OT 6251 Midterm-Questions
59. What does " holy" mean?
"""holy"" means ""to be set apart"" The holiness of God: This concept involved primarily His separateness from man; but within this His ethical and moral, as well as purely spiritual qualities are upheld. God's summons to holiness must be exemplified unquestionably in the life of those who ""bear the vessels of the Lord.""
46. Name two of the three miracles which God performed at the burning bush in order to demonstrate to Moses that He would be with him.
"#1: making his hand leprous and then back to normal #2: turning his staff to a snake, then back to the staff; #3: turning water from Nile to blood;
70. Explain the primary meaning of the notions of " clean" and " unclean" in the context of the cultic ritual categories.
"1) 3 categories or ritual states: a. holy b. clean c. unclean (sin is not a ritual state) 2) concepts of """"clean"""" and """"unclean"""" can be defined negative. """"Clean"""" and """"unclean"""" do not mean: 1. sterility or contagion in a hygienic scene 2. sinful or unsinful 3. physically dirty vs. """"spic and span"""" 4. effort to produce unity (purity and impurity) 3) the intent of the laws of uncleanness was essencially theological and religious - to set forth obedience to the laws of Israel's covenant 4) functionally, the laws of holy, clean, and unclean were physically oriented laws which pedagologically taught the Israelites concerning the spiritual world.
56. Which of the following could and could not be redeemed in the retraction of religious vows (Lev 27)?
"1. Persons may be redeemed (1-8) 2. Impure animals may be redeemed (9-13) 3. Houses may be redeemed (14-15) 4. Land may be redeemed )16-25) 5. Only unclean firstlings (26-27) 6. Tithe from crops (30-33) 7. What can't be redeemed: 1. pure animals that are offerable (9-13) ; 2. no devoted things (28-29); 3. no animal tithe (30-33)
51. What were the major differences between sacrifice in the ancient Near East and the Old Testament?
"1. Sacrifice in Israel was either for atonement or to keep a relationship with God alive. 2. While the ANE primarily sacrificed to feed the gods and also to do divination with liver.
27. Explain the particulars concerning the Ten Commandments.
"1. They are the bedrock of the Torah. 2. They compose a legal code which is twice given in the Pentatuech. 3. They are given on two stones which probably each contained a copy of the ten commandments as was the custom of many ANE peoples. This binary testimony confirms that the code is true and from God. 4. The Mosaic Law Code is probably rooted in Mesopotamian law (perhaps even through the patriarchs themselves). These law codes were usually given at the beginning of a monarch's reign and the Mosaic code does not appear to be an exception. 5. The Ten Words are an example of apodictic laws. [Apodictic (also called ""categorical"") is an abrupt and absolute command (usually in the negative form) admitting no exceptions. Apodictic laws are declarations that are prohibitions with the force of categorical imperatives or positive commands.]
33. Explain who the Hyksos were and what change in Egyptian foreign policy can be attributed to the them?
"1. They were foreigners as indicated by the name, and probably Canaanites, who came to seize control of Egypt, forming the Dynasties 15 and 16. 2. Evidently, Dynasty 17 (under the leadership of King Ahmose I) was able to drive out the Hyksos. After the expulsion of the Hyksos, a change in attitude occurred among the Egyptians regarding foreign policy. The old attitude had been one of separation and isolationism, but the new attitude was one of aggressive, expanding of the empire for the purpose of defense [""the best defense is a good offense""]. It also marked a change in the attitude of the Egyptians towards foreigners. This is certainly the background to Exodus 1.
83. Explain the Ten Commandments.
"1. one to four are about vertical relationship between God and man 2. six to ten are about horizontal relationship between humans 3. All ten words are Apodictic 4. 8 of the 10 are negative; two positives are infinitive absolute carrying imperatival force. 5. Strongest form of negation (לֹא + imperfect) 6. Singulars (individual responsibility) 7. Intent, motive, thought are always embedded in the ten commandments.
62. What was the central feature of sacrifice in Mesopotamia?
"A central feature of the Mesopotamian cult was the presenting of food prepared from sacrificial cereals, animals, spices, and liquids before the deities. The emphasis in the Mesopotamian scarificial ruital is not the blood but the liver which is used in determination of oracles. Two gaols of ancient sacrifice: feed the deity and define the future.
