the story. In the book, Job, a righteous man who suffers great losses and physical afflictions, is visited by three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. They come to comfort him, but end up arguing with him about the reasons for his suffering. Elihu appears later in the story, and he is depicted as a younger man who has been listening to the conversation between Job and his three friends. Elihu speaks for six chapters, offering a different perspective on Job's suffering. He argues that God speaks to people through their suffering and that it is an opportunity for growth and transformation. Elihu also suggests that Job may have been too focused on his own righteousness and not enough on God's greatness and goodness.

shekinah/Glory of Yahweh

"Shekinah" is a Hebrew word used in Jewish and Christian theology to refer to the divine presence of God. The term is not found in the Bible, but the concept of the divine presence is prominent throughout the Old and New Testaments. In Judaism, the Shekinah is often understood as a feminine aspect of God's presence, associated with the nurturing and protective qualities of motherhood. The Glory of Yahweh is a term used in the Old Testament to describe the radiant manifestation of God's presence. It is often associated with the cloud that accompanied the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness and the fire that appeared on Mount Sinai when God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses. The Glory of Yahweh is also associated with the Ark of the Covenant, which was believed to be the dwelling place of God's presence. Both the Shekinah and the Glory of Yahweh are powerful symbols of God's presence and power, and they serve to inspire awe and reverence in those who encounter them. They are also associated with the themes of protection, guidance, and divine intervention in the lives of believers. In Christian theology, the Shekinah and the Glory of Yahweh are often associated with the Holy Spirit, who is believed to be the presence of God within the hearts of believers.

Nebuchadnezzar

A Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem,and built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar II was a king of Babylon who ruled from 605-562 BCE. He was known for his military campaigns, his building projects in Babylon, and his conquest of the Kingdom of Judah, which led to the Babylonian Exile. He is a significant figure in ancient Near Eastern history and his reign had a lasting impact on the region's political and cultural development.

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as" Similes are a common literary device used in the Bible to help convey complex ideas in a more relatable way. Here are some examples of similes in the Bible: "Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away" (Hosea 6:4). This simile compares God's love to a fleeting morning cloud or dew that disappears quickly.

Purim

A joyous festival in early spring that recalls the Jews' being saved from destruction, as told in the Book of Esther Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the events of the biblical book of Esther. It is celebrated on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar (usually in February or March), and is a time for feasting, giving gifts, and performing acts of charity. The story of Purim tells of a plot by the Persian advisor, Haman, to destroy the Jewish people. Esther, a Jewish woman who has become the queen of Persia, learns of the plot and, with the help of her cousin Mordecai, convinces King Ahasuerus to revoke the decree calling for the Jews' destruction. The holiday is named after the lots (purim in Hebrew) that Haman cast to determine the date of the destruction of the Jews.

Jonah's message to Ninevehand its effects

According to the Book of Jonah in the Bible, Jonah was sent by God to deliver a message of warning and repentance to the people of Nineveh, who were known for their wickedness and violence. Jonah initially refused to go, but after being swallowed by a large fish and spending three days inside, he relented and obeyed God's command. When Jonah arrived in Nineveh, he proclaimed the message that God had given him: "Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown" (Jonah 3:4). The people of Nineveh, including the king, responded by repenting of their sins and turning to God. They fasted, wore sackcloth, and cried out to God for mercy. God saw their repentance and spared the city from destruction, which had been the punishment that Jonah had prophesied. This outcome angered Jonah, who felt that the people of Nineveh did not deserve God's mercy. However, God used this situation to teach Jonah a lesson about the extent of His grace and mercy, and how it is available to all people who repent and turn to Him.

be familiar with various types of new literature that arose after the Exile. 1.

Apocalyptic literature: This type of literature was characterized by vivid and symbolic descriptions of the end times, the judgment of the wicked, and the salvation of the righteous. Examples of apocalyptic literature include the books of Daniel and parts of Ezekiel and Zechariah.

