RELC - 1210 FINAL
54. End of Days
comes right after the Day of the Lord, or Judgment Day, or the eschaton. Right after the climax of fight between good and evil, the old world is over. This term is used often in apocalyptic literature. Not equivalent to the end of the world, but rather a new world order when YHWH is finally in control completely.
122. Nebuchadnezzar/ Nebuchadrezzar
In the Book of Daniel, the Babylonian king responsible for throwing Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace for refusing to worship the idol he created. Wanted to kill all the wise men because they couldn't interpret his dream. Then Daniel interprets it. 587 (597?) BCE he sieges Jerusalem and in 586 BCE the temple falls and he enforces the second wave of jew deportation. 562 BCE he dies
159. Succession Narrative
"Court History of David." A hypothetical major source of 2 Samuel 9-20 and Kings 1-2 whose purpose is to explain how Solomon became David's successor. This narrative describes how Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon, dead of Solomon's brothers Amnon and Absolom, and how Solomon got throne instead of Adonijah.
141. the satan
A sparring conversation partner for God who challenges YHWH's claim that Job is righteous. The satan questions whether Job fears God for nothing, considering Job is blessed and has no reason to resent God. The satan tests Job by taking away his possessions, family, and health to see if Job will still praise God when it appears that God's favor is taken away from him. Appears in Job 1-2.
12. Allegorical interpretation
A story in which everything represents something else. For example, Song of Songs is a love poem between a boy and girl whose relationship describes the one between YHWH and Israel (Jewish tradition) or Christ and church (Christian tradition)
72. Gomer bat
Diblaim - Hosea's wife of whoredom who bore Hosea three children: Jezreel, Lo-ru-hamah, and Lo-ammi. Gomer was meant to represent faithless Israel.
44. Davidic Covenant
Unconditional grant covenant from God that he will make David a house and will establish the throne forever
153. "The Sin of Jeroboam"
King Jeroboam of Israel does evil in the eyes of the Lord. He establishes new centers for religious purposes. He created two golden calves that he sacrificed offerings to and told his people to worship as well. He offered sacrifices even though he was not a priest. The kings that followed him also followed his sinful ways.
29. Bethel and Dan
King Jeroboam of Israel establishes two new sites for worship in the North. He builds two thrones for God (golden calves). He feared that that people will worship in Jerusalem and thus slip away from him. These were where alternative loci of worship were instituted (if i'm not mistaken) and because of the perpetuation of these loci of worship, kings of Israel were cursed until they were gotten rid of.
166. Tiglath-pileser III/Pul -
King of Assyria whom King Ahaz of Judah bribes to become his suzerain. Ahaz becomes his vassal.
1. 70 years
Prophesied by Jeremiah. Yahweh said that the Jews would live in Babylonian captivity for 70 years. This time should be spent trying to thrive in a foreign land as they wait.
7. Absalom
one of King David's sons, who murdered another one of King David's sons named Amnon (Absalom's half-brother who raped Absalom's sister Tamar). He fled from Israel but when he returned he tried to overthrow his father and steal the throne. Significant because he is a son that shows accurately YHWH's punishment on David's sin with Bathsheba - Absalom rebels against the House of David and there is internal turmoil.
58. Ephraim
was the younger of the two sons of Joseph, was more blessed than the older son Manasseh and was considered by Jacob/Israel to be part of the family, Received a cut of the land inheritance after Jacob's death as opposed to Simeon and Levi
178. Zion Theology
associated with times of Temple; covenant of grant with David
145. Second Temple
built upon the return of the Jews to Jerusalem after the Babylonian Exile in 520 BCE. Completed in 515 BCE
115. Models for Israel's Emergence: Conquest
corroborates Bible literally because Bible is a trustworthy primary source. Problem: Is Bible primary? Not corroborated by other historical documents. There isn't sufficient archaeological evidence. As they excavated more and more, sites associated with crossing over of trans-Jordan were largely unoccupied. No evidence of conflict to back up biblical narrative...
83. Isaiah of Jerusalem/First Isaiah
court prophet (involved with coronation of Hezekiah like Samuel was with Solomon). Married to a prophetess. His disciples constituted the "school of Isaiah," attributed to writing Second and Third Isaiah. Isaiah prophesied during the time of King Ahaz and Hezekiah in Judah during the Syro-Ephraimite Crisis and Sennacherib's invasion. (Time period of prophetic career: 738 BCE until at least 701 BCE and maybe as late as 688). Ahaz does not listen to Isaiah's advice to trust in Yahweh and not be involved in foreign entanglements when King Pekah of Israel and King Rezin of Aram seek to attack Jerusalem (Judah). Ahaz pleads with TP3 for protection. Hezekiah on the other hand listens to Isaiah's advice to trust in Yahweh. Isaiah gives dire pronouncements of divine judgment (theodicy = divine justice) and a messianic prophecy ("Immanuel") and "lawsuit" metaphor for Israel's "breach of contract"
123. Nehemiah
cupbearer to the king, wanted to return to Judah and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes allows him to return to Judah. He becomes governor of the province "Beyond the River."
165. Theodicy
defense of divine righteousness. In the Deuteronomistic history's account of the exile, theodicy was the explanation presented for the disasters that befell the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BCE and the southern kingdom of Judah in 586 BCE.
142. Saul
first king of Israel. Anointed by the prophet Samuel. He was killed by the Philistines. We are first introduced to Saul as a man with humble + military capacity; it is hard for us to imagine that Saul would become a greedy taker. The question arose: "Is YHWH setting Saul up to fail?". Even though Saul becomes rejected as being King of Israel, he remains King; he is simultaneously God's anointed and God's rejected. Insights into his rejection include: his loss of prophetic support (1 Samuel 13), his impatience in making a sacrifice by himself without following instructions and waiting for Samuel, and his partiality in following God's command when he stops short and doesn't sacrifice Agag and his possessions (1 Samuel 15).
67. Four Beasts (Daniel 7)
four kings of four kingdoms. The fourth beast would subdue the other kings. They are representative of the four kings who ruled over Judah. Babylon, Persia, Alexander, Antiochus
140. Samuel
greatest judge of Israel. Was also a prophet and main leader of Israel until Saul became king. He anointed Saul and David as king of Israel during his lifetime. He is significant because he was the primary prophet to speak along with the view of the Deuteronomistic Historians on the failure of Israel to live up to its covenant with God. He mirrors Moses--he is an intermediate between Israel and God by communicating to God for the people. He and Moses both share the experience of a theophany, a physical manifestation of a deity, and identities as children of great importance born from a barren mother. Samuel is against kings but he has to anoint Israel's first and second kings. He warned the Israelites the dangers of having a king but the people wanted a king regardless.
150. Shechem
important and recurring Abraham and Jacob both built altars there ***Joshua 24: Joshua led the Israelites in renewing their covenant*** "put away the foreign gods that are among you" and Jacob hid them under oak Abimelech, Gideon's son, crowned himself as king of Israel there 1 Kings- Northern tribes seceded and Jeroboam I makes Shechem his capital
53. Eliab
in the story of David and Goliath, Eliab is David's older brother who catches him near Goliath and asks why David is not at home shepherding sheep, but instead presuming to fight Goliath. The ambiguity in this interaction lies in discerning whether Eliab is a jealous brother or whether David is actually a bit presumptuous, ambitious, and conniving.