82. Explain the date of the Exodus giving the arguments and counter arguments for both the late and early dates.
"A. early date theory — ca. 1445 B.C. 1. 1Kings 6:1 indicates the fourth year of Solomon's reign was 480 years after exodus. Therefore, (930 [Solomon's dath] + 40 [his reign] - 4 +480 = 1446). Yet, the repretation of the number 40 implies that 40 may be figurative rather than precise number. 2. Some aruges from the archeological evidence of Jericho's destruction, dated Ca 1400. Yet, it is proven wrong. B. late date theory — ca. 1270 B.C. 1. The cities of Pi-Ramesses in Exod 1:11 were not built before Ramesses II, who came to the throne in 1279. 2. The archeological evidence shows that Hazor was destroyed in the 13th century bc [1250-1220 BC] 3. The historical context also favors the late date theory. eg, Egyptians were still in control of Canaan during the 1300s bc.
32. Explain the problem connected with the population numbers for the ancient Israelite nation in Exodus. Be sure to give the different possibilities.
"All translations have translated the word elep to be thousand. It would also make the Israelite army over 600,000 which would be larger almost than a majority of historical armies. 1. Literary convention a) as a fictional device; b) as Hyperbole. 2 Numeric technique - numbers multiplied by 10 times. 3. Philological. Elep most likely refers to clan/contingent in the military setting rather than 1000. A contingent is about 10-20 persons. Joshua 7 is the main passage to support this theory. (3 elep were sent to attach Ai which was very small. Israelites were thoroughly defeated as 36 people died. 36/60 would be considered as a defeat, but 36/3000 can hardly be a defeat.)
71. The Day of Atonement is often called an anachronism. Explain what an anachronism is and how you would refute this argument.
"Anachronism is chronological misplacing an event into the past (place Martin Luther King Day in the time of Lincoln). Scholars argue that the day of atonement is post-exilic in origin because there is no record of it being done in the OT. Refutation: an argument from silence is hardly an argument. There is no record of it does not mean that it did not happen in the OT.
49. What were Casuistic laws? What were Apodictic laws? The Mosaic law code is primarily which?
"Casuistic laws have the formula of ""if a ... (does so and so), then ... (a definite penalty)."" they are case law. Apodictic laws are absolute and categoric imperatives, which does not have exception. The Mosaic law code is primarily apodictic.
22. Jacob wrongly settles around Shechem when he should have gone to Bethel to fulfill his vow. What happened as a result of this action (Gen 34)?
"Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob, was raped by Shechem. Enraged by what happened to Dinah, her two brothers, Simeon and Levi killed all the men in the city while they recovered from their circumcision. In addition to that, they took their women, children, and wealth.
63. What does the word atonement mean?
The ancient meaning of " atonement" (kpr) in this context (e.g., Lev 17:11) was apparently that the sin of the offerer was " smeared, hence covered."
52. Know the purposes and typical significances of the pentateuchal feasts, celebrations and observances.
"FEASTS: 1. Unleavened Bread (Ma s sot) 15th-22nd Abib (Exod 34:18-20; Lev 23:6-8): To commemorate the hardships of the hurried flight from Egypt. Absence of leaven symbolized sincere consecration to God. 2. Pentecost or the Feast of Weeks (She _b u Å ot) 5th-7th Sivan (Exod 34:21-25; Lev 23:15-16; Deut 16:9-12): to dedicate to God the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. 3. Feast of Tabernacles or Booths (Sukkot: Ingathering) 15th-22nd Tishri (Lev 23:34-43; Deut 16:13-15): to commemorate the wilderness wandering and to rejoice in the completion of all the harvests (grain, fruit tree, vintage) CELEBRATIONS 1. Passover pesa h 4th of Abib/Nisan: to commemorate Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. 2. Trumpets 1st of Tishri (Lev 23:23-25): to celebrate the beginning of the seventh month. 3. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) 10th of Tishri (Lev 23:27; Lev 16, 17): Yearly covering and cleansing of the sins of the people. OBSERVANCES: 1. Sabbath Day (Exod 16:23; 20; 23:12; 31:13; 34:21): to remember the people that God is the creator hence the provider. 2. New Moon (Num 28:11-15): like Sabbath, it is a day set apart to worship God 3. Sabbath Year (Exod 23:10; Lev 25:17): to remember the people that God is the creator hence the provider. And it is for the rest of the land. 4. Jubilee Year (Lev 25:8-24): God is the king to issue the year of release. Debts are forgiven and lands are to be returned to the previous owner.