Babylonia

Babylonia was an ancient civilization located in the region of Mesopotamia, in what is now modern-day Iraq. It was centered around the city of Babylon, which was located on the Euphrates River and became one of the most important and powerful cities in the ancient world.

new theological perspectives that arose in the postexilic literature in response tothe Exile 3.

Covenantal theology: The postexilic literature also emphasized the importance of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. This covenantal theology taught that God had chosen the Jewish people as his special people and had made a covenant with them that bound them to his laws and commandments. This idea can be seen in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

crisis in Deuteronomic Theology

Deuteronomic theology refers to the theological perspective that is reflected in the book of Deuteronomy, which emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments in order to receive blessings and avoid curses. However, there were several crises in Deuteronomic theology throughout Jewish history, which challenged this perspective and led to new developments in Jewish thought. One of the earliest crises in Deuteronomic theology occurred during the Babylonian Exile, when the Jewish people were taken captive and their Temple was destroyed. This event was a direct challenge to the idea that obedience to God's commandments would lead to blessings and protection from harm. In response, some Jewish thinkers began to develop a new perspective, emphasizing the idea of suffering and endurance in the face of adversity, which can be seen in the book of Job. Another crisis in Deuteronomic theology occurred in the first century CE, when the Romans conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the Second Temple. This event challenged the idea that the Temple was the center of Jewish worship and the primary site for obeying God's commandments. In response, some Jewish thinkers began to develop new forms of worship and spiritual practice that did not rely on the Temple, such as prayer and Torah study. In addition, the rise of Christianity also posed a challenge to Deuteronomic theology, as the Christian belief in salvation through faith rather than obedience to the law represented a fundamentally different perspective on the relationship between God and humanity. Overall, these crises in Deuteronomic theology led to new developments in Jewish thought and practice, as Jewish thinkers sought to respond to the challenges posed by historical events and changing cultural contexts. Despite these challenges, the basic principles of Deuteronomic theology have remained central to Jewish thought and practice, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the hope for blessings and redemption through faithful adherence to the covenant.

new theological perspectives that arose in the postexilic literature in response tothe Exile 2.

Eschatology: The Exile also led to the development of eschatological thinking, which emphasized the belief in a future time when God would intervene in history to establish a new order of justice and peace. This idea can be seen in the prophetic books of the postexilic period, such as Isaiah and Zechariah.

Mordecai

Esther's relative who refused to bow to Haman; helped Esther save the Jews Mordecai is a central character in the biblical book of Esther. He is a Jewish man who lives in Persia and is the cousin and adoptive father of Esther, who becomes queen of Persia. Mordecai plays a key role in the story's plot, as he uncovers a plot to assassinate the Persian king Ahasuerus and reports it to Esther, who alerts the king and foils the plot. Mordecai also refuses to bow down to the king's advisor, Haman, who has issued a decree calling for the destruction of all the Jews in the Persian empire. This act of defiance angers Haman and sets the stage for the conflict that forms the basis of the story. In the end, Mordecai is honored for his role in saving the Jewish people and is appointed as an advisor to the king. The story of Esther and Mordecai is celebrated annually by Jews around the world during the holiday of Purim, which commemorates their victory over their enemies.

Individual Responsibility (Ezek. 18)

Ezekiel 18 emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility for one's actions and their consequences. The chapter argues against the idea that children should be punished for the sins of their parents, and instead emphasizes that each person is responsible for their own choices and behavior.

The Good Shepherd (Ezek. 34)

Ezekiel 34 contains a prophecy about the Good Shepherd, which is a metaphor for God and his relationship with the people of Israel. In this chapter, Ezekiel speaks out against the corrupt leaders of Israel, who have failed to take care of their people and have allowed them to be scattered and vulnerable to attack. God promises to take on the role of the Good Shepherd, who will seek out the lost sheep of Israel, care for them, and protect them from harm. He promises to rescue them from their scattered and oppressed state and bring them back to their land. The metaphor of the Good Shepherd emphasizes the caring and nurturing nature of God, who watches over and protects his people like a shepherd does for his flock. The chapter also highlights the importance of strong and just leadership, as God condemns the corrupt leaders who have failed to fulfill their duty to care for their people.