56. Enkidu
is Gilgamesh's best friend in The Epic of Gilgamesh. (Parallels David and Jonathan's friendship). He was a wild man until he was domesticated by a prostitute. He fights with Gilgamesh, they become best friends, go on adventures until he dies and Gilgamesh goes on a quest for immortality.
48. Diaspora
is the scattering of Jews. This occurs after exile and refers to Jews living anywhere other than Judea.
52. Eli
judge of Israel for forty years. Priest. He spoke with Hannah and comforted her, telling her that the Lord God grant her petition. After she had weaned Samuel, Hannah dedicates Samuel to God and Samuel became Eli's apprentice in the temple. Eli is faithful to Yahweh. He was the last of the judges before the time of the kings. He trained Samuel well, however, he did not correct his sons. When God spoke to Samuel about the condemnation of Eli's wicked sons, Eli accepted what God had to say.
43. David
king of Israel. Son of Jesse (was also descendant of Ruth, which led to questions of a problematic Moabite origin). Was a shepherd boy before anointed by Samuel to follow Saul as king. He defeated the Philistine giant Goliath. He was a man after God's own heart. Warrior who wanted to build the Temple of the Lord but God would not allow him because the kingdom was not yet secure. He committed adultery with Bathsheba who became his wife and the mother of his successor king son Solomon. The Deuteronomistic Historian writes David as a pious innocent, victorious warrior, and loyal king. Through our study of David in lecture, we got a more complicated version of David (one who is prone to error; particularly in his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba). We also saw how David was an "innovator" (particularly in his encounter with Goliath, he thought outside of the box and didn't play by the rules of convention). Also, he didn't govern in the standard way. In his infidelity with Bathsheba, David didn't necessarily get into trouble because of the sex... it was more so the abuse of his own power.
50. Dietary Laws
laws defined in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. They give the Jewish people specific regulations on what food they are allowed to eat. They can eat clean food but they cannot eat unclean food. Restricting the Jewish people's diet helped make the Jewish people more faithful to Yahweh. (Daniel and his friends exemplified model Jews in diaspora when they only ate vegetables while in the king's palace.)
23. Assyrian Empire
major international empire and threat. Wants conquered countries to flourish, so their system has a strong Assyrian emperor and leaves vassal kings in place for the conquered tribes/territories. This is the context for Amos and Hosea and Isaiah. 9th Century? - locate in Northern Mesopotamia; Superpower (900 BC - 600 BC) Conquest strategy: NWES
119. Naomi
married to Elimelech. Her daughter-in-law was Ruth. She was from Bethlehem. Another example of women making history by defying/manipulating/taking advantage of their situations despite their limitation of confinement to the domestic sphere. Naomi tells daughter-in-law Ruth to go lie with Boaz after he eats & drinks. This leads to Boaz fulfilling the role of kinsman redeemer for Ruth. Naomi nurses Obed, Ruth & Boaz's son. (Obed → Jesse → David)
63. Exogamy
marrying outside one's religious, social, or cultural class. God commanded endogamy (marriage within one's ethnic, cultural or religious community) for the survival of the community's identity and to keep its property within the group. Exogamy is generally frowned upon, especially in the case of the rape of Dinah when Shechem tried to marry outside his ethnic group and his entire city was slaughtered by Dinah's brothers in revenge. Exogamy also leads to apostasy, as evidenced by Solomon and his foreign wives. Ezra and Nehemiah reject exogamy to defend against assimilation and apostasy, and define itself as true Israel.
49. Diaspora Novella
meditates on the role of an individual Jew living in exile and his/her attitude towards his/her own people (Joseph, Esther, Daniel, Judish). For example, the story of Esther is set in the Persian empire and seeks to teach people how to live in foreign land as Jews in diaspora. The message to Jews is to identify with your people, like Esther bravely went to the king, told him she was Jewish, and asked him to spare her people. The message to Gentiles was that Jews will survive even if the odds are against them and the enemy of Jews (Haman) will fall. Another example- the story of Daniel tells Jews to keep their identity intact and continue to trust in God. Faithful Jews in the book of Daniel did not eat Gentile meat and wine, he did not worship other statues or kings, and God saved Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego and Daniel from death in a fiery furnace and a den of lions, respectively.
79. Hosea
minor prophet who was married to Gomer, a wife of "whoredom." His marriage was an allegory of Yahweh's marriage to Israel, who was unfaithful to her husband. Hosea had three children named Jezreell (God would punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel and put an end to the kingdom of Israel), Lo-ru-hamah (God would no longer have pity on Israel but on Judah), and Lo-ammi (for Israel was not God's people and God was not their God).
154. Sinai
mountain where Yahweh appeared to Moses and gave him the Ten Commandments. It was God's temporary dwelling before the Israelites moved to the Promised Land. Deuteronomy likes to call it "Horeb."
170. Uta
napishti/ Utnapishtim - Noah parallel in that he survives the flood and was given eternal life. He finds the secret to immortality. He achieves immortality but Gilgamesh can't: Gilgamesh falls asleep immediately after being told not to fall asleep for 7 days.
66. Former Prophets
narrative books of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, and 1 and 2 Kings;
33. Call Narrative
when God calls prophets to send a message to his people. Usually found at the beginning of the book.
129. (The Book of) Proverbs
written by Solomon who wrote over 3,000 proverbs. Wisdom literature. Full of metaphors, wisdom through narratives & saying of the wise. (See term #174 "Woman Wisdom")
110. Merneptah Stele
written in 13th Century, first reference to Israel: "Israel is wasted, it's seed is no more." Tells us Israel was established in Canaan and this is the earliest found reference to Israel outside of the Bible. This is a slab of writing by Pharaoh Merneptah: describes victories in Syria and Canaan (13th century).
133. Qohelet/Ecclesiastes
written in first person (most likely Solomon). Author is notably agrarian... also has required a lot of "stuff". As a result, the author makes several claims about wisdom and the world. "All was vanity and a chasing after the wind". Even wisdom doesn't have merits -- death is the great leveler. The order of things is that everyone dies... Qohelet accepts this, and yet is not satisfied. He doesn't think this is something wonderful, and thinks it's horrible you can't control your own destiny. Qohelet's solution: "So I commend enjoyment..."; a way of carrying on, even though it may be a small consolation. The book of Qohelet seems out of place amidst the other books of the canon, yet its acceptance as sacred Scripture highlights the diversity of voices included within the Jewish canon.
47. Deuteronomistic History
Joshua through 2nd Kings. covers the monarchy to the dissolution of monarchy at the Babylonian exile. This history is built on the ground of Deuteronomy, which provides laws and benchmarks for how to evaluate Israelites and their behavior. The cycle of deuteronomistic history is deliverance, apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
106. Major Prophets
Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
19. Apocalyptic
this genre of literature is found in Daniel 7-12. It includes revelatory events like visions that are searing looks at the past (how we got here) and present events (how bad things are now). This genre is pessimistic about present but optimistic about the future and create hope for people that fortunes will reverse. This literature is highly dualistic with the idea that things are either good or bad with no in-between. ex) contemporary politics. This is also generally in first person, "I, Daniel, saw... "
30. Bildad, Eliphaz, Zophar
three "friends" of Job who try to convince him to deny God and that he had done something wrong to deserve the suffering he experienced. They play Devil's Advocate.
