Old Testament Survey Ch. 24-34 Reading Log 3 McClean

Discuss the problems in interpreting Daniel.

-Daniel is bi-lingual being both Hebrew and Aramaic, the identity of the four kingdoms is unknown, the vision of the seventy weeks is difficult to interepret, and there are many historical questions that are controversial, such as Nebuchadnezzar's madness, "King" Belshazzar, and Darius the Mede. The date of composition is also difficult to interpret. Written in 2 different Languages. 2 genres: 6 stories and 3 visions Apocalyptic literature: "Revelation"

Identify the main details of chapters 36-39. What function do these chapters serve in the book of Isaiah?

-Sennacherib threatens Israel Hezekiah's illness and recovery -Hezekiah's visit with Merodach-baladan of Babylon These chapters serve to form a link the first part of Isaiah (1-39) to the second part (40-66)

Identify Nahum's historical setting. What is the major theme of his book?

663BC-612BC. Ninevah's destruction

What lessons did Jeremiah learn from the potter's house?

As the potter fashioned clay, so the LORD shaped the nations according to his sovereign purpose.

Against which nations did Isaiah pronounce judgment in chapters 13-23? Why did he take the time to deal with each one?

Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, Moab, Damascus and Israel, Cush and Egypt, Arabia, Jerusalem. This illustrates that God is LORD of all nations and peoples.

What is the major theme of Obadiah? What had Edom done that the prophet considered so terrible?

Edom's destruction. They had commited voilence against Judah

What were some examples of social injustice against which Amos prophesied? How should our faith in God relate to our actions toward other people?

False gods and pagan temples War and no compassion The rich oppressed the poor and crushed the needy

How did the apostle Paul use Habakkuk 2:4 in his Letter to the Romans?

HE said we have faith in God. That is our salvation.

Summarize Habakkuk's dialogue with God in fifty words or less. What was Habakkuk's basic complaint? How did he respond (at first and finally) to God's answer?

Habakkuk became discouraged but God was still there. God was not listening.

Jeremiah complained, but he also trusted. When you pour out your heart to God, will you trust him as well, even if you don't like his answer?

How did you come to be here/ who to date or whatever.

Describe Amos's background and calling.

Humble Sheepherder who lived in Judah, but God sent him to Isreal to be a prophet.

Hosea described the people's spiritual adultery. Why did idolatry and harlotry occur together in Israel?

In order to be an adultress, you had to turn from God and have other idols.

Describe the role of the Book of Comfort (chapters 30-33) in the book of Jeremiah. How was Jeremiah's prophecy of the new covenant fulfilled in Jesus Christ?

In the Book of Comfort, Jeremiah explains that God has not cast aside His people, even in the midst of great judgement, and strong words against God's sinful people. Jesus Christ currently intercedes for believers as our great High Priest, and one day will sit on David's throne when he returns as King of Kings, fulfilling both aspects of Jeremiah's prophecy.

If you only had Isaiah 1-12, what insights could you learn about the role of Messiah?

Isaiah's prophecies about the messianic era told how the northern tribes would be influenced by the Messiah, describe the Messiah by different names, tell about the Messiah's ministry, and describe Messiah's first and second comings

How did Zechariah describe the messianic kingdom? How were his words fulfilled in the New Testament?

Kingdom characterized by Truth, holiness and righteousness also freedom from fear, joy and peace. Jesus Is Truth

What major event of Joel's day shaped his message? To what extent did his message apply to his generation, and to what extent did it have a future application?

Locust plague (Day of the Lord). Every part of society felt the plague's effects. The future generations would always remember it.

Identify the historical setting in which Haggai and Zechariah prophesied. How would you characterize Haggai's audience?

Prophesized after Babylon had taken captives.

Malachi described many types of abuses in his day. How are people—even Christians—sometimes guilty of these same abuses today?

Son not honoring father offering in fear or sacrifice divorce and remarriage robbing God

Describe the historical and spiritual circumstances that led to the rise of classical prophecy. Why were the prophets an essential part of God's plan for his people?

The Israelites had been led out of Egypt, wandered through the wilderness, come into the land they had been promised, and had several kings. They constantly strayed from God's law and were often morally corrupt.

What is the main theme of Malachi?

The Love of God The Sins of the Priest and the sins of the people The Day of the Lord

How is Daniel unique among Old Testament books?

The intertestamental period, and the "biblical apocalyptic."

Why did false prophets pose such a problem for God's people?

The men assured that God would bless Judah forever, but these words didn't come from God, leading the people into sin.