81. Know the sacrificial system including the categories and definitions concerned with its functionality.
"I. Expiatory — ""Satisfying the Wrath of God"" 1. Sin Offering: To atone for specific sins and imperfections where no restitution was possible. 2. Trespass / Guilt Offering: To atone for specific sins where restitution was possible. Figured at a 6/5 rate, paid in advance. II. Consecratory —"" Dedicating and/or Expressing Sincerity to God"" 1. Burnt Offering: To consecrate to God; Used with other sacrifices; offered daily. 2. Meal or Cereal Offering: Thanksgiving and securing divine goodwill; often given with burnt offerings. 3. Drink Offering: For consecration (usually included with burnt offerings & peace offerings). III. Communal —"" Establishing Deeper Intimacy with God"" - Peace Offerings 1. Thank Offering: Gratitude to God; Fellowship with God; a communion meal. For unexpected blessing or deliverance already granted. 2. Votive Offering: For blessing or deliverance already granted when a vow had been made in support of the petition. 3. Freewill Offering: To express general thankfulness and love towards God, without regard to specific blessings.
39. Explain the meaning of the name of Moses.
"In Hebrew, it sounds like "draw out" in Hebrew. The name means Moses was drawn out of water. In Egyptian, it means ""the born of that deity.""
24. In Genesis 37 we are told that Joseph was sold to a band of Midianite merchants which the text also calls Ishmaelites. Explain how these caravaneers could be called both.
"Ishmaelites- the ethnic derivation of the merchants. Midianites- the general region of their derivation.
80. Explain the Nazirite vow.
"It would allow an Israelite man or women to consecrate themselves like a priest, for certain amounts of time (Num 6). The vow goes, first, the Nazirite is to abstain from wine, strong drink, vinegar, grapes and grape juice; Second, he is not to cut his hair; third, he is to avoid contact with anybody deceased, including members of his own family. Thus, the Nazirite is to be disciplined in his appetites, distinctive in his appeareance, discreet in his associations. ""
23. Reuben, Simeon and Levi lost blessing and received censorship from Jacob because: ?
"Reuben laid with Bilhah, Jacob's concubine, thereby defiling Jacob. (Gen 35:22, 49:4) Simeon and Levi murdered all the canaanite men in the city of Shechem because their sister Dinah was raped by him. (Gen 34, 49:5)
61. What is the relationship of the priest to the prophet?
"The prophet is superior to the priests because Moses is the one ordaining and annointing Aaron to be the priest. While priests bring mediation from human to God, prophets give revelation from God to human.
68. In light of our class lectures, explain the expelling and rehabilitating of the leper in Leviticus 13-14.
"There are three spacial categories: 1) the camp (which equals the sphere of ordered social relationships), 2) outside the camp (which is the sphere of chaotic and the abnormal), 3) the holy place. The leper is expelled from the camp not only because his affliction may be contagious, but primarily because his appearance is disruptive and disturbing to those within the sphere of ordered relationships. The ritual for his rehabilitation involves a gradual process in which he is brought back into the camp, and allowed to take his place once more in ordered social activity. Therefore, the ritual has a symbolic soical significance.
25. Explain the dreams in the Joseph narrative (i.e., dreams of the cupbearer, the baker, and Pharaoh). Be sure and explain the Egyptian background to these dreams.
"There are two types of dreams: 1) Theorematic dreams which can be understood without interpretation; 2) Allegorical dreams are obscure and require interpretation for understanding. The dreams of the two courtiers in Gen. 40 are both theorematic and allegoric. 1. They are theorematic mainly because pressing the grapes by the cupbearer hardly can have a bad meaning, and the swooping birds which loot the baskets of the baker are, of course, ill-omened. 2. These dreams are also allegoric since they use the number three in enumerating the branches of the vine and the baskets of bread. The Pharaoh's dreams are merely allegoric and therefore need interpretation. In the Nile Valley as well as elsewhere the number seven was holy.
55. The particular method that Leviticus uses to achieve unification is called:
"There is one particular method of unification which Cassuto elaborates: that of association especially the association of words and expressions. There are rhyming and matching words and expressions between different laws.
