OT UNIT 2

Define the use of heilsgeschichte as a means to describe the how the books understand history

"Salvation history" History is viewed as the arena in which God works out his plan of salvation, it is not simply a recounting of events in succession.

1. Cause and effect are understood in view of God's covenant response to human activities and decisions

(cycles in judges; apostasy in books of kings)

Monarchial books

1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles

What was characteristic about the book of Ruth?

1. An uneventful story in many ways (no big events with national impact, story relates to typical circumstances, nothing flashy) 2. Much is going on behind the scenes with long lasting impact (God's providence is shown, God quietly but efficiently moved through the book)

Know the significant individuals, events, and dates associated with the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

1. Edict of Cyrus, 538 2. Begin work on rebuilding the Temple, 536 3. Cease work on Temple, 520 4. Work completed on Temple, 516/5 5. Ezra arrives in Jerusalem, 458 6. Nehemiah's first visit, 445 7. Nehemiahs' second visit, 432 (wall completed in 52 days) 8. Renewal of the Covenant

What "coincidences" occurred in Esther?

1. Esther happened to be selected as Vashti's successor. 2. Mordecai happened to uncover the plan to assassinate the king. 3. Ahasuerus happened to have insomnia on the night before Haman planned to kill Mordecai. 4. The selection of royal chronicles read to the king that night happened to contain the report of Mordecai's good deed.

Often two Dtrs are proposed (F. M. Cross).

1. First Dtr during time of Josiah. 2. Second Dtr finishes (revised and edits) during the exile.

Ezra

1. First return of exiles under Zerubbabel 2. Restoration of the Temple 3. Second return of exiles under Ezra 4. Consecration of the people through separation from foreign wives

What five promises did God make to David in 2 Samuel 7?

1. God would provide a secure dwelling for Israel forever 2. God would raise up David's son to build the Temple 3. God would establish David's dynastic line forever 4. God would establish a father-son relationship with David's descendants 5. God's loving kindness would not depart from David's line

What literary device is used in 1 and 2 Kings? Be able to give all the elements.

1. Introductory Sentences - Synchronistic statement: situated the time of the king's reign in relationship to the time of the king of the other kingdom (either north or south). - Age and/or length of the King's reign: how old the king was way he came to the throne and how long he reigned. - Matriarchal Reference (for the Kings of Judah only): supplied the name of the Queen mother 2. Evaluation Sentence: kings were always evaluated on how faithful they were to God, the covenant, and/or the Temple. The kings of Israel were compared to Jeroboam; the kings of Judah were compared to King David. 3. Chronicles Reference: A statement indicating that more information about the king in question can be found in the "annals." This is not a reference to the book of Chronicles, which was written much later. They are, rather, court records. 4. Death, burial, and successor accounts.

Difficulties with the theory...

1. Most who hold this view assume a late date for the book of Deuteronomy. **This rejects Deuteronomy's self-claims and ignores the parallels with ANEsuzerain treaties (2nd millenium). 2. Dissects Deuteronomy from the Pentateuch, leaving Genesis-Numbers in awkward literary relationship, an artificial break between Tetrateuch and Joshua and denies the canonical function of Deuteronomy in its authoritative reinterpretation of the first four books. 3. Fails to account for the enormous amount of variety in the historical books (different organization, style, and purposes) 4. The entire OT has "deuteronomistic" influences. Theology of retribution played a particularly dominant role in historical books. See, for instance, the patriarchs and the books of Chronicles. (Even Leviticus 26, not considered part of this Deuteronomistic collection, contains lists of blessings and curses.)

Nehemiah

1. Nehemiah inspects Jerusalem, Neh. 1:1-2:20. 2. Nehemiah leads in rebuilding the walls 3. Reading of the Law and renewal of the Covenant 4. Obedience, dedication of the wall, further reforms

What unique characteristics are associated with the book of Esther?

1. Nowhere does the book mention the name of God, the Law, sacrifice, prayer, or revelation. 2. Only book of the Old Testament absent from the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Central question: How do these books relate to each other and to the Pentateuch?

1. Overemphasize the relationship between Deuteronomy and Joshua (Hexateuch, six books). (same literary sources, Joshua is fulfillment of promises in Deuteronomy, much of what is assumed in the Pentateuch becomes real in Joshua) 2. Overemphasize the relationship between Deuteronomy and the four histories (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings). (Deut. served as the introduction to this historical)

What misconceptions should one avoid when reading the book of Judges?

1. The judges were not national leaders. They delivered/led individual or groups of tribes, not the entire nation of Israel at one time. 2. The judges did not serve successively. At times one judge led a tribe or group of tribes in one area while another judge led a tribe or group of tribes from another area at the same time. Samson and Jephthah were contemporaries, leading in different regions

Theory is helpful because...