What are some characteristics that all prophets shared?

The prophets had hearts devoted to God. The prophets had a strong sense of calling. The prophets were messengers. The prophets were forth tellers. The prophets were foretellers. The prophets were creative people who used a variety of literary and oral techniques to communicate their messages.

What was the historical setting for Ezekiel's prophetic ministry?

The prophets words stand as a sober warning today for any nation faced with the temptation of pride.

How did the people defend their wayward actions during Judah's last days? Why did Jeremiah have such a hard time convincing them of their sin?

Their stubborn hearts convinced them God would never judge them. Corruption pervaded the society.

How did Haggai and Zechariah motivate the people to rebuild the temple?

They encouraged the people to rebuild the temple and then God would pour out His blessings on them.

Why do you think the people refused to listen to Jeremiah even after Jerusalem fell?

They interpreted historical evidence differently, believing Jeremiah brought them trouble.

Isaiah's words concerning gentiles joining God's family suggest that God intended Israel to bring spiritual light to them. What responsibility do you have personally in God's plan to reach the world?

This would be what you are called to do. What is your purpose?

Evaluate the statement, "Ezekiel's audience listened to him, but they didn't really listen to him." What subtle warning does Ezekiel 33:30-33 give to today's Christian?

To feed the flock not themselves.

When was the book of Lamentations written? Provide a basic summary of the authorship question.

To ponder God's relationship with his exiled people. Whoever wrote Lamentations probably wrote it shortly after 586 B.C. We know Jeremiah was there at the events of the book, wrote other laments, and that Jeremiah and Lamentations contain similar themes. However, some suggest Jeremiah didn't write the book because the writing styles are different, and the book doesn't name Jeremiah as its author.

How do the concepts of chapter 40 lay a foundation for the rest of the book? What key ideas occur there?

Verses 1-11 serve as a prologue to chapters 40-66 -Isaiah announced God's coming glory and contrasted it with people's helplessness. He encouraged the disheartened, and answers the question "Can God really do all he says"? Isaiah's words also provide us with comfort and assurance when we face difficult challenges.

Identify the key issues surrounding Zephaniah's background. How did the prophet affirm God's sovereignty over all nations?

Was Hezekiah King Hezekiah? He would judge them all.

Describe King Zedekiah's relationship with Jeremiah. Do you think Zedekiah really believed Jeremiah? Why or why not?

Zedekiah listened to Jeremiah's words, inquired of him, and sought him, and did not hate him. No, because he did not put Jeremiah's words into action.

Define "apocalyptic literature."

literary genre that foretells supernaturally inspired cataclysmic events that will transpire at the end of the world. A product of the Judeo-Christian tradition, apocalyptic literature is characteristically pseudonymous; it takes narrative form, employs esoteric language, expresses a pessimistic view of the present, and treats the final events as imminent.

What are the arguments that some interpreters have given to support the multiple-author view of the book of Isaiah? What evidence have others used to support the single-author view?

-The time span of the book, there is no way Isaiah could have known about the circumstances in chapters 40-66, since they occur after Isaiah prophesied. - The subject matter is tonally different. -The vocabulary is different -Isaiah mentions Cyrus by name-God could have revealed the future to Isaiah, it is a prophetic book -Different subject matter doesn't form an adequate basis for discerning the wrok of a distinct author, themes appear in both parts of Isaiah. -Human writers have the capability to use different vocab and styles for their topics. -God could have revealed the name of Cyrus to Israel

5. What three major empires formed the historical backdrop for the classical prophets? Describe the basic characteristics of each.

1) Assyria (powerful but spiritually corrupt). 2) Babylon (powerful but unstable). 3) Persia (powerful and better to the Israelites).

What are some common themes of biblical prophecy?

1) Covenant obligations. (A call to return to God and his Word, a call to personal holiness and righteousness, a call for people to be at peace with each other) 2) The Day of the Lord. (God's judgment or the end times) 3) The concept of Messiah.

What are some of the better-known visions contained in chapters 7-12?

1. Lion with wings 2. Bear eating 3 ribs 3. Leopard with 4 wings 4. Dreadful beast 5. Ancient of days 6. Son of Man coming on clouds

Describe Micah's background. How does his message parallel that of the prophet Amos? What did Micah have to say about the coming Messiah?

25 miles southwest from Jerusalem. Social injustice. Chap 5- born in Bethelem Chap - depicts Jesus as the shepherd who feels the sheep

Describe the role of the watchman in the book of Ezekiel. In what sense do modern Christians have this role?