47. What were the Urim and Thummim?
"They are two oracular stones in the high priest's garment to discover the will of God, usually of the ""yes"" or ""no"" variety. While "Urim" means either "lights" or "cursing," Thummim "perfection."
65. If you are going to approach a holy God, you must ___________
"if you are going to approach a Holy God, you must do it His way!
40. What was the purpose of the plagues?
"the purpose is threefold: 1) They show that the Egyptian magicians are not very powerful compared to the power of Yahweh (Exod 8:18); 2) that the Egyptian gods and goddesses are nothing — especially, Pharaoh himself (Exod 12:12); 3) they also work to harden Pharaoh's heart so that ultimately — by compulsion — he will allow the people to leave (Exod 3:19-20; 6:1; 12:31-33).
2. Know the different approaches to the Pentateuch: Source Criticism, Form Criticism, Structuralism New Criticism, etc.
1) Source Criticism: This approach believes that the biblical text is the product of an evolutionary process in which various different written sources have been compiled. Thus source criticism seeks to fragment the biblical text into its supposed original sources according to their dates and historical contexts. 2) Form Criticism: The aim of form criticism is to determine the genre, structure, setting and intention of each literary unit behind the extant material, in order to reconstruct the original unit, and to relate the texts before us to the people and institutions of ancient Israel. 3) The traditio-historical approach is the method which analyzes the compositional, historical, ideological, and psychological elements of the Hebrew text for the purpose of discovering the formation and transmission of Israelite tradition in the pre-literary stage (i.e., oral tradition and transmission). 3) "Structuralism" is a very varied system of interpretive endeavors. It attempts to carry out a synchronic rather than a diachronic approach to the text so that meaning becomes something other than a reference to the prehistory of the text. In the French structuralist tradition (e.g., Claude Lévi-Strauss, Althusser, R. Barthes, etc.), structuralism is generally anthropologically or linguistically rooted and concerns for the text often turn to the text's anthropological, sociological and/or linguistic infrastructures. 4) "New Critical" Readings: While "New Critics" are not ahistorical in their approach to a text, they de-emphasize the importance to the interpretive endeavor of the historical setting and authorial intention. Some "New Critics" even ignore historical linguistic concerns. "New Critics" insist on a close reading of the text with careful attention to every detail since the text, like a living organism, functions through the interaction of all its constituent parts. Hence, a text's unifying features are exposed and emphasized. 5) Anthropological and Sociological Methods: It is assumed by those employing these methods that research in some area of modern sociology and/or anthropology can be profitably used in the interpretation of the biblical account.
48. Explain Exodus 23: 19 which states: " You are not to boil a kid in the milk of its mother. " Include both the Rabbinic interpretation and the correct interpretation.
1) to outlaw the mixing of all meat and milk. 2) due to humanitarian motivation 3) to teach empathy.
69. Explain Leviticus 18, 19, and 20.
1. Apodictic: Unlawful Sexual Relations and Molech Worship (18) - ""you shall not"" 2. Holiness and Social Behavior: Decalogue as Foundation (19) 3. Casuistic: Molech Worship and Unlawful Sexual Relations (20) - ""if you do it, here is the penalty"" Hamilton notes that chapter 18 is filled with the phrase "you shall not." Chapter 19 is equally filled with the phrase " you shall." Thus, the idea of holiness is formulated both negatively and positively. Chapter 20 contains the penalties for the infringement of any of the illicit relationships covered in chapter 18 (sexual) and 19 (magical). (Chapter 19:18 is very important. The OT established the summation of human relationships as: "" love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."" While the question might be asked: "" who is my neighbor?"" the answer is clearly delineated in vv. 33-34)
31. Name three differences between the Mosaic law code and other ancient Near Eastern legal codes (such as Hammurapi's law code).
1. Difference in ethic versus religion. Hammurapi's code is preserving the status quo — in fact it is legitimating Hammurapi's rule. It is not very concerned with religion. The Mosaic, on the other hand, is unique in its monotheism and its joining of this religion with morality. 2. Difference in the equality of men and consequent punishments. The code of Hammurapi contains inequality for men. In Mesopotamia there was a type of caste system in society (hence: the awilum = the nobles, the muškenum = the craftsmen, and the wardum = the serfs/slaves).5 Thus, there is quite a difference between the punishment for an awilum (noble) killing a wardum (slave) and a wardum (slave) killing another wardum (slave). The first receives only a fine, the second is put to death. In the Mosaic code, all men are considered equal before God in judgment. Generally, the higher the position of the man (eg., a priest), the greater the sacrifice and the judgment. The opposite which characterizes the code of Hammurapi and the other ANE law codes. 3. Mosaic law is primarily apodictic while Hammurapi is not.