51. Egyptian Love Poetry
useful for comparison with the Song of Songs.
81. Immanuel
"God is with us." Isaiah advises King Ahaz not to panic because of the attack by the kings of Aram and Israel. He advises him to trust in Yahweh. To enforce this advice, in a second encounter (7.10-17) the prophet gives the king a sign: Immanuel would be born. He would eat curds and honey signifying that the land would be abundant and return to peace and prosperity. However, because King Ahaz rejected Isaiah's advice, Immanuel is used to mean "God is with us" to punish at the hands of the Assyrians. That would occur in 701 BCE.
146. Second Temple Period
515 BCE through 70 CE when it was destroyed by the Romans.
148. Sennacherib Prism
691 BCE. Recountings of King Sennacherib's campaign. It is significant because it serves as physical evidence for biblical accounts. The prism specifically explains how Padi was a vassal to Assyria, resulting in Assyria giving it protecting. Also, it confirms that Jerusalem was not taken but the rest of Judah was. Juxtaposition between "two-campaigns." In the A-source, King Sennacherib defeats Hezekiah. In the B-source, Hezekiah at first gives the Assyrian king the silver and gold but he later on asks Yahweh for help. Yahweh then strikes down 185,000 Assyrians in their camp.
4. 587/586 B.C.E.
After a few years, Judea rebels, withholds tribute. Nebuchadnezzar sieges in 587 BCE. They enter city and 18 months later, the temple falls. Second wave of deportation.
115. Models for Israel's Emergence: Gradual emergence
Also suggests Israelites were a socially distinct group of Canaanites with belief in a God that would deliver them, called YHWH. Israelites' central identity fused and forged by YHWH - God to liberate. "Moses group" escapes Israel and people in Canaan have no personal memory of experience in slavery, but are transformed by hearing this story
149. Septuagint
Ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. 70 translators took 72 days to translate the original Hebrew text into Greek. It is the oldest text that we have to the original Hebrew text.
27. Bathsheba
Bathsheba is a married woman (to Uriah the Hittite), whom King David commits adultery with. King David proceeds to abuse his power and murder Bathsheba's husband to cover up his sin. This scandal leads to God's displeasure with David, his punishment of David, and shows that when the royal family doesn't get along, there are dire consequences for Israel as a nation, which is supposed to be a united family. "cried loudly over [Uriah]"
94. Joab
Daniel's nephew, also a big part in the reintegration of Absolom after his exile after having tried to kill his half brother Amnon, who raped his sister Tamar. Key in the coup that would eventually cause David to lose his throne Leader of Israel's army Uriah refers to Joab as Lord instead of to David, because Joab leads an army while King David seems idle in Jerusalem David ordered Joab to place Uriah at the front lines and for the army to retreat- murder
99. Judah
David's tribe. The Southern Kingdom. Judah was the fourth son of Jacob. The kingdom was ruled by the royal line of David and it opposed the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
113. Michal
David's wife; daughter of Saul (given in return for killing Goliath)
176. Zerubbabel
Davidic leader; Governor Responsible for building the 2nd temple 520 BCE
128. Pillared Israelite House
Design of Israelite house with distinct Canaanite qualities Important in trying to understand how Israel emerged in Canaan (gradual or sudden transition?)
61. Esther/Hadassah
Esther was the wife of the Persian King Ahasuerus aka King Xerxes 1. When the king decreed that all Jews would be killed, Esther bravely approached the king and confessed her Jewish identity to save her people. Her exemplary behavior shows the Israelites how to behave in a foreign land and advises the Israelites to be brave in faith and identify with their Jewish identity even in the face of danger or death. Famous saying "If I perish, I perish" The book is a book that shows Jews how to live in diaspora.
22. Assimilation
Exiled Jews underwent a process of cultural assimilation (most notably in language; Aramaic didn't totally replace Hebrew, but not everyone totally recognized Hebrew anymore), during and following the period of the Babylonian exile. But overall, Hebrews in exile were still able to maintain a distinct identity.
109. Merkevah/Divine Chariot
Ezekiel sees this vision. It is in his inaugural vision. God wheels him around the world, demonstrating that God does not have to reside in one place as the Zion theology suggests.
115. Models for Israel's Emergence: Immigration
Gradual immigration from Egypt to Promised land, not one grand/major group crossing over at one time. 13th Cent - time of great upheaval, Canaan flooded by sea people (Philistines from Greece). Downplays the notion of one grand crossing of the land. There is some discovered archaeological evidence BUT they seem Canaanite, not Israelite. Ex: pillared house - Israel and Canaanite design, collared rim storage jars. Assume different houses and jars for different cultures but not the case
92. Jesse
Grandson of Ruth and Boaz. Son of Obed. Father of King David.
74. Haman the Agagite
Haman has a personal vendetta on Mordecai the Jew, so he decides to get revenge with a genocidal edict against all Jews. In the end, Esther tricks Haman and the king orders that the Jews survive and Haman be hanged. This story of Esther tells Gentiles like Haman that Jews will survive even if odds are against them while the enemy of Jews will fall.
38. Covenant Lawsuit/rib
Hosea 4: God will bring rib ("reeb") (aka indictment) against Israel because they lack faithfulness, loyalty, and knowledge of God. Yahweh sues Israel for breach of contract or for violation of the Sinai covenant.
104. Law of the King
In Deut 17, The Law of King is found in Deuteronomy, God says Israel will have a king but the text is loaded with regrets, incrimination, and resignation. Deuteronomy takes lots of precautions to avoid humans corrupting the people of Israel via a king. Israel wants a king to lead them because other nations do and they want a king to unite them and bring them victories in battle. Yahweh sees Israel's request for a king as a rejection of Him.
73. Greek Esther
In the Hebrew Bible, the book of Esther is written around God and various people reference God and pray to God, but God is not directly present and remains obscure. The Greek Esther deliberately puts God back into the story.
32. Book of the Twelve/Minor Prophets
Include Amos, Hosea, Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Along with Isaiah Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, these books are called the "Latter Prophets" and in Jewish Tradition, they are considered the second half of the Prophets section (Nevi'im).
164. Tel Dan Stele/Inscription
Inscribed stone discovered in 1993/4 Inscription of a glorious king; theories say it is from the late 9th century Earliest reference to House of David and only outside corroboration apart from Bible
144. Second Isaiah/Deutero
Isaiah - call narrative in Isaiah 40; Isaiah gets to deliver good news that exile is temporary--message of salvation.
45. The Day of YHWH
Israel is cheering for the Day of YHWH as a day of judgment when God will punish their oppressors. However, the prophet Amos says God will not only punish foreign nations, but also Judah and Israel because they rebelled against God and broke their covenant with God. (See Box 17.2 in Coogan p. 264). Judgment Day. Yahweh is described as "Ancient of Days." The Day of YHWH is the climax of the good and evil war right before the "End of Days," which marks the end of the old world and starts the new order where YHWH rules fully.
