Midterm for Old Testament
What do we mean by the term "canon"? How did people know or decide which books belonged in the canon? (EOT, pp. 2-4).
"Canon" is a collection of books we collect in the Bible. There are 66 books total. A book was written by a prophet or spirit-lived person. Written through and to all generations, and are written in accord with previous books, written pieces, and revelations. All events did happen and must match to the previous storyline.
What is meant by the term "inspiration" as it applies to the Bible? How does the Bible reflect both human and divine authorship? What two implications can be drawn from the doctrine of inspiration? (EOT, pp. 4-6)
"Inspiration" means God revealing himself to people and they write down the revelation. 2 implications: trustworthy and authoritative. God spoke, communicated. He revealed himself to us in different ways. God inspired and revealed the truth. Telling us stuff that we don't know, Holy Spirit is guiding him with what to write. Human aspect: physically writing. Divine authorship: God inspired it.
According to Leviticus 12-15, are people considered evil or under God's condemnation if they are declared to be unclean? What are the implications of being unclean? (See note on Leviticus 13:3)
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Define covenant. How does God's covenant with Noah in Genesis 9 point back to Adam and ahead to Abraham?
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Describe Moses' encounter with God in Exodus 3. What is the significance of Moses' question in Exodus 3:13? (See notes on 3:13-15).
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Explain the significance of Genesis 3:15 as it relates to the history of salvation.
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How are God's promises to Abram immediately threatened by the events in Genesis 12-14?
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How are the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 to be distinguished from the remaining laws given in Exodus 21-23?
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How does Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Gen. 22) and his burial of Sarah (Gen. 23) fit into the divine promises of Genesis 12?
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How does Genesis 1-11 differ from Genesis 12-50? Does this difference mean that Genesis 1-11 is not historical? Explain your answer using the "generations" of Genesis. [See "Arrangement of the Book" in ESVSB, p. 40-41]
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How does Joseph's experience in Egypt serve to fulfill God's promise to Abraham in Gen. 12? How does Joseph express faith in this promise in Genesis 50?
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In what way are flood stories outside of the Bible similar to the biblical account in Genesis 6-9? In what ways do they differ?
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In what way is the Pentateuch "a story of divine mercy to a wayward people?"
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In what ways can we speak of the plagues of Exodus 7-12 as a battle between the gods? What is the final, convincing proof that forces Pharaoh to concede defeat?
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In what ways does Exodus 1-2 reflect danger to the promises God made to the patriarchs? In what way is it clear that God will still fulfill his promises?
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In what ways is Jesus the ultimate fulfillment of the Pentateuch?
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See "The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart" on p. 151. Who is responsible for the hardening of Pharaoh's heart? What application stems from this truth in Romans 9?
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What accounts for Abram's doubts in Genesis 15:1-3? What accounts for Abram's faith in 15:4-6? Explain how New Testament writers understand the significance of Genesis 15:6.
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What are the arguments supporting a global flood? What are the arguments supporting a local flood?
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What are the possible understandings of humans being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27)? What is the ultimate impact of knowing that all humans are made in the image of God?
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What are the three key promises God makes to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3? How do this episode reflect a reversal of the mission of the ambitious tower builders in Genesis 11?
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What circumstances lead to Joseph arriving in Egypt? Why does the saying "follow your dreams" not apply to a person like Joseph? (Genesis 37)
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What does the serpent promise the first couple in Genesis 3 but fail to deliver? What are the immediate effects of their disobedience? What are the lasting effects?
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What is the chronological significance of the Ten Commandments in relation to the exodus from Egypt?
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What is the dominant theme of Genesis 5? In what way does Enoch break that cycle? What does this exception to the rule teach us about the Old Testament view of the afterlife?
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What is the primary cause for judgment with respect to the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11? What is the ironic twist to the story?
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What is the purpose and function of the Tabernacle (see notes on Exodus 25:1-31:17)? What is the significance of the tabernacle as it relates to God's promises to the patriarchs?
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What is the relationship between ritual purity and moral purity in Leviticus (ESVSB, p. 212)?
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What is the sign of the covenant in Genesis 17? How does this sign function throughout the Old Testament as a marker and a critique of Israel's covenant with the Lord?
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What is the significance of Genesis 50:15-21 as it relates to the character of God in Genesis 1? Why would this connection be significant for the original audience of Genesis?
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What troubles do the Israelites encounter after they leave Egypt (Exodus 14-18)? How are each of these problems resolved?
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Which event does God command the Hebrew people to observe prior to leaving Egypt (Exodus 12)? How does this event have further ramifications for the Christian faith (Matthew 26)?
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Who is Aaron and why is he sent along with Moses to confront Pharaoh (Exodus 4:10-17)? Why is this reason somewhat ironic?
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Why are sacrifices required for "unintentional sins" in Leviticus 4? What does this tell us about the nature of sin and the character of God?
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Why does God announce that he will destroy the people of Israel in Exodus 32? What reasons does Moses offer for God to preserve them instead?