Bildad

Friend of Job, believes Job's children brought death among themselves Bildad is one of the three friends of Job who appear in the biblical Book of Job. In the book, Job, a righteous man who suffers great losses and physical afflictions, is visited by three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. They come to comfort him, but end up arguing with him about the reasons for his suffering.

Zophar

Friend of Job, implies that whatever wrong Job has done probably deserves greater punishment than what he received Zophar's arguments follow the general line of thought shared by Eliphaz and Bildad, which suggests that Job's suffering must be the result of some hidden sin or transgression. He tells Job that God is just and that suffering is the punishment for sin. He encourages Job to repent and seek God's forgiveness, believing that this will lead to the restoration of his fortunes.

Ahasuerus

Hebrew name for the Persian king Xerxes Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes I, was a king of the Persian Empire who reigned from 486-465 BCE. He is mentioned in the biblical book of Esther as the king who ruled over the Persian Empire during the story's events. In the book of Esther, Ahasuerus is depicted as a wealthy and powerful ruler who throws lavish banquets for his subjects. He is also shown as being capricious and easily swayed by the opinions of his advisors, as evidenced by his decision to depose his queen, Vashti, after she refuses to obey his command to appear before him. After Vashti's removal, Ahasuerus chooses Esther, a Jewish woman who becomes his queen and eventually helps to save the Jewish people from destruction at the hands of the Persian advisor, Haman. Ahasuerus is initially unaware of Esther's Jewish identity, but eventually learns of it and is persuaded by her to revoke the decree calling for the Jews' destruction. While the biblical account of Ahasuerus is not entirely historically accurate, he is generally considered to be the same person as Xerxes I, who is known for his military campaigns against the Greeks and his grand building projects in Persia.

be familiar with various types of new literature that arose after the Exile. 2.

Historical literature: This type of literature included accounts of the history of the Jewish people, particularly their experiences under foreign rule. Examples include the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Wisdom Literature

In the Hebrew Bible, the Wisdom literature includes the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, as well as several of the Psalms. In these works, the authors explore questions such as the nature of wisdom, the meaning of suffering, and the purpose of life. They offer advice on how to live a virtuous and fulfilling life, based on their observations of human behavior and their understanding of divine wisdom.

Valley of Dry Bones Vision (Ezek. 37

In the Valley of Dry Bones Vision, which appears in Ezekiel 37, the prophet is brought by the spirit of God to a valley filled with dry bones. God asks Ezekiel if these bones can come to life again, and when Ezekiel answers that only God knows, God instructs him to prophesy over the bones, saying that God will make them come back to life and put flesh on them

Job

Job is a book in the Hebrew Bible that tells the story of a man named Job who experiences great suffering and questions his faith in God. The book is classified as Wisdom literature and is known for its profound exploration of the nature of suffering and the human response to it. The story of Job begins with a description of Job as a righteous and wealthy man who is favored by God. However, God allows Satan to test Job's faith by taking away his possessions, his health, and even his family. Despite his suffering, Job refuses to curse God and maintains his faith in God's justice.

Job:

Job: The book of Job tells the story of a man named Job, who is described as a wealthy and righteous man who lives in the land of Uz. Satan challenges Job's faith by suggesting that he only serves God because he has been blessed with prosperity and good fortune. To test Job's faith, God allows Satan to take away everything that Job holds dear, including his wealth, his family, and his health. Despite his suffering, Job remains faithful to God and refuses to curse him. In the end, God restores Job's fortunes and blesses him with even greater prosperity than before. Characters: Job: the wealthy and righteous man who is tested by Satan and suffers greatly. Satan: the divine figure who challenges Job's faith and is allowed by God to test him. God: the divine figure who allows Satan to test Job and ultimately restores his fortunes.