111. Mesha Stele/Moabite Stone
Israel's enemy, Mesha, claims to capture 7000 Israelites and shows that neighboring cultures also have a theological history
124. "New Covenant"
It appears in the Book of Jeremiah. As Jeremiah promises that God will restore the nation of Israel and the day the Mosaic covenant will fulfilled. Sinai theology. "The law will be written on your hearts" instead of forehead. Significant because it was a sort of renewal of faith by the Jewish people in continuing to maintain faithfulness to the laws of YHWH despite the Exile only this time with greater commitment b/c the follies of the past are what doomed Israel to begin with. Related to Sinai theology.
114. Minimalists vs. Maximalists
Maximalists: Takes bible as serious historical record Eliat Mazar (Maximalist): Believes we're excavating in wrong locations, that's why we haven't found evidence Trusts in biblical text and uses it as evidence Approach = "Bible in one hand, archaeological tool in the other" Tel Dan Stele piece of evidence that gives more evidence as to the House of David Minimalists: Can't take bible as a source of history Claims that the Bible exaggerates its scope (claims to be older than it actually is) Telling of stories about a glorious past Minimalists believe that the story of David is a fictional account based on a family name Israel Finkelstein (Minimalist)
93. Jew/Jewish
Name derived from "Judah." Name for God's people. Used to describe them after they were taken from the Promised Land. Name comes from term "Yehud" = a territory/piece of recovered land in Jerusalem. Inhabitant of Judah. This label of nationality gives former exiles who remained in diaspora a sense of nationality and connection with their homeland. It is the term used to describe this group of people today.
121. Nathan's Parable
Nathan is a prophet who tricks David into setting his own punishment for adultery and then abusing his power to murder an innocent man to cover his sin. In the parable, <summary>. David says to kill and restore the lamb four-fold with no pity or shame, and this punishment is exacted on David as he loses at least four kids and his family falls apart with catastrophic consequences. 4 fold: Ammon, Tamar, Absalom, Adonijah
126. Persian Empire
One of the foreign four beast kingdoms who ruled over the Jews.
62. Esther's Prayer
Only became a part of the bible in Hebrew MT (Masoretic Text) Addition C. In the prayer she says she wasn't happy because she was with a gentile and she couldn't eat because the food wasn't kosher. Jewish characteristics are seen more in this text.
171. Vashti
Queen of Persia. Married to King Ahasuerus (in Esther)
59. Epic of Gilgamesh
Reading the Epic of Gilgamesh helps notice characteristics and get a feel for the cultural ether of when the Bible was written. Themes in Gilgamesh and Samuel are kingship, immortality, death/life, friendship, transgression against gods, dreams, good and evil. In this epic, Gilgamesh is a mean, unpopular king, until he becomes friends with Enkidu. They go on adventures together until Enkidu dies, leading Gilgamesh to grieve and search for immortality. He finds two immortals, a plant of youth, but a snake takes it and Gilgamesh goes home as a sad, but wise ruler. Parallels with Bible Genesis: Man and woman in nature Adam and Eve/Enkidu and prostitute. Enkidu is naked and then clothed, wiser like a god and humanized Genesis: Snake and associations with plant that gives immortality/knowledge Bible: dreams in Joseph, Saul, Samuel, Jacob (E source) Friendship in 1 Samuel: David and Jonathan/Enkidu and Gilgamesh
98. Josiah's Reforms
Reformation of national religion! Makes a temple to YHWH, also stripped the land of any other places to worship. Josiah moved against the religious tide of his day by using older, Northern ideals. A German scholar asserts that this "book of the law" is actually the central core of Deuteronomy, a reflection of earlier Mosaic ideals; other scholars are skeptical that the book existed before it was discovered.
108. Masoretic Text
The Hebrew and Aramaic version of the Hebrew Bible that modern texts are based from; authoritative version of the Hebrew Bible. (Masoretic Text = the Tanak). A lot of words could have different vowel possibilities. Masoretic Texts include these vowels.
6. 515 B.C.E.
The Second Temple was completed and rededicated to Yahweh. It is the time when the Israelites are torn about their views on the Temple; older generations are sad for a new Temple because it can't replace the Old one, but the newer generations are just excited to even have a Temple. Therefore there is a mixture of crying and rejoicing on its day of dedication. Crying and rejoicing: cried when Ezra read the law to them; rejoiced because Ezra told them they should.
135. Royal Ideology
There is only one dynasty for Israel.
156. Solomon
Third king of Israel. Son of David. Wise man. Wrote three thousand proverbs and a thousand and five songs. He is associated with Proverbs, Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes.
17. Ancient One/Ancient of Days
This term describes YHWH. In Daniel, there are apocalyptic visions that portray YHWH as the Ancient One who is seated on throne and ready to establish order, returning the world to its original state where things were good.
35. Circumcision
When the Israelites go into exile, certain stipulations have new significance because they are portable practices that can be carried out without a temple. Circumcision becomes more important as a way for the Israelites to worship YHWH outside of Jerusalem. Circumcision is a visible sign that marks the Jewish ethnic identity and draws a boundary between Jewish people and foreign people.
137. Sabbath
When the Israelites go into exile, certain stipulations have new significance because they are portable practices that can be carried out without a temple. The Sabbath becomes more important as a way for the Israelites to worship YHWH outside of Jerusalem.
125. "New Exodus"
When the Jews return to Judah after being exiled to the Promised Land. Second Isaiah promised that the new exodus would be better than the first Exodus but the Jews don't think so.
118. Mount Moriah
between Mount Zion and Mount of Olives; where Binding of Isaac for sacrifice by his father Abraham in Genesis 22. Chronicles calls where the Temple is built Mount Moriah but that is the only place.
103. Latter Prophets
book of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve minor prophets
168. Uriah the Hittite
husband of Bathsheba. Murder ordered by David
91. Jerusalem
in Judah. City where the Temple of the Lord was built.
100. Kabod
means "the glory of YHWH" and refers to YHWH's nearby, physical presence
143. Scribe
person who would have copied books in Bible. Often worked in the courts of kings. Writes down the oral histories of time. Famous scribe: Ezra.
160. Synagogue
place of worship for Jews. Religious assemblies of the Jews and the buildings where their worship took place. Means "gathering together." Created as a result of the Babylonian Exile because the Jews could no longer worship in the Temple after it had been destroyed and because they were in Diaspora.
75. Hannah
wife of Elkanah. Elkanah married Hannah and Penenniah. Penenniah bore Elkanah several children but Hannah was loved more by Elkanah than Penenniah was. Hannah was barren until God opened her womb. Hannah's firstborn was named Samuel and Hannah dedicated him to the Lord as a Nazarite. Samuel goes on to be the greatest judge of and one of the greatest prophets of Israel.