1. These books share a theology of retribution which seems to be based on the book of Deuteronomy. 2. Highlights the continuity between Deut. and the historical books. Influence of "law of the king" and "law of the prophet" on later historical books.

What are the historical books about

1. the occupation and settlement of Israel in the Promised Land 2. the transition from judges to the monarchy 3. the division and decline of the kingdom 4. the captivities of the northern and southern kingdoms, and the return of the Remnant.

722

Assyrians come in and take Northern Kingdom of Israel into exile

RUTH

Author: Unknown; anonymous. Samuel or even Nathan the prophet? Placement: English- After Judges, historical books (when judges judged) Hebrew- Writings (right after Proverbs) "woman of noble character" Events: not much going on, but lots behind the scenes Purpose: To provide a line of the virtuous ancestors of David the king (which the books of Samuel do not provide). 2. To contrast the criticism brought upon Bethlehem in Judges with the account of the righteous in Bethlehem. *** powerful illustration of righteousness, love, and faithfulness to the Lord.

JUDGES

Author: Unknown; anonymous. Samuel? Key Passage: Judges 21:25 serves as a summary of the source of their problem. "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit." Events: 1. Deterioration and failure of Israel to complete the conquest, with cyclical pattern foreshadowed 2. 7 cycles of Israel's deliverance through 12 judges (6 major, 6 minor) 3. Three graphic illustration of Israel's deterioration... Idolatry, Immorality, Civil War (No judges are mentioned during these chapters)

1 and 2 Chronicles

Author: unknown; anonymous; Ezra the scribe Placement: Hebrew-last book of the OT, The Writings, suggesting that the book represents a theological reflection on the history of the Jewish people, particularly through Judah English- Historical Title: Hebrew: Dibrei hayyamim, "The Words [or Events] of the Days" thus, "The Annals": 1 Chron. 27:24 Greek: paraleipomenon, "[The Books] of the Things Left Out" English: "Chronicles" from Jerome's prologue: "chronikon of the whole sacred history" MAJOR EVENTS: Genealogies, reign of David, Reign of Solomon; Kings of Judah (mention of exile and return) Themes: Individual retribution (Manasseh/Josiah); Proper Worship, Focus on the Temple (Whole heart, willing giving, joyous participation); Kingdom Theology (Return of kingdom comes through right worship/relationship with God); David and his Dynasty.

586

Babylonians come in and deport Jews into Babylon

How does goel relate to Christ? Who in the book of Ruth functioned as goel?

Boaz fulfills his role to Naomi and Ruth as kinsman-redeemer (GOEL). He redeems Ruth. The Goel was to avenge the blood of his brother (if wrongfully killed) and/or become the husband of the wife in his place to insure that his brother's property remained in the family.

Ezra and Nehemiah

Books are named after main characters Author: unknown; anonymous 1) Ezra authored Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles (Traditional view) 2) Ezra wrote Ezra; Nehemiah wrote Nehemiah C. The Chronicler compiled the final form Hebrew: In the Writings; immediately after Daniel and before Chronicles; Originally one volume- "Ezra-Nehemiah" English: After Chronicles, historical. Separation a result of Origen in 3rd century Events: Edict of Cyrus 538 Begin work on rebuilding the temple 536 Cease work on temple 520 Work completed on Temple 516/5 Ezra arrives in Jerusalem 458 Nehemiah's first visit 445 Nehemiah's 2nd visit 432 (wall completed in 52 days) Renewal of the covenant PURPOSE: not about leadership, but continuing narrative of God in relation to his people. A new day, new beginning, new relationship. They never again fall into idolatry.

The moral problem associated with the book of Joshua.

Explaining God's command to destroy everything through bloodshed and war, including the death of innocent women and children. 1. It displays God's sovereignty, Israel had to become a definable people to be able to be a witness, Israel was chosen for God's purpose, by his grace. It was not for anything they did Key: God's call for them to be holy meant cleansing the land of uncleanness. The Canaanites were not without excuse, they heard of God's acts for Israel

Restoration books

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

Define the notion of deuteronomistic theology

Israel's history is viewed in terms of her loyalty to the covenant—especially Deuteronomy 27-30. 1. Obedience to Mosaic law and having faith in God will bring blessings of the Mosaic covenant 2. Disobedience and distrust in God will bring cursing (Israel still is always disobedient and deserving of judgment, but God doesn't completely destroy their nation due to His covenant with Abraham)

Books the theory applies to:

Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings

Theocratic books

Joshua, Judges, Ruth

In particular, the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants explain Yahweh's sovereign unfolding of history for Israel.

T

T or F, all of the historical books are anonymous

TRUE

Introductory matters pertaining to the Historical Books

The 12 historical books pick up the story of Israel where it left off at the end of Deuteronomy.

What literary device is used in relating the stories in the book of Judges? Be able to create all four elements.

The Cycle Sin →War as Judgment→Repentance→Deliverance→Sin

What was the impact of the book of Ruth?