Koheleth (Ecclesiastes)

Koheleth, also known as Ecclesiastes, is a book in the Hebrew Bible that is traditionally attributed to King Solomon. The book is written in the form of a philosophical meditation on the meaning of life and the human condition. suggesting that life is fleeting and ultimately meaningless. However, the book also contains some expressions of hope and faith, with the author suggesting that wisdom and obedience to God can bring meaning and purpose to life. Koheleth has been interpreted in a variety of ways over the centuries. Some see it as a deeply pessimistic work, while others view it as a call to live a meaningful and purposeful life in the face of life's uncertainties. Its enduring popularity lies in its honest portrayal of the human experience and its exploration of the deep questions of existence.

be familiar with various types of new literature that arose after the Exile. 6.

Midrash: This type of literature was a form of commentary on the Hebrew Bible, which aimed to explain and interpret its meaning. Midrashic literature was particularly important in the development of Jewish theology and law.

new theological perspectives that arose in the postexilic literature in response tothe Exile 1.

Monotheism: Prior to the Exile, the Jewish religion was characterized by henotheism, the worship of one god while acknowledging the existence of other deities. However, the Exile challenged this belief as the Babylonians had conquered and destroyed the Jewish Temple, which was considered the dwelling place of God. As a result, the postexilic literature emphasized the idea of monotheism, the belief in one God who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.

Gentiles

Non-Jews The term "Gentiles" is used in the Bible to refer to people who are not of Jewish descent. The word comes from the Latin word "gentilis," which means "belonging to a clan or race." In the Hebrew Bible, the term used for Gentiles is "goyim," which means "nations" or "peoples."

be familiar with various types of new literature that arose after the Exile. 4.

Psalms: This is a collection of religious poetry and songs that were used in the worship of the Second Temple. The Psalms express a wide range of emotions, from praise and thanksgiving to lament and mourning.

Esther

Queen of Persia Esther is a book in the Hebrew Bible that tells the story of a Jewish woman named Esther who becomes queen of Persia and saves the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them. The book is named after Esther, the central figure in the story. Esther is a unique book in the Hebrew Bible in that it does not mention God by name, but it has been interpreted as a testament to the power of faith and the courage of ordinary people to stand up against oppression. It is also celebrated as a story of female empowerment, with Esther serving as a model of bravery and leadership.

Vashti

Queen who lost her throne and was replaced by Esther In the book of Esther, Vashti is described as a beautiful and independent woman who refuses to obey the king's command to appear before him and display her beauty at a lavish banquet he is holding. Some interpretations of the story suggest that Vashti's refusal may have been an act of defiance against her husband's authority, or an act of self-respect in the face of objectification and exploitation. As a result of Vashti's refusal, she is deposed as queen and banished from the kingdom. This sets the stage for the selection of Esther as the new queen, and the eventual plot to save the Jewish people from the Persian advisor Haman's plan to destroy them.

Trito-Isaiah

Simply meaning the "third Isaiah," this term is used by those scholars who hold to a multiple-author view of Isaiah, to refer to the author of chapters 56-66.

be familiar with various types of new literature that arose after the Exile. 5.

Targums: These were Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible, which were used in synagogues for public readings and teaching.

The Exile

The Exile refers to a period in Jewish history when the people of Judah were taken captive by the Babylonian Empire and forced to live in exile in Babylon. This period began in 586 BCE when the Babylonians, under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar II, conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and deported a large number of Jews to Babylon.

Sheol

The Hebrew name for the underworld Sheol is a Hebrew word used in the Hebrew Bible to describe the place of the dead or the afterlife. It is often translated as "the grave" or "the pit." In Jewish belief, Sheol was thought to be a shadowy underworld where the spirits of the dead resided. It was seen as a place of darkness, silence, and forgetfulness, where both the righteous and the wicked went after death. The concept of Sheol is distinct from the Jewish notion of heaven and hell, which were introduced later in Jewish history. In the Hebrew Bible, Sheol is often described as a place of rest, where there is no consciousness or activity. It is also portrayed as a place of judgment, where the wicked are punished and the righteous are rewarded. However, the exact nature of Sheol and the fate of those who reside there is not fully explained in the Hebrew Bible, and it remains a subject of interpretation and debate among scholars and theologians.

