Religion - Study Guide - Test 3
The call vision of the prophet Isaiah and the significance of leprosy language?
"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple." Uzziah gets leprosy for entering the priest-only zone in the temple. If Isaiah is actually in the temple, he is a priest. Seraphs say "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts" Isaiah says "I am a man of unclean lips". Unclean means words of a leper. Isaiah ( a pure priest) now identifies with Uzziah the unclean king. The seraph touched my outh with a hot coal and said: "now that this has touched your lips your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out." Isaiah's status depends on the Lord's mercy, not Isaiah's merits.
Zadok
A high priest during Solomon's reign
Abiathar
A priest (possibly one of Eli's descendants) who is banished to Anathoth by Solomon
Adonijah
A son of David who was executed by Solomon for trying to clam the throne by obtaining a specific wife.
Abigail
A woman who interrupts David's vengeance and becomes David's wife.
Jeremiah's use of the metaphor of marriage to address spiritual problems (Jeremiah 3)
Jeremiah says that Israel acts like a wife who is being with other men as they turn away from God. "Faithless Israel" fooled around, but "unfaithful Judah" is worse. "Unfaithful Judah" watched smugly; repented but not with "all her heart" . The Lord threatens 'divorce' for infidelity, "faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah"
The LORD speaks with Solomon in a dream and offers him a blessing. What does Solomon request, and how does he most immediately use the blessing?
He asks for an understanding heart/mind, and then he renders justice in a court case involving two mothers who claim the same child.
Go back and read 1 Samuel 4:1-11, and then read Jeremiah 7:1-15. What does Jeremiah say to combat the people's misguided confidence in the Jerusalem Temple?
He says the temple of the LORD might be a safe place for the people, but only if they stop oppressing the weak and breaking his laws. AND He says the LORD threatens to destroy the temple, which would expose the Ark of God to capture, just like it had been at Shiloh.
Read Jeremiah 1:4-10. In verse 5, the LORD describes Jeremiah as "a prophet to the nations." Based on the remainder of the chapter, what will be the primary theme of Jeremiah's message to the nations?
He will deliver a mixed message of destruction and reconstruction.
Read the prophecy in Isaiah 29:13, and then read Mark 7:5-8, where Jesus says that Isaiah was prophesying about the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus clearly means that Isaiah's words are being "fulfilled" here. If someone believes that Jesus is thinking of MECHANICAL FULFILLMENT when he quotes from Isaiah in Mark 7, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Jesus' remarks?
Isaiah was predicting that Pharisees and scribes would not honor God in what they said, and Jesus is revealing that these specific Pharisees and scribes are the ones Isaiah had in mind.
Read the prophecy in Isaiah 29:13, and then read Mark 7:5-8, where Jesus says that Isaiah was prophesying about the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus clearly means that Isaiah's words are being "fulfilled" here. If someone believes that Jesus is thinking of DEEPER FULFILLMENT when he quotes from Isaiah in Mark 7, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Jesus' remarks?
Isaiah was talking about some hypocritical people in his own time as well as Pharisees and scribes in the days of Jesus, and that the Pharisees and scribes were greater hypocrites than the people in Isaiah's time.
Read the prophecy in Isaiah 29:13, and then read Mark 7:5-8, where Jesus says that Isaiah was prophesying about the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus clearly means that Isaiah's words are being "fulfilled" here. If someone believes that Jesus is thinking of fulfillment as PARALLEL SITUATIONS when he quotes from Isaiah in Mark 7, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Jesus' remarks?
Jesus is pointing out that the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes in his day is very similar to hypocritical people who lived in the days of Isaiah.
Read Psalm 41, focusing especially on verse 9; and then read John 13:10-18, especially verse 18, where Jesus quotes from Psalm 41:9 and tells his apostles that one of them is about to "fulfill this passage of scripture." If someone believes that Jesus is thinking of PARALLEL SITUATIONS when he quotes from Psalm 41, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Jesus's comment?
Jesus quotes from Psalm 41 because he feels he is being betrayed by a close friend just like the writer of the psalm felt betrayed by a close friend.
Read the prophecy in Isaiah 29:13, and then read Mark 7:5-8, where Jesus says that Isaiah was prophesying about the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus clearly means that Isaiah's words are being "fulfilled" here. If someone believes that Jesus is thinking of fulfillment as ACCOMMODATION when he quotes from Isaiah in Mark 7, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Jesus' remarks?
Jesus uses the words of Isaiah to talk about hypocrites in his day, even though he knows Isaiah had been talking about a different issue when he spoke the words 700 years earlier.
What are some comments about Josiah that resonate with the laws of Deuteronomy?
Josiah reforms and follows the law "with all his heart" destroys idols and "high places", celebrates Passover
Jeremiah's background in relation to the message in his Temple Sermon (Jeremiah 7)
Jeremiah is from the priests of Anathoth, King Solomon had banished priest Abithar to Anathoth (punishes house of Eli, priest of Shiloh). the Lord threathens the current and overly confident priestly house of Zadok.
Which of the following statements best describes the LORD's initial reaction to Israel's request for a king?
The LORD allows Israel to have a king, but tells Samuel to make sure the people are aware of what it will cost them in terms of people and property.
What effect does the LORD want Isaiah's words to have on the people's eyes, ears, and heart?
The LORD says he wants the people's eyes, ears, and hearts not to see or hear or understand what Isaiah says, because, if they did see and hear and understand, they might turn to the LORD and be "healed" of their sins.
What does the LORD promise here to do for David?
The LORD will maintain David's dynasty (house) forever.
Read Isaiah 10:20-27. Isaiah speaks of Israel as a "remnant" (a small piece left over). What does the prophet say in this passage about Israel as a remnant?
The LORD will punish Israel and only a remnant will return. AND There will be a remnant of Israel that will genuinely rely on the LORD.
How does David's reign exemplify the Lord's character-name (mercy over punishment)?
The Lord forgives David for his wronging of Bathsheba but