18. Give three possible ways of understanding Genesis one.
1. Myth: Made-up story that is untrue 2. Theistic evolution- a deistic God created the world to set up the process and afterward, he has no further involvement in the affairs of the world. 3. Gap Theory: There is a chronological gap between Gen. 1:1 and 1:2. In that gap, it fits all kinds of things such as dinosaurs. 4. Day age- Each day represents an age. Yet, "day" is a mechanism for describing the process, rather than identifying a particular age of the world. 5. Historical Literary- Written after Exodus, Emphasize literary structure. (Not sure about this one)
57. Why was the donkey not an acceptable sacrificial animal (at least two reasons)?
1. The donkey was used as a sacrificial animal in covenant sacrifice in the Amorite religion. 2. The donkey was a work animal which was not used for sacrifice.
13. Terah (Abram's father) want to move from Ur to Haran because _______.
1. The god of Haran and Ur was a moon god. 2. They were not native to the Ur; they were not Chaldeans. So this was just their another migration.
15. Explain the purpose of the story of Judah and Tamar in Gen 38 in its context.
1. The passage continues the cycle of God's plan of selecting the younger over the older. It explains what happened to the line of Judah itself. Reuben (35:22 —49:4), Levi and Simeon (34) have become illegitimate as heirs of the patriarchal blessing. 2. It explains why Israel found themselves in Egypt. Gen. 50:20 shows the cause as famine, but here it is clear that the Israelites needed salvation from the moral bankruptcy of the land. 3. It explains the legitimacy of the levirate marriage (Deut. 25: 5-10). 4. It is inserted in the narrative at this point (cp. 37:36 and 39:1) in order to heighten the contrast between Judah and his line and Joseph in the account in Gen. 39 concerning Potiphar' s wife's seductive overtures. In this way, it demonstrates Torah —instructive law.
44. When does Moses intercede on behalf of the people?
After the event of "golden calf" (Ex 32-33) Or after the rebellion of the spies (Num 13-14).
43. What parallels the passages about the Tabernacle?
Exodus 25-31 is the instruction on the Tabernacle and worship, whereas Exodus 35-40 is the completion and utilization of the Tabernacle.
67. Explain Leviticus 17: 11.
First, it explains the reason for not eating blood because there is nephesh in it. Second, it explicitly states the role of blood in the sacrifice to make atonement because the blood represents the life. [Lev 17:11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life."]
16. Explain Genesis 5.
Genesis 5 emphasizes the curse after the Fall that death regains among mankind. Yet, Enoch stands out as the one exception to the curse of death and provides a ray of hope for man.
10. " Genesis forms an indispensable _____ to the book of Exodus."
Genesis forms an indispensable prologue to the book of Exodus.
4. Explain the curse of Canaan in Gen 9:20-27.
Ham saw his father' s nakedness and through joking about it, dishonored his father. The curse then would understandably be placed on Ham' s son who would then have contempt for his own father. In light of the fact the Genesis is Torah, its linkage to the Ten Commandments probably indicates that this is the best understanding. (Dr. Younger presents 4 views regarding this issue (p.34-35). Yet, he agrees with this explanation offered by Hamilton).
50. How does Egyptian history help understand the book of Exodus?
It helps us to understand why the new Pharaoh was afraid of and harsh to Israelites. The invasion of Hyksos in the middle kingdom period changed Egypt's international policy from isolation to aggressive Imperialism. More importantly, the historical facts attest to the theological statement that "I am the LORD brought you out of Egypt. Regardless the date of exodus was 1445BC or 1270BC, Egyptian military power was at its peak. This fact made exodus impossible except for God's intervention.
45. What or who is contrasted to the murmurings of the people in Exodus 16-19?
Jethro's praise, confession of God's sovereignty and worship of God (Exo. 18:1-12).