Persian Empire

The Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, was a vast empire that existed from approximately 550-330 BCE in what is now Iran and surrounding areas. It was founded by Cyrus the Great and lasted until it was conquered by Alexander the Great.

Characteristics of thebiblical Wisdom Literature

The biblical Wisdom Literature is a collection of books in the Old Testament that offer insights into the nature of God, the meaning of life, and the importance of wisdom and righteousness. Here are some of the key characteristics of this genre: Focus on practical wisdom: The Wisdom Literature is primarily concerned with offering practical advice for living a good and righteous life. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom, which is often described as a combination of knowledge, discernment, and moral understanding. Use of proverbial language: The Wisdom Literature often uses proverbial language, which is concise and memorable, and is intended to convey universal truths about human nature and the world around us. Proverbs are often structured as short, pithy sayings that are easy to remember and apply to a variety of situations. Emphasis on observation and experience: The Wisdom Literature draws heavily on observation and experience to make its points. It often includes descriptions of the natural world, as well as stories and anecdotes that illustrate the consequences of wise and unwise behavior. Non-narrative structure: Unlike other books in the Bible, such as the historical and prophetic books, the Wisdom Literature does not follow a narrative structure. Instead, it is made up of discrete sayings, proverbs, and poems that are organized thematically. Universality of its message: The Wisdom Literature is not limited to the Jewish community or the ancient Near East, but offers insights into the nature of humanity that are relevant to people of all cultures and times. Its message is universal, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, righteousness, and living in harmony with others. Overall, the Wisdom Literature offers a unique perspective on the nature of God and the human experience, emphasizing the importance of practical wisdom, moral discernment, and living a good and righteous life

Jonah

The book of Jonah tells the story of a prophet named Jonah, who is commanded by God to go to the city of Nineveh and prophesy against its wickedness. However, Jonah does not want to go to Nineveh and instead boards a ship heading in the opposite direction. During a storm at sea, Jonah is thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish, where he spends three days and three nights. Eventually, Jonah repents and is vomited up onto dry land. He then goes to Nineveh and delivers his message of judgment, which leads the people to repent and turn to God. Characters: Jonah: the prophet who is commanded by God to go to Nineveh. God: the divine figure who commands Jonah and brings about the repentance of the people of Nineveh. The people of Nineveh: the inhabitants of the city who repent in response to Jonah's message.

Satan

The fallen angel or spirit of evil who is the enemy of God and a continuing instigator of temptation and sin in the world. n the Bible, Satan is a character who is commonly identified as an evil spiritual being who opposes God and tempts humans to sin. The term "Satan" comes from the Hebrew word for "adversary" or "opponent." Satan is often portrayed as a fallen angel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven. In the New Testament, he is referred to as the "devil" or "the accuser." Satan is described as a cunning and deceitful tempter who seeks to lead people away from God and into sin. In the Old Testament, Satan appears in the book of Job as an adversary who challenges the faith of the righteous man Job. In the New Testament, Satan is a central figure in the temptations of Jesus and is identified as the source of evil in the world. The portrayal of Satan in the Bible has been the subject of much interpretation and debate. Some view Satan as a literal, supernatural being, while others see him as a metaphor for the forces of evil in the world. In popular culture, Satan has often been depicted as a horned, red-skinned demon with a pitchfork, although this image has no basis in the biblical text.

Zion

The hill on which the oldest part of Jerusalem was built. A poetic name for the city of Jerusalem. Zion is a term that refers to Jerusalem, particularly the city's ancient hill called the Temple Mount. In biblical times, Zion was also used to refer to the entire city of Jerusalem or the land of Israel as a whole.