85. Jael
wife of Heber the Kenite (who was in alliance with Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army). She was probably not an Israelite... she allied with the losing side, and was left alone in the camp. Caught as a victim in her husband's politics. Yet she transforms her powerlessness into victory. She wields the power of the domestic sphere, and reduces Sisera from a man into a child (ultimately killing him, as she drove a tent peg into his temple). Her story shows that Yahweh works through the underdog and His will/His people/His nation can be accomplished & established through anyone, Israelite or not.
127. Philistines
"Sea People." At first they lived peacefully with Israel until the time of the judges.
77. Hezekiah's Tunnel
"Siloam Tunnel"; an underground water conduit in Jerusalem. Over 1,700 ft. long with the purpose of diverting the city's main source of water, from the Gihon Spring in the Kidron Valley on the lower northeastern slopes of the city of David to the Siloam Pool on the southwest. The water supply would be protected from enemy attack or poisoning. It was constructed in preparation for the Assyrian attack of 701 BCE. Purpose was to prolong Israelite stay in Jerusalem.
130. Prophetic formula
"Thus says the Lord" ; prophets passed on what they had heard, functioned as Yahweh's mouthpiece
112. Messiah
"anointed one"; saviour of a group of people; often referenced in the Hebrew Bible
151. Shechem Assembly
(Read 1 Kings 12). Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. Jeroboam heard of this and returned to Israel from Egypt, where he fled from Solomon who wanted to kill him. Rehoboam did not heed the advice of the elders who told him that he should be kinder to the Israelites since his father had made their "yoke heavy." He made Israel rebel against the house of David, dividing the nation of Israel into Israel (North) and Judah (South). Jeroboam was made king over Israel and he made the capital of Israel Shechem.
70. Golden Calves
(Read 1 Kings 12:25-33.) King Jeroboam of Israel made two calves of gold. He told the people that they had gone down to Jerusalem long enough to worship so to stay in Israel and worship his golden calves. He put one at Bethel and the other at Dan. He offered sacrifices on the altar to the calves he had made. They may have been bull images, traditional ancient Near Eastern symbols of power and fertility. In Canaan they were associated with both the god El, the head of the pantheon, and the storm god Baal. The worship of the bull or calf in Israel had ancient roots (Exodus 32) and Jeroboam may have thought he was reinstituting an older and more authentic worship of the Lord but he violated the Deuteronomic Covenant by worshiping more than one God.
157. Solomon's Temple/The First Temple
(Read 1 Kings 5-8, which describe Solomon's preparation, building, and dedication to God of the Temple). Solomon built the Temple rather than David his father who wanted to build the Temple because David was a man of war and because his kingdom had not been firmly established. Solomon's kingdom had been firmly established. 586 BCE was when Babylon destroyed the Temple, signaling the start of the Babylonian Exile.
28. Behemoth and Leviathan
(Read Job 3:8, 40:15-41:1). Behemoth is often identified as a hippopotamus, Leviathan as a crocodile. Egyptian iconography of the god Horus fighting these two creatures, who represent the forces of chaos. The two creatures are described when God talks about how powerful he is. The mythical sea creatures have enormous strength. The first creature's description is very similar to the sea mentioned in the beginning, before creation. God had complete power of it, showing his might and power. The second sea creature is also dominated by God furthermore showing his might and power.
82. Inviolability of Jerusalem
(Read Psalm 46). Jerusalem (Zion) was the city God chose to be his royal dwelling. According to Zion theology, Jerusalem would not be defeated because Yahweh resided in the city. However, this was disputed when the Babylonians destroyed the Temple of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.E.
20. Aramaic
(language acquired by Jews exiled to Persia; book of Daniel has both Hebrew and Aramaic). One of the Semitic languages, originally spoken in Aram, roughly the same as modern Syria. During the early half of the 1st millennium BCE, it came to be used as a kind of lingua franca, an international language of diplomacy and commerce. During the Persian period of the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, it slowly replaced Hebrew as the ordinary spoken language of Palestine. (Coogan p. 351) Jesus spoke Aramaic :) little known fact about aramaic: you're only allowed to sing the language while playing really old-sounding arabic music.
5. 539 B.C.E.
(not sure if this is right) Cyrus II brings all the ancient Middle Eastern tribes into a new Persian tribe. The question is, how will they deal with all the dispersed people? Cyrus II believes they should return to their old ways, so he returns idols/images of gods to their native temples and pays for their restoration. This is the year Cyrus, King of Persia, issued an edict that allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem. The Israelites immediately started worshipping at the remains of the temple. They were afraid of neighboring peoples and started sacrificing to save themselves. Parallel to Deuteronomy because they were told to be wary of neighboring people.
162. Syro-Ephraimite Crisis
- In 734 BCE, small kingdoms of the Levant formed a coalition to block TP-III from controlling them, but Judah refused to join. Kings of Aram, Israel, Rezin, and Pekah laid siege to Jerusalem to replace king Ahaz with "son of Tabeel" who would join their Anti-Assyria coalition. Instead of agreeing, Ahaz asked TP-III for assistance, becomes a vassal, and pays tribute to Assyria, which Bible frames as a lack of trust in YHWH.
105. Maccabean Revolt
167 BCE ~ Maccabean warriors rose up against Antiochus IV to claim their independence. They reestablished Israel as a country for a little while. The time when the Apocalypse of Daniel was also written.
80. "The House of David"
2 Samuel 7: Davidic Covenant God will make David a house and will establish the throne forever The Deuteronomistic Historian views David as a model king (particularly after his death); so every king afterwards would lead by David's example Unconditional Covenant (vs. the Covenant of Sinai which was based on the conditionality of good behavior)
102. Kinsman Redeemer
A male relative with the authority or responsibility to act for a relative who was in trouble or in need of vindication. Boaz was the kinsman redeemer of Naomi. He redeemed her by marrying her daughter in law Ruth.
107. mashal / proverb
A portable literary unit in which wisdom was passed down. Often, a proverb will trade in metaphors. Solomon is associated with the book of Proverbs.
3. 597 B.C.E.
Beginning of the Babylonian exile Ezekiel goes into exile and this is the first time Judean exiles are deported from the city. This loss of the monarchy and temple perpetuates a deep theological crisis because Judeans believed Babylonians could only enter and besiege temple if YHWH wasn't as powerful as the Babylonian god. This is also an identity crisis because Judeans always thought they were better than the North, but then they got deported.
155. Sisera
Canaanite general who fled from the Israelites. He was the commander of the Canaanite army of King Jabin of Hazor. He was taken in by Jael (wife of his cohort) who killed him with a tent peg by driving it into his temple.
24. Baal
Canaanite god; storm god in the Canaanite pantheon, believed by many to be the source of rain and agricultural bounty in the land.