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Why does God make a distinction between clean and unclean animals in Leviticus 11? What does the New Testament state about Old Testament dietary laws?
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Why is it mistaken to read the creation story in Genesis story primarily in terms of the claims of religion vs. the claims of science? (ESVSB, pp. 43-45)
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Why is Moses traditionally identified as the primary author of the Pentateuch? What challenges to this claim were set forth in the late eighteenth century? Who were the proponents of multiple authors? What is the consensus of Mosaic authorship by biblically conservative scholars?
1. Benedict Espinoza - jewish philosopher 2. Jean Astruc - raised question on authorship 3. Julius 4. He was the main character of the Pentateuch and the books heavily were centered around his life time. People doubted that he wrote this because it named places that hadn't been named yet, that were yet to be named. And there were many references to his character and people believed that he wouldnt say those things about himself.
What are the three key promises God made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3?
1. You will be given land 2. You will be given descendants 3. Make him a blessing
What books are contained in the Pentateuch? What is the Hebrew term for these books? What is the primary genre of the Pentateuch?
5 books Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Torah - law (instruction)
Which of the following is true regarding the geography of Israel? 1. It is smaller than many of its neighbors in the ancient Near East. 2. Its location was strategically important throughout ancient history. 3. Many nations and empires desired to control or have access to Israel 4. Many foreign cultural influences poured into ancient Israel. 5. All of the above
5. All of the above
According to the authors, about how long did it take for Israel to complete the conquest of Canaan?
6-7 years
Which of the following is true regarding the sin of Moses at Kadesh? 1. No human leader is exempt from the consequences of unbelief 2. His actions were comparable to the rebellion of the people when they refused to enter the promised land on God's timing 3. His actions reflected a lack of faith in God's directive 4. All of the above
All of the Above
What was the name for the city to which a person could flee if accused of unlawful murder?
City of Refuge
Book of the Law
During the reign of young king Josiah, this term probably referred to all or part of Deuteronomy, which had been deposited in the temple at Solomon's dedication.
Who led the second group of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem to rebuild the city after during the archaeological period known as the Persian Age?
Ezra
Ancient Near Eastern accounts of creation, such as the Enuma Elish, are similar to Genesis in affirming the dignity of humankind marked by bearing the image of God. T or F
False
The Hebrew and English Old Testaments appear in a different order because they do not contain the same material. T or F
False
The authors of Encountering the Old Testament contend that a minimum of two million Israelites took part in the Exodus from Egypt. T or F
False
The judges in the book of Judges are portrayed as exemplary and holy individuals, and are thus examples for us of devotion to God. T or F
False
What is the geographical structure of the book of Numbers?
From Sinai, to the wilderness wanderings, to the plains of Moab
What role did scribes play with regard to the Bible? What significant steps did the Masoretes take to ensure textual accuracy? (EOT, pp. 6).
God inspired/taught them to write about their experiences. Writes and copies down what is given to them or that someone says equals scribe. A scribe is basically a copiest. For preservation, multiple people will copy down the store of the Bible. Helps preserve the language by having pronounciations. People would add subscripts of vowels, so people could read and understand the original text. There are no original copies of the stories in the Bible.
In what ways does the creation story in Genesis 1-2 highlight the nature and character of God?
God is one (monotheism) God is sovereign God is good
What is the theme, or story line, of the Pentateuch? Note how each book contributes to this theme.
Gods promises to Abraham (land, descendants, and a blessing) Genesis: Promise of fulfillment
Which of the following is true regarding the authorship of Joshua?
He wrote at least part of the book and Jewish tradition names him as the author
What book in the New Testament expounds the importance of Leviticus for Christians today?
Hebrews
What type of weaponry did the Philistines use to to their advantage in battles with the Israelites?
Iron
Which of the following is not true regarding Israel's understanding of history? 1. Israel saw its national identity as an arena for divine revelation. 2. A large portion of Israel's sacred writings were historical narratives 3. Israel's history can be described as mythological, in which important events took place outside of history. 4. Israel was unique among its ancient Near Eastern neighbors with its emphasis on history
Israel's history can be described as mythological, in which important events took place outside of history.
Explain how the New Testament writers understand the significance of Genesis 15:6 - "And Abraham believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness."
It supports the idea that salvation is by faith alone, not by works
Who divided Genesis into separate sources later known as E and J, based on the divine names for God?
Jean Astruc
What doctrine can be derived from the passage where Abram believed God and was counted righteous, thus becoming the forefather of "all who believe"?
Justification by faith
Which group was responsible for inserting vowels in the OT manuscripts?
Masoretes
Identify the significance of the following (EOT, pp. 7-8): a. The Masoretic Text: b. The Samaritan Pentateuch: c. The Dead Sea Scrolls: d. The Septuagint: e. The Aramaic Targums:
Masoretic Text is the most reliable text. Its is the original hebrew text but hold slightly different lettering. ...
How were the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered?
On accident, by a shepherd boy
What is the relationship between history and prophecy in the section known as the Former Prophets?