64. Leviticus stresses ____ element of the Pentateuchal theme.
Leviticus stresses the Divine-human relationship element of the Pentateuchal theme. (how to approach a holy God and matain that relationship)
5. Explain Miriam's complaint against Moses. When did it occur?
Miriam's Complaint against Moses' Choice of Wife (12:1-16) Miriam challenged both the propriety of Moses' choice of a wife (a Cushite woman) and the credibility of his unique relationship to God. It happens in the context of the continual complaints 1. The General Complaining about " Hardships" (11:1-3) 2. The Complaint of a One-Dish Menu (11:4-35) 3. Miriam's Complaint against Moses' Choice of Wife (12:1-16) It occurs after the Israelites' complaint and before the rebellion of the spies.
36. Was Moses a levite? What was an ephod?
Moses was a Levite The ephod is a priestly garment was supported by two shoulder-straps to which were attached onyx stones carved with the names of the tribes.
60. Explain the incident of Nadab and Abihu.
Nadab and Abihu's incense offering was rejected because they utilized unauthorized coals/fire."" That is, instead of deriving from the outer altar, the coals came from a source that was profane or outside the camp. Lesson: 1) people must approach God in His prescribed way! 2) God sets up certain individuals as examples to illustrate the fact that to do this kind of thing deserves this kind of judgment and ultimately will receive judgment.
11. The predominant theme of Genesis 1-11 is _______________.
No matter how drastic man's sin becomes, destroying what God has made good and bringing the world to the brink of uncreation [chaos], God's grace never fails to deliver man from the consequences of his sin.
14. Know the pivotal chapters in Numbers.
Not yet! But from the PDF: The rebellion of the spies (13-14): These chapters are in many ways the pivotal chapters in the Book of Numbers. It is the unbelief and failure which dominate the chapters and which bring the long range significances upon the Israelite nation. However, they narrate more than simply the national failure. They give us the historical final break with Egypt for those who desired to return to Egypt and would not trust Yahweh their god —who brought them out of bondage with a mighty hand —these are the ones who die in the desert. (145)
37. What is the first extra-biblical mention of Israel?
The Merenptah or "Israel" Stela Merenptah (1213-1203 BC): 13th son of Ramesses II who erected a stela on which is written the first extra-biblical mention of Israel.
30. Explain the relationship between the Ten Commandments, the Book of the Covenant and the Torah.
The Ten Words (see: Ex. 34:28) are the original kernel of the Torah around which the whole rest may be grouped as expansion. Around the Ten Words it is possible to group most of the provisions of the Book of the Covenant (Exod 21-23). And around the Book of the Covenant in turn, it is possible to group the rest of the Torah.
53. Especially know the details concerning the Day of Atonement
The atonement covers three parts: 1) the high priest himself; 2) the sanctuary; 3) the people. Introduction (16:1) Materials Required (16:2-5) Preliminaries: Outline (16:6-10) The emphasis is placed on the need of the High Priest (cp. Heb 9:11-14). Procedures (16:11-28) Procedure I: Purging the Sanctuary (11-19) 1. resumptive repetition (11a) 2. bull slaughtered (11b) 3. Most Holy Place (12-16a) 4. Holy Place (16b-17b) 5. Sacrificial Altar (18-19) Procedure II: Purging the People (20-22) 1. Bring forward the scapegoat (20) 2. confession and dispatch of scapegoat (21-22) Altar Sacrifices (23-25) Purification of Assistants (26-28) A. Purpose: Yearly covering and cleansing of the sins of the people. B. Ritual: A sacred convocation on a day of rest. Sin offering (young bull for the high priest himself) and burnt offering (two goats) are to be made to the Lord. High priest enters the Most Holy Place and spinkles blood as an atonement (a cover) for the sins of the people. There are two different sacrifices one is in the camp and this acts a propitous sacrficie for Israel. The second is a goat is released into the wilderness outside the Camp
84. Explain the structure of the book of Numbers.
The book of Numbers is structured according to Israelites' geographical movements: Sinai-->Kadesh-->the Plains of Moab. I. THE PEOPLE OF GOD PREPARE TO ENTER THE PROMISED LAND (1:1-10:10) - At Sinai II. FROM SINAI TO KADESH (10:11-12:16) - Transition I III. FORTY YEARS NEAR KADESH (13:1-19:22) - At Kadesh IV. FROM KADESH TO THE PLAINS OF MOAB (20:1-22:1) - Transition II V. ISRAEL IN THE PLAINS OF MOAB (22:2-36:13) - At the Plains of Moab
20. What is the significance of Numbers IS?
The focus shifts to a new element in the Pentateuchal theme. Numbers establishes from its very beginning the thematic element of the land as the end to which everything drives, and its matter and movement are consistently toward that goal. The laws in the book of Numbers function as land promises. It utilizes typology. It must be understood in light of Exodus and Leviticus.