21. Ark of the Covenant
Central element in ritual procession - prominent in crossing Jordan and capturing Jericho -Wooden chest covered in gold containing the two tablets of the ten commandments, Aaron's budding staff, and manna. Incredibly important to the northern tribes, used in warfare David moves the ark to Jerusalem to establish political legitimacy and unity
39. Cyrus II of Persia
Cyrus the Great, the King of Persia. Cyrus II unites all the ancient Middle Eastern tribes into a new Persian tribes in 539 BCE. To deal with the dispersed peoples, Cyrus II allows them to return to their old ways and facilitates that process by returning images of gods to their native temples and paying for their restoration
115. Models for Israel's Emergence: Revolt
From Mendenhall. Maybe upheaval came from within. ex) Amarna letters: tablets with chiselle letters (14th Cent before exodus) written by Canaanite people to Egyptian pharaoh. Complain about people (Habera = Hebrew?). Israelites a union of people socially marginalized by canaanite authority Not geographically "other", or ethnically "other", but rather socially "other"
169. Uruk
God (?) in Epic of Gilgamesh
41. Daniel
He was a prophet who worked in the royal court. He was among the wise men of kings he was under in exile. He was exiled to Babylon when he was a teenager and remained in exile until he died. Served under King Nebuchadnezzar, King Belshazzar, King Darius, and King Cyrus. The first six chapters of the book of Daniel is written in a novella style with a focus on one person, Daniel, who shows the Israelites how to behave. The message is: Don't give up— everything will work out if you keep your identity intact and trust God. The next six chapters of the book of Daniel is apocalyptic with esoteric, overwhelming visions.
152. Sheol
Hebrew term for the underworld. God has control over the underworld. Mentioned in Job and Ecclesiastes. When Job talks about Sheol, he isn't referring to the afterlife. In Ecclesiastes, the reward system is within this life. Everyone was basically equal at death whether you were wise or not. Sheol does not have a moral valence (like heaven or hell). Everyone goes to Sheol. Proverbs also mentions Sheol. Woman wisdom's counterpart will take you by the hand and drag you there. Her promises are empty and lead to destruction.
174. Woman Wisdom
In the book of Proverbs, woman function as an intermediary between God and humanity. Participation in the human realm; on the other hand, an emissary of God. Personification of wisdom as women -- so real you can almost touch her -- fills a psychological need for women in the Bible
68. Gideon/Jerubbaal
Israel's fifth judge. A military strategist who was expert at surprise. Was the least in his family in the weakest clan in Manasseh. Defeated the Midianite army. Disassembled Baal & poles (Canaanite worship). Was offered a hereditary kingship by the men of Israel. Gideon's given name was "Jerubbaal" ("Let Baal contend") and reflects his father's devotion to that Canaanite deity; the name is reinterpreted to mean "one who contends with Baal." "Gideon" means "hacker," a nickname based on his military prowess, "the one who cuts down forbidden ritual objects." Manufactures an idol ("efud") from Midianite earrings (very much like Aaron had with the Golden Calf). After Gideon dies, his and his concubine's son Abimelech kills his many brothers (69 out of 70 half brothers; only Jephthah is spared) and has himself crowned king at the old sanctuary at Shechem.
88. Jeremiah's Temple Sermon
Jeremiah issued a sermon in the temple saying that the Israelites are not safe and protected "just because they are in Israel". This means that there are conditions so it was similar to the covenant at Sinai, not the covenant zion. Significance: Jeremiah did not think the time in exile (babylon) would be brief and told them to seek peace. He had a positive tone and there developed a tension between those who stayed in Judah and those exiles who returned. Who is "true" Israel?
11. Ahijah the prophet
Jeroboam's rebellion, robe and 12 pieces. YHWH's response to Solomon's apostasy/worship of other gods Tore Jeroboam's garment into 12 pieces (10 to Jeroboam, 2 to Solomon - for the sake of David and Jesus alone)
132. Purim
Jewish festival during which the book of Esther is read. It celebrates the conquering of the Jews' enemies.
65. Ezra
Jewish scribe and priest from 480-440 BCE; returned from Babylonian exile, leading a group back, and reintroduced the Torah in Jerusalem. Banishes foreign women. He is against intermarriage. Leads group to rebuild the Temple and the altar.
95. Job
Job is a righteous, God-loving man who the satan tests by taking away his possessions, family, health, and security that God is pleased with him. The book of Job has three narrative chapters and then 39 chapters of poetry in which he disputes the nature of divine righteousness and questions whether God is just. The story of Job provides a space for the Israelites to question God in their monotheistic religion and come to terms with why they are suffering so much in exile if they believe God to be a good god and themselves to be good people who don't deserve to suffer.
147. Sennacherib
King of Assyria. He took care of Babylon and quickly turned his attention to the coast. Then he moved inward, devastating the Judean countryside before starting in on Jerusalem. He invades Judah during King Hezekiah's fourteenth year. He demanded of King Hezekiah 300 talents of silver and 30 talents of gold. His invasion was in retaliation of Hezekiah's rebellion. Hezekiah surrenders and pays tribute to Sennacherib. God intervened and would not let him come into the city. God defended Jerusalem for his sake and David's sake. Sennacherib left and went home to Nineveh after the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrians before they attacked the city. After he returned home, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him and his son Esar-haddon succeeded him. His account is of his conquest of Jerusalem as the hands-down victor who took all of Jerusalem's riches. This contrasts Isaiah's version where YHWH really did pull through for Israel (as Isaiah is interested in theology). Sennacherib carves his victory into stone so it is unsurprisingly exaggerated. The real event is likely somewhere between Isaiah and Sennacherib's two accounts.
90. Jeroboam I
King of Israel [1 King 11]. His early life looked appealingly like Moses' early life. He was one of Solomon's officials. Jeroboam was put in charge of the kind of labor to build a kingdom by Solomon. He rebelled against Solomon; intended to free the Northern tribes from all the forced labor that Solomon imposed on them Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam; resultantly, Jeroboam fled to Egypt (similar to Moses!) He becomes King of the Northern Kingdom, of Israel. Established new cult sites (Dan and Bethel), which had always been important sanctuary sites of the North. (He built two golden calves and put one at Dan and one at Bethel). Builds thrones for YHWH (installation of golden calves). The Deuteronomistic Historian believes this to be idolatrous (dubbed "The Sin of Jeroboam"). Other interpretations view the calves as being Yahwistic thrones (an unseen and invisible God rests on top of the calves) Jeroboam almost had no choice; he had to develop new regio-political notions to differentiate itself from Judah. Jeroboam, then, becomes an unlikely paradigm for evil (according to the Deuteronomistic Historian)... As such, the D.H. argues that the Northern Kingdom will fall because of the sin of Jeroboam
86. Jehoiakim II
King of Judah (608-598 BCE). Second son of King Josiah. "He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, just as all his ancestors had done" (2 Kings 23:37). King Nebuchadnezzar came up in his days. Jehoiakim became his servant for 3 years until he rebelled against him. He stopped paying tribute to King Nebuchadnezzar so the Babylonian king invaded Judah and lay siege on Jerusalem. Significant because his decisions caused Babylon to overthrow Judah.
9. Ahasuerus/Xerxes
King of the Persia and husband of Queen Esther. He allows Haman to settle a personal revenge on Mordecai with a genocidal edict. Shows that the power of a foreign king is dangerous and not in Israel's best interest, even if/especially if it is in the hands of affable or foolish foreign king.
31. Boaz
Kinsman redeemer on Naomi's husband's side who wed Ruth; continued Naomi's line, ancestor of David and Jesus. He was a prominent, rich man, of the family of Elimelech. He owned the field where Ruth went to glean among the ears of grain.