A watchman kept watch for signs of the enemy and warned the people of any threat or attack. To warn the people of their sin before God judged them for it.

How did Hosea's marriage and family background shape his prophetic ministry? In what sense does your family background affect your perception of life?

Because his wife was an adultress, he used that as an example about Isreal became adultress having false gods as lovers. His 3 kids had names and that warned against God's coming judgements.

What parallels to biblical prophecy did other nations have? How is biblical prophecy unique?

Biblical prophecy stood on God, His Word, and His covenant Marian people known as ecstatic got messages in dreams, visions and trances and delivered them to the royal household. Biblical prophets spoke to all society not just the religious household and asserted that proper relationship with God results in right treatment of others Akkadian texts of prophecy were written after the event to make them look like prophecy, unlike true biblical prophecy that foretold events biblical prophecy was written to the whole nation because all flesh had a responsibility to follow God; it focused on people's attitudes, not just rituals; it contains a moral imperative; and looks at the far-reaching implications of people's actions, not just the immediate

Summarize the story of Jonah. Identify the important spiritual lessons that Jonah learned.

Called to Ninevah, ran to Tarnish, fell off boat and swallowed by fish. Then went to Ninevah. Not to run from God and repent truly and God will save.

What is the basic call that the book of Daniel puts forth to its readers?

Calls God's people to faithfulness and abidance during times of hardship

Explain the chiastic structure of the first seven chapters of Daniel. What is the central thought in this chiasm?

Ch. 2 and 7 correspond Ch. 3 and 6 correspond Ch. 4 and 5 correspond Are concerned with God's punishment of proud rulers.

Discuss the pertinent issues surrounding the authorship of Zechariah.

Chapters 9-14 suggest different author.

How are the themes of faithfulness and loyalty to God and deliverance by God developed in Daniel?

Daniel and his 3 friends successfully bear witness to their faith before a hostile world.

In the book of Ezekiel, God promised that he would judge evil and restore his people. What difference should that promise make in the lives of God's people today?

God promised to bring the people back to the land and rejuvenate it. God promised to awaken the people spiritually again.

Do you think Jeremiah had a right to complain to God so much? How do you think God used Jeremiah's complaints in the prophet's life?

God reassured his servant by repeating words from Jeremiah's call, and strengthened Jeremiah.

What did Zechariah promise about the priesthood (3:1-10; 6:9-15)?

God would bring peace between the offices of King and Priest.

Describe the various ways that Christians have interpreted Ezekiel 40-48. Do you lean toward a particular view yourself? If so, why?

He depicted God's perfect plan for his people, the lasting presence of God with his people, and the blessings and responsibilities of life in God's coming kingdom.

Identify Judah's last five kings and provide a brief summary of each one's reign.

Josiah- a good king, had a 31 year reign, purged Judah from idolatry, insisted the book of law be read. Jehoahaz-reigned three months. Egyptians took him to Egypt and he died Jehoiakim- Jehoahaz's brother. Wicked. -Jehoiachin- only on throne 3 and a half montsh before Nebuchadnezzar swept in Zedekiah- Ruled for 11 years. Was inept, didn't listen to Jeremiah.

How does Isaiah 40-66 develop the motif of the Lord's servant? What characteristics best describe the servant?

The servant theme appears in several places, and carries many identities. It can refer to an individual Israelite, the nation of Israel, the Remnant, and the Messiah. The servant's identity remains somewhat fluid. In every passage we see a unifying focus. -The servant is God's instrument, fully yielded to his purpose. He accomplishes the Lord's will, and provides the ultimate example and challenge.

What does the book of Jeremiah reveal about the prophet Jeremiah? Even when Jeremiah suffered opposition, was he still in the center of God's will for his life? How does God sometimes call his people to suffer today for his cause?

The son of a priest from the small town of Anathoth in Judah, the prophet Jeremiah dictated prophecies from the Lord to his secretary, Baruch. Because of Jeremiah's lineage, he would have been raised a priest, though no record of his priestly service exists. Instead, God chose this man of undeniable courage to speak to the people of Judah on the Lord's behalf—even though they would not listen. But the book of Jeremiah also reminds us that an end will certainly come, a truth that should spur us to follow after God wholeheartedly.

What do we know about Isaiah the man from the details in his book? What themes were most important to him?

remnant, soverignty of god, the servent, the holy one of isreal, and the messiah

On what aspects of Judean life did Zechariah's visions touch? How many visions do you remember?

the nations their sinfullness and God's judgement