The book ends with a genealogy of David. Ruth turns out to be one of his ancestors.

How do 1 and 2 Samuel contrast, politically and religiously, from the previous volumes, especially the book of Judges?

Political contrast: From chaos in the period of the judges to stability during the monarchy. Religious contrast: From Shiloh as center of worship under Eli to the building of the Temple under Solomon.

define shophtim as used to describe the judges in the book of Judges, what do the notes say was the primary function.

Shophtim-"deliverer," "savior." Normally the judges were local military leaders who led a group or groups of Israelite people out of oppression by their enemies. Very rarely did they hand down decisions like modern judges do. They had little to do with civil duties (though that appears to have been their function during the wilderness wanderings).

538

South's return from exile after 70 years

931

split of the kingdom

What is the major theme of the deuteronomistic history?

emphasis on the doctrine of retribution based on the blessings and curses of Deut. 28. Reward for obedience to the covenant and punishment for disobedience is foundational for the historical books

605, 597, 587

first, second, and third Babylonian exile

JOSHUA

Joshua: main character Author: unknown, Joshua himself 1. Covers conquest and division of the land 2. Covers the history of a people, God dealing with his people, Israel's religion is a historical one, God fought for an obedient Israel bringing about victory, a call to remember God's acts of the past Overview: Battles and conquest, division of the land, time of commitment and covenant renewal Purposes: A. For God to bless Israel with a land that he promised in his election of Abraham and his descendants. It demonstrated that God kept his promise. B. For God to complete the formation of the nation as an elect people, governed by God under law, and occupying a homeland. C. To demonstrate for Israel that the gifts of the land rested in the historical fulfillment of Yahweh's promise. D. To confirm that the Lord will fulfill his promises as the nation responds in obedience to the Law of Moses.

compare and contrast the books of Chronicles from the books of Kings.

Kings: 1) Recounts rulers of Israel and Judah 2) recounts sins of David 3) theological view is negative- consequences of sin Chronicles: 1) Recounts only Judah's rulers 2) Omits sins of David 3) Theology is more positive- faith is victory

compare and contrast the Northern and Southern Kingdoms.

NK: unstable, all kings evil (Jeroboam's sin), 19 kings, 9 dynasties SK: stable, 8 good kings, 19 kings/1 dynasty (David's line) one queen-Athaliah)

Esther

The story of Esther took place between chapters 6 and 7 of Ezra. Author: Unknown, anonymous. Some think either Mordecai or Nehemiah. Placement: Hebrew: In the Writings among the five Megilloth (scrolls/rolls) English: the last of the historical books. Setting: Possibly Persia between the first and second returns of the Jewish exiles. Events: The rise of Esther to queen, haman's plot to exterminate the Jews, the Jews preserved through Esther and Mordecai Key Passage: Mordecai to Esther: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Purpose: 1. To provide the historical background for the feast of Purim (lots) 2. To emphasize the continuing, ongoing, religious significance of the Jewish people 3. To encourage the Babylonian/Persian Jews and those who had returned to Palestine (if Nehemiah is the author) of God's providential ability and willingness to preserve them against their enemies.

Articulate the recurring view of history

Theology and history merged for Israel through the covenants of Yahweh, and the historical books unfold Yahweh's sovereign, covenant work in history.

1 and 2 Kings

Time covered: Divided kingdom story continues through 1st and 2nd Kings as it carries Israel and Judah to their bitter ends Author: Unknown; anonymous; prophet Jeremiah who wrote during reign of Josiah Events: Rise and fall of Solomon as a king; divided kingdom; the account of Judah (SK alone) THEMES: The prophetic judgment is being fulfilled PURPOSE: To encourage obedience by making note of the decline that happens as a result of disobedience Key Kings: Solomon, Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Josiah Two Prominent Prophets: Elijah (1 Kings, primarily); Elisha (2 Kings)

1 and 2 Samuel

Time covered: The prophet Samuel carried Israel across the transition from the judges to the monarchy Author: : Unknown; anonymous; Samuel? Events: Career of Samuel and deliverance from the Philistines, rise of King Saul, decline of Saul and rise of David, David's time as king over Judah and all over Israel; the closing phase of David's reign MAJOR PEOPLE: Samuel, Saul, David Placement: Hebrew: originally 1 and 2 Samuel were one volume. Greek: 1 and 2 Samuel constitute the first 2 volumes of the 4-volume work called Kingdoms. This is fitting because 1 and 2 Kings continues the monarchial narrative English: Historical; 1 and 2 are separate but 2 Samuel is a continuation of 1 Samuel

State the design of the historical books

To teach about the way in which Yahweh, their covenant God, acted in history—especially in view of Israel's failures and unfaithfulness.

Martin Noth's hypothesis

Tracing of the divine punishment of the Israelite kingdoms to their persistent sin and experiments with idolatry. wanted to answer "What went wrong?"