Uz

The land where Job lived. The exact location of Uz is uncertain, but it is generally believed to be somewhere in the region of Edom or Arabia, east of the Jordan River. Some scholars also associate Uz with the ancient city of Ugarit, located in modern-day Syria. Uz is also mentioned in the genealogy of the nation of Edom, as one of the sons of Dishan, a descendant of Esau (Genesis 36:28). Additionally, there are references to the "men of Uz" in the books of Lamentations and Jeremiah, suggesting that it was a well-known location during the time of the Babylonian exile.

new theological perspectives that arose in the postexilic literature in response tothe Exile

The postexilic period in Jewish history refers to the time after the Babylonian Exile, which lasted from 586 BCE to 539 BCE. During this period, several new theological perspectives emerged in response to the experience of exile and the challenges it presented to the Jewish people

Diaspora

The term "Diaspora" refers to the dispersion of a group of people from their original homeland, typically due to force or voluntary migration. In the context of Jewish history, the Diaspora refers to the dispersion of Jewish communities outside of the land of Israel, which began in ancient times and continues to this day.

Eliphaz

Told Job that experience teaches that sin leads to suffering. "If you sin you suffer" Eliphaz is depicted as a wise man and a believer in traditional wisdom. He is said to be a Temanite, a member of a tribe from the land of Teman, located in what is now modern-day Jordan. Eliphaz speaks three times in the book of Job, offering advice and counsel to Job. Eliphaz's arguments suggest that Job's suffering must be the result of some hidden sin or transgression. He tells Job that God is just and that suffering is the punishment for sin. He encourages Job to repent and seek God's forgiveness, believing that this will lead to the restoration of his fortunes. Despite his good intentions, Eliphaz's arguments ultimately fail to comfort Job or provide him with answers to his questions. Job maintains his innocence and ultimately receives a different kind of answer from God that challenges his friends' beliefs.

new theological perspectives that arose in the postexilic literature in response tothe Exile 4.

Universalism: In response to the experience of exile and the diaspora, some Jewish thinkers began to develop a more universalist theology, which emphasized the idea that God was the God of all nations, not just the Jewish people. This idea can be seen in the book of Jonah, which tells the story of a prophet sent to preach to the people of Nineveh, who were not Jewish. Overall, the postexilic literature reflects a period of theological reflection and development in response to the challenges posed by the Exile. These new perspectives helped to shape Jewish theology and identity in the centuries that followed.

be familiar with various types of new literature that arose after the Exile. 3.

Wisdom literature: This type of literature focused on the nature of wisdom and the practical advice for living a good life. Examples include the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.

Ezekiel's Chariot Vision (Ezek. 1-11)

he prophet Ezekiel describes his encounter with a great storm and a vision of a divine chariot, which he sees as a manifestation of God's glory. According to the vision, a storm cloud appears, accompanied by thunder and lightning. In the midst of the cloud, Ezekiel sees a vision of a chariot made of fire, with four living creatures and wheels within wheels. The creatures have human-like bodies, but with four faces (of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle), and wings. The wheels are also covered in eyes, which Ezekiel sees as a symbol of God's all-seeing knowledge and power.

Cyrus the Great

king of Persia and founder of the Persian empire (circa 600-529 BC) Cyrus is mentioned in the Bible as the king who allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, following the Babylonian Exile. The Book of Isaiah even refers to Cyrus as God's "anointed" or "chosen" one, despite the fact that he was not Jewish.

Proverbs

short sayings of wisdom or truth Proverbs is a book of the Hebrew Bible that is classified as Wisdom literature. It consists of a collection of sayings and aphorisms that offer practical guidance for living a good and meaningful life. The book is attributed to King Solomon, who is known in Jewish tradition for his great wisdom.

Isaiah of Jerusalem

the original prophet who preached during the collapse of the northern kingdom and the moral breakdown of the southern kingdom. he also prophesied that God would give a sign.

Deutero-Isaiah

the prophet who foretold to the captive people that Babylonia was on the verge of collapse.

Theodicy

the theological question that tries to connect belief in God's justice with the reality that sometimes good people suffer unjustly and die Theodicy attempts to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering in the world with the concept of a loving and just God. It poses questions such as: If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does evil exist? Why do bad things happen to good people? If God is just, why do the innocent suffer?