41. What was the primary miracle of Exodus?
The greatest miracle is that a group of the slaves get freedom without any lost of their lives.
54. The attribute of God which is especially emphasized in Leviticus is:
The holiness of God
76. What was the purpose of the census in Numbers 26 (note not Numbers 1-4)?
The immediate purpose is to provide statistical data for allotting the land after it has been conquered (Num. 26: 52-56)
19. Explain Abraham's experience at Mt. Moriah in relationship to his spiritual growth with special reference to the name for God that Abraham uses.
The key idea in this experience is found in the verb ra'ah. There is a cycle that is seen. God sees a need, He provides the need. In the provision for the need, God is seen. The name given to the place is Yahweh Yireh. "Yahweh will provide or sees." But "he does not provide until the sacrifice has been made."
72. In Mesopotamia, there does not appear to be any evidence that any special attention was paid to the blood as an element of the ritual of sacrifice. On the other hand, great emphasis was placed on the entrails especially the liver. Why?
The livers were used in the determination of oracles, that is, to gain supernatural insight into the future.
34 Explain the golden calf (bull) incident.
The people of God were left on their for forty days and nights when Moses went up to Moun Sinai. In fear that Moses would not return, the people of God demanded Aaron who was the high priest to build them gods (Ex 32:1) Aaron listened and he build a godlen calf with the gold belonging to the people. The people offered burnt and peace offering to the calf. God saw what the people and told Moses that He will destroy them and build a new humanity through Moses. Moses pleaded God to spare them and God changed his mind regarding the destruction. Moses cane down and broke the tablets. He destroyed the idol to power and made the people drink it with water.
7. What does the phrase " to lift up one's face" mean?
The phrase means "to accept." For God to " lift up his face" on His people is for Him to accept them, to raise the features of His face into a smile.
6. What were the purposes of the censuses in Numbers 1-4?
The purpose of the census in Chapter 1 is for the military strengh to prepare the Israelites for the conquest of the Land. And the purpose of the censuses in Chapter 3-4 is for the spiritual strenghth.
42. What element of the Pentateuchal theme does Exodus stress?
The relationship between God and Israel that was promised to the patriarchs.
38. Explain the structure of Genesis.
The structure of the book of Genesis is built around the usage of toledots 10 toledots or generations, always with a major then a minor figure. It is also divided into 2 divisions, primeval history (5x) and then patricarchal history (6x): Primeval History: Narrative: #1 Tô le dô t of the heavens and the earth (2:4 - 4:26) Genealogy: #2 Tô le dô t of Adam (5:1 - 6:8) Narrative: #3 Tô le dô t of Noah (6:9 - 9:29) Genealogy: #4 Tô le dô t of Shem, Ham and Japheth (10:1-32) Narrative: The Tower of Babel (11:1-9) Genealogy: #5 Tô le dô t of Shem (11:10 - 11:26) Patriarchal History: Major Patriarch: #6 Tô le dô t of Terah (The Abraham Narrative) (11:27 - 25:11) Minor Figure: #7 Tô le dô t of Ishmael (25:12 - 25:18) Major Patriarch: #8 Tô ledô t of Isaac (The Jacob Narrative) (25:19 - 35:29) Minor Figure: #9 Tô le dô t of Esau (36:1-43) Major Patriarch: #10 Tô le dô t of Jacob (The Joseph Narrative) (37:2 - 50:26)
1. Know the theme of the Pentateuch.
The theme of the Pentateuch is the partial fulfillment—which implies also the partial non-fulfillment—of the [covenantal] promise to or blessing of the patriarchs. 12This covenantal promise is made up of three elements: 1) 1. Posterity (Dominant in Genesis 12-50); 2) Divine-human relationship (Dominant in Exodus and Leviticus); 3) Land (Dominant in Numbers and Deuteronomy).