172. Wisdom
Knowledge and understanding? Solomon asked Yahweh for wisdom to rule over the Israelites. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10). There are three types of wisdom... Folk Wisdom: life lessons from previous generations Royal Wisdom: royal courts needed to train future scribes (wisdom could have developed in certain schools) Theological Wisdom: deeply existential
97. Josiah
One of the youngest kings, coming to the throne at age 8, reigned for 31 years. According to the Deuteronomistic Historian, Josiah is an ideal king (competes with the Davidic reign). He did what was right in the sight of YHWH. In 2 Kings 22, the "book of the law" is discovered. The prophet Holga interprets the book. Josiah, when hearing the words of the book, tore his clothes (a sign of mourning), as he realized he and his ancestors had not been following to the words of this book. Resultantly, this led to his later reforms. He banned worshiping Baal and other gods in the temple. He strips the land of false idols making it exclusively for YHWH. Also a decent example for how bad things happen to good people (mentioned in the section of the lectures on Job) died at the hands of his enemies, quite dishonorable for a king at the time. Josiah's death at the hands of foreign enemies puts the Deuteronomistic Historian at unease... Various minds in Israel meditated on this and questioned if God was fair. Or is He capricious/unpredictable? This provides an interesting segue into Qohelet and Job, broadening our study of wisdom and diversifying it.
71. Goliath
Philistine soldier and designated champion of the Philistine army. He held the entire army of Israel at bay by intimidation and derision and was recognized as a giant of his day. He defied the armies of the living God and underestimated David, who killed him with a sling and a stone.
78. High Place
Place of worship. Examples include Bethel and Dan, where Jeroboam places his golden calves so his kingdom can worship without travelling through foreign territory. Closer to God because it is "high."
131. Psalm 137
Presents a vivid description of what the Israelites felt and were afraid of as they were deported from Jerusalem and went into exile. They fear that they will not be able to worship YHWH in a foreign land without a temple and that they will forget Zion. They also feel shame at praising their God for being victorious only to lose to their enemies. However, the deuteronomic theologians don't end in despair but frame the exile as a lesson to the Israelites.
167. United Monarchy
Reigns of David and Solomon for most of 10th Cent BCE (2 Samuel, 1 Kings). During this time, the northern and southern kingdoms of Judah and Israel are united politically, militarily, and religiously. There is a period of peace, prosperity, and victories over other nations so that they become vassals for Israel.
36. Collared
Rim Storage Jar - The Immigration model to explain Israel's emergence proposes that the Israelites had a gradual immigration from Egypt to the Promised Land instead of one major crossing at one time. The collared-rim storage jar is archaeological evidence that supports this model due to its Canaanite influences.
136. Ruth the Moabite
Ruth loyally follows her mother-in-law, Naomi, to a foreign land where she ends up marrying Boaz. Ruth is significant because David is a descendent of Ruth (Ruth → Obed→ Jesse→ David) and although his Moabite origins are shameful and imply incest, Ruth softens the negative stain on David's reputation because she is a Moabite who is faithful, loyal, outstanding, and converted to believe in YHWH. She is a female protagonist, like Esther and Judith. (More dialogue than any other book in the HB; never mentioned as barren; example of functioning legal tradition as she was able to glean fields that weren't harvested to completion)
2. 722 B.C.E.
Samaria (capital city of North) falls to the Assyrians. Prophet Hosea says God will bring a rib (aka indictment) against Israel because they lack faithfulness, loyalty, and knowledge of God. They believed they could worship YHWH and Canaanite god Baal (evidence: literary and seal rings show they named kids for Baal), which is adultery against YHWH. Hosea is calling them to be monotheistic, which is strange and unfamiliar because they believed their problems came from not worshipping the full range of gods (ex. YHWH and female consort Asherah), but Hosea says they're not being exclusive enough to YHWH - basically: year of the syro-ephraimite crisis
18. Antiochus IV/Antiochus Epiphanes
Seleucid king who outlawed Judaism in Jerusalem in 167 BCE, desecrated the Jerusalem temple, and killed many Jews. Analogous to the "little horn" described in Daniel 7.
13. Amarna letters
Series of letters from the 14th century (From the people of Canaan to Pharaoh complaining about groups in Canaan being troublemakers and opposing Egypt) Refers to socially marginalized groups cause turmoil in Egypt Used as evidence for the Social Revolt Model of Israel's emergence (first Israelites were canaanites who were socially marginalized and formed their own group)
8. Agag the Amalekite
The king of the Amalekites whom King Saul spared. Yahweh commanded Saul to exterminate all of the Amalekites but King Saul kept him as prisoner and took his best livestock. Samuel ended up killing Agag himself. Significant because Saul was not fit to be in leadership of the Israelites since he was disobedient to Yahweh; shows the decline of Saul's kingship and the signs of Samuel's prediction that Israel ought not have a king other than YHWH. Haman is the descendent
177. Zion
The name of a mountain in the city of Jerusalem, where the second covenant was established between Yahweh and his people. It is the location of the Temple.
173. Wisdom Literature
Wisdom literature has an optimistic worldview; everything happens for a reason. There is a great divine order to the world; nothing is random. If you live a wise life, can secure riches and happiness; YHWH is fair, everyone gets what they deserve. There's a materialistic dimension to this... (ex: Proverbs 15:6, deeply economic metaphor). Much of Israel's wisdom emerged internationally; across ancient Near East, we have examples of royal wisdom appearing in different states (1 Kings 4: "Solomon's wisdom surpassed all of the nations of the near East")
15. Amos
a "prophet of reversals" who demonstrates that he is not what it seems to be and the world is not what it seems to be. He rejects the title of seer and separates himself from professional prophets and corrupt institutions. In terms of theology, Israel is cheering because they believe God will punish their oppressors BUT Amos ends up saying God will punish Judah and Israel too. Amos reverses their expectation because not just foreign nations will be punished-- Israel is in line for a particular punishment when they break the covenant because they were chosen and special.
175. Yehud
a Persian province that was previously Judah's. This land is where most of the Israelites returned to after being exiled to Babylon. "Yehudi" = Jewish person.
16. Amos's "Oracles against nations" speech. ("oracles against nations" =
a genre used by the prophets and in apocalyptic literature to describe Yahweh's judgment on foreign nations.)
34. Canon
a list of biblical books
138. Sage
a scribe and provider of wisdom, advice, and council. These were wise men/women throughout the old testament who were practical and philosophers. Sages outlasted prophets; we suspect they recorded and transmitted the Hebrew Bible. Sages often used the natural world in their portrayal of wisdom. Back then, you could not be wise unless you had a broad body of knowledge out there. Resultantly, to be wise in Ancient Israel meant to possess the facts. Wisdom passed down in literary portable units: riddles, short stories, proverbs.Sage is one of three main religious authority figures (the other two are priests and prophets). [Job was a sage].