Prophecy looks to the covenants of the past and interprets their significance for the present as well as the future.
What do the authors mean by "critical" in the context of modern critical scholarship?
Scholarly Assessment or discernment
What is the best estimate of the route followed by the Israelites after leaving Egypt?
Southern Route
Abram's father, Terah, settled in Haran, which today is known as what?
Syria
According to the Chart of Old Testament Book Order, what are the approximate dates for the events of the Pentateuch?
The Beginnings to 1400BC
According to the authors, what is the most miraculous element of Numbers 22-24?
The Spirit of God reversed the curse of Balaam
In what ways are the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 to be distinguished from the remaining laws given in Exodus 21-23?
The Ten Commandments are foundational and the remaining laws are situational
Which major theme in Deuteronomy is foundational to understanding the historical books?
The doctrine of retribution
What do the authors believe about the concepts of loving God and fearing God in Deuteronomy 5-11?
The terms are complementary. Love and fear produce a healthy relationship with God and result in obedience to his will.
What similarities exist between the flood story of Noah and the Mesopotamian story known as the Epic of Gilgamesh?
They both teach that a family and animals survived a flood
What is the timespan of the Pentateuch? What issues must be kept in mind when attempting to provide specific dates for the events of the Pentateuch?
Timespan (beginning of time to the death of Moses) We don't have the exact day and time; however, we are able to get a close indication.
According to the authors, the chronology of the book of Judges cannot be dated with precision because the book presents a relative chronology rather than an aboslute chronology. T or F
True
Both Jewish and early Christian tradition consistently associated the Pentateuch with Moses. T or F
True
The account of Joseph is unique among the patriarchal narratives. Unlike Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Joseph is not in the direct line of the covenant promises. T or F
True
The book of Exodus ended with where to worship God (the tabernacle). Leviticus deals with how to worship God. T or F
True
The final form of Deuteronomy makes a powerful theological statement: Israel is not subject to the Assyrian king but only and exclusively to Yahweh. T or F
True
The Ten Commandments are also called ____________ because they are more like ten principles for living than laws.
Words
Theophany
is a Greek term for a manifestation of God. These sudden and unexpected appearances of God occur in perceptible forms (hearing and seeing) at decisive points in Israel's history.
Imago Dei
is a Latin expression for "image of God," referring particularly to the climax of God's creation when he made humankind in his "image" and his "likeness."
Atonement
is a biblical term describing the removal of sin or defilement. The Hebrew term kipper means literally "to cover over."
Casuistic Law
is a class of case law, and can be contrasted with absolute laws. Such laws begin with a conditional clause ("if") in which the case is described and followed by the penalty. For example, "If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, then the defender is not guilty of bloodshed."
Deuteronomic Theology
is a doctrine of retribution, which the Bible often uses to explain that faithfulness to the covenant will result in blessings in the future while disobedience will result in curses.
Suzerainty
is a political treaty of the ancient near east between two parties of unequal rank, the overlord and the vassal (or subject nation). The literary form of Exodus 20-24 and Deuteronomy is strikingly similar to these treaties.
Primeval History
is prehistory, or the earliest phase of human activity which occurred before history was recorded. A technical term used to refer to Genesis 1-11.
Decalogue
is the Greek name for the Ten Commandments
Covenant
is the Hebrew term describing binding relationships between human partners, or between God and humans. The concept has a legal background and describes an agreement between two parties, where no such agreement existed by nature.
Torah
is the Hebrew word that literally means "teaching" or "instruction," though sometimes translated "law." The term refers to the first five books of the Old Testament - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Former Prophets
is the designation, in the Jewish canon, of Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings; such a designation is appropriate because of the way in which these books relate the early history of prophecy and present the national history in light of theological and prophetic interests.
Holiness Code
is the name given to Leviticus 17-27, a section of the Law devoted to right living outside the tabernacle.
Expiation
is the result of divinely appointed sacrifices intended to free the sinner from the punishment of sin.
Septuagint
is the translation of the Old Testament into Greek that dates to about 300-200 BC, and comes from the Egyptian city of Alexandria. Its name and abbreviation (LXX) come from the fact that a team of seventy-two scholars did the translation work.
Herem
is used in relation to the "holy wars" of Israel, as in the conquest of Canaan. It referred to the spoil of war, including people, animals, or goods - all of which belonged to the Lord to do with as he pleased.
Messiah
literally means "anointed one." The term could denote prophets, priests or kings, but more specifically refers to Jesus Christ, God's ultimate anointed one, who accomplished God's redemptive purpose and one day will return to establish his kingdom.
Election
refers to God's unconditional choosing of Israel to be his people, as he established his covenant with Abraham, brought Israel out of Egypt, and blessed her more than all the nations as a testimony to the world.
Anthropomorphic
refers to having human-like qualities (in this context, the term relates specifically to biblical terminology used in the presentation or description of God).
Patriarchs
refers to the three individuals who stand at the fountainhead of the Hebrew faith: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