12. The theme of the Pentateuch is: __________________
The theme of the Pentateuch is the partial fulfillment—which implies also the partial non-fulfillment—of the [covenantal] promise to or blessing of the patriarchs. 12This covenantal promise is made up of three elements: 1) 1. Posterity (Dominant in Genesis 12-50); 2) Divine-human relationship (Dominant in Exodus and Leviticus); 3) Land (Dominant in Numbers and Deuteronomy).
3. What are the possible explanations for the identification of the " sons of God" and the " daughters of men" in Gen. 6?
Theory #1: "Sons of man" - Fallen Angels; "Daughters of men" - Mortals; Their Sin: Marriage between supernatural and mortal; Evidence: "1. The term "sons of God" refers only to angels (Job 1; 38:7; Pss 29:1; 89:1); 2. Jude 6-7; 3. It is the clear reading of the text.; 4. The Septuagint in Job 1 reads "angels of God"; 5. Christ says an- gels do not marry; doesn't say "can- not"" Theory #2: "Sons of man" - Godly Line of Seth; "Daughters of men" - Line of Cain; Their Sin: Marriage of holy to unholy; Evidence: 1. The concept of a holy line is seemingly established; 2. Hebrew indicates continuity from the previous chapter; 3. The sin here be- comes a common theme throughout the Pentateuch." Theory #3: "Sons of man" - Dynastic Rulers; "Daughters of men" - Commoners; Their Sin: Polygamy; Evidence: 1. Magistrates or rulers often re- ferred to as gods (Exod 21:6; 22:8, 9, 28; Ps 82:1, 6); 2. Kings sometimes called sons of dei- ties." Theory #4: "Sons of man" - Demon possessed Dynastic Rulers; "Daughters of men" - Commoners; Their Sin: ungodly unions; Evidence: 1. same as #1 & #3
66. Explain the ritual categories or states in connection with the laws of clean and unclean.
There are three categories or ritual states: 1) holy, 2) clean, and 3) unclean. Cleanness is important in the cult. The intent of the laws of uncleanness was essentially theological and religious —to set forth obedience to the laws of Israel's covenant. Functionally, the laws of holy, clean, and unclean were physically oriented laws which pedagologically taught the Israelites concerning the spiritual world.
29. What is the purpose of the feast of Unleavened Bread?
To commemorate the hardships of the hurried flight from Egypt. Absence of leaven symbolized sincere consecration to God.
35. Does the law about an ox (Exod 21 :28-36) that gores have any ancient Near Eastern parallels?
Yes, there are parallels such as the laws of Hammurabi and the Mishna. The difference between the Torah and the ANE law is that the former requires the death penalty of the ox or its owner in certain circumstances whereas the latter only requires a fine/penalty fee. Num 35:33 says that bloodshed must be paid by bloodshed in order to not pollute the land.
26. Explain the Fall in Genesis 3.
a. Sin's Entrance (3:1-7): Serpent: bore false witness concerning the character of God Woman: deceived, seduced Man: openly disobeyed, rebelled b. God' s Questions (3:8-9): Man: blames woman that "You" put here Woman: blames serpent who deceived her c. God' s Judgment (3:10-19) Serpent: cursed, ultimately to be destroyed Woman: increased pain in childbearing, anguish in relationship to husband Man: cursed ground, painful toil and frustration in life, death d. Conclusion (3:20-24) Three times the "Word of God" is quoted: 1. Mood: Feigned surprise. "Indeed! to think that God said you are not to eat of any tree of the garden?" The serpent' s intent was to subtly question God' s word in a misleading way. 2. Mood: Matter of fact. The woman' s intent in response was to correct. But she paraphrased God's word with important changes. 3. Flatly denied by the serpent (lit. "Not! —you shall surely die!") The serpent' s explanation: "God is not good or fair!"therefore: "usurp" (with an appeal to pride)
17. Explain the relationship of the account of the call of Abram in Genesis 12 and the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11.
the call of Abram (Gen. 12) is God' s answer to the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11). (While the former sresses God's making Abaham's name great, the latter focuses on their own effort to make their name great!)
58 Know the laws concerning normal emissions.
the law concerning normal discharge is about intercourses only. Both will be unclean until the evening and must wash themselves. The contagion: tabernacle.
28. What is the purpose of the Passover?
to commemorate the exodus - Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage. If there is no exodus, there is no Passover.