26. Babylonian Exile
a time of tremendous conflict and turmoil for the Israelites. They must discover how to worship YHWH in a foreign land, so there is a new focus and significance of r7rituals that don't require a temple, such as the Sabbath, circumcision, prayer, praise, Scripture, and sermons (This period was a challenge to Zion Theology, which focused on location/centralization of worship in the Temple). The Babylonian exile is also a time of tremendous suffering for Israel and old expectations of righteousness aren't enough to justify it, so the book of Job includes poetry that wonders, spars, and wrestles with the question of divine righteousness (see term #141: "the satan")
46. Deborah
a woman who worked as both a prophetess and a judge to judge Israel. She was also a military leader for Israel. (Read Judges 4-5). She prophesies, "For the Lord will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman."
37. Covenant of Grant
also called a royal grant or a berit. Grant covenants are not predicated on human behavior and they are usually unconditional and everlasting. The Davidic covenant in which God promises David a kingdom and a dynasty is a covenant of grant, however David's house only rules until the Babylonian exile, which disavows the monarchy even though God promised forever. The Bible historians solve this problem by giving the royal grant the air of conditionality by interpreting that God will favor David's line if they keep the Sinaitic covenant. transforms a military leader into a king - Confirmed by deity. Eternal and unconditional; Noah in Genesis 9, Abraham in Genesis 15, David in 2 Samuel 7
25. Babylonian Empire
an aggressive superpower empire that actively conquered much of the middle east, was obviously the cause of the Babylonian Exile and scattered the Jews
40. Cyrus Cylinder
ancient clay cylinder written in the name of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia. It includes a restoration of cult sanctuaries and deportation of exiles. It doesn't mention Israelites but historians believe that it refers to the Jewish people.
158. Song of Songs/Song of Solomon
one of the books in the Hebrew Bible written by King Solomon about his lover. Biblical scholars debate whether or not it should be included in the biblical canon because it does not mention Yahweh. However, some believe the relationship between the man and the woman is an allegory for the love between Yahweh and Israel. Very similar to Egyptian love poems though giving more support that its is simply a secular love poem rather than an allegory.
57. Ephod
priestly vestment. In ceremony when ark is brought to Jerusalem, David wears the ephod, offers sacrifices, and leads the ritual procession with dance and song. Throughout monarchy, kings were identified and acted like priests.
64. Ezekiel
prophet from 593-571 BCE who was among those exiled in the 1st wave of exiles in 597 BCE; eats scroll covered with sadness; told by God that won't be effective; seeks to explain Exile; concerned with sin, purity, and abomination; detailed vision of Yahweh on throne
120. Nathan
prophet in the royal court of King David. Nathan acts as king-maker, announces divine decree guaranteeing David's dynasty. He is central in events that lead to Solomon's coronation. He transmits divine judgment to king on transgressions (Bathsheba, Uriah)
87. Jeremiah
prophet. Son of a priest. Council to the king. He warned Judah to stop their sins against God. He witnessed the Babylonian siege and destruction of Jerusalem. He remained in Jerusalem after Jews were taken into exile. Believed God was omnipresent and not just at the temple
84. Israel
ruled by Yahweh, judged by judges, then ruled by King Saul, David, and Solomon until it was divided into two. The Northern Kingdom became Israel. (The Southern Kingdom was Judah.)
76. Hezekiah
son of Ahaz, king from 715-687 BCE. Deuteronomistic History loves Hezekiah because he takes down cultic sites in the North to centralize worship and stops paying tribute to the Assyrians. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord and the Lord was with him. He rebelled against the King of Assyria and would not serve him. He also attacked the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory.
14. Amnon
son of David who dies, fulfilling part of Nathan's parable that warns David how God will punish him for his sins. He had raped Tamar, his half-sister, which resulted in Absalom getting someone to murder him.
10. King Ahaz of Judah
son of Jotham. Reigned 16 years in Jerusalem. He did not do what was right in the sight of God. King Rezin of Aram (Syria) and King Pekah of Israel came up to wage war on Jerusalem but could not conquer Ahaz. Ahaz asked King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria for help. He became his vassal. He took silver, gold, and other treasures from the house of the Lord and gave them to the king of Assyria (Read 2 Kings 16). He ignored Isaiah's counsel to trust in the Lord and to avoid foreign entanglements (on that theme - similar to Deuteronomy's commandment not to intermarry because Israel is Set Apart as holy.)
134. Rehoboam
son of King Solomon who succeeds as king of Judah (the South) after the death of Solomon. He increased taxes and pressure on the Israelites, causing the Israel to split into two separate kingdoms: the North (Israel) and the South (Judah).
96. Jonathan
son of Saul. David's best friend. He was an excellent warrior. He was killed by the Philistines. When Saul tries to kill David, David turns to Jonathan for help in escaping. In 1 Samuel 20:16-17, he makes a covenant with the House of David, demonstrating his loyalty and friendship with David. His friendship with David is one of the most notable in the Bible. (It is very much like the relationship between Enkidu and Gilgamesh in the "Epic of Gilgamesh.")
60. Eschatology
study of the end of days; This field studies the Hebrew thoughts on the "End of Days" and how the Jews believe the end of time will occur. (Read Daniel 7-12).
89. Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles
tells them to plant gardens, have children, seek the welfare of the nations, live your lives and wait Basically, it's Jeremiah's chastisement to Israel not to rely on the Temple as the sole connection with YHWH, because they had become accustomed to and lost the significance of Zion Theology, therefore he implores Israel to return back to following YHWH's commandments and laws.
117. Mordecai
the cousin of Esther/Hadassah who adopted her as his own daughter. He worked for the king and helped uncover a conspiracy saving the king's life. His enemy was Haman. He was a descendant of Benjamin like Saul and Haman was a descendant of Agag the Amalekite. The rivalry between Benjamites and Amalekites continued after Saul and Agag's deaths. In Esther 6, we see a strange sense of belated justice from 1 Samuel 15.
55. Endogamy
the custom of marrying only within the limits of a local community, clan, or tribe; favored in the Patriarchal narratives of Genesis (i.e. marriages of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah/Rachel). Endogamy is marriage within one's ethnic, cultural, or religious community and is essential for the survival of the community's identity and for keeping its property within a group
163. Tamar
the daughter of David, sister of Absalom. Her half-brother Amnon raped her.
139. Samaria
the main capital of the North during the Syro-Ephraimite Crisis, which becomes Assyria's capital.
69. Gilgamesh
the main protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh. He was the king of Babylon? Coogan says "legendary ruler of central Mesopotamian city of Uruk."
161. Syncretism
the mixing of multiple religious traditions. Solomon tried to mix the worship of Baal and Yahweh together.
101. Ketuvim/ketubim/The Writings
the third and final section of Hebrew Bible (Tanakh); includes 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Also includes the Megillot (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclessiates, and Esther). The books included in it are considered one less level of authority than that of the prophets.
42. Darius I of Persia
the third king of Persia described in the book of Daniel. He was advised by his evil wise men to make a decree in the land that the only one the people could worship was himself. He was forced to throw Daniel into the lion's' den even though he favored Daniel because Daniel disobeyed the decree.
116. Monotheism
there is only one God and he is in control of the universe. This concept developed gradually as the Hebrew Bible progressed (originally Monolatrous: Yahweh = 1 true God amongst all other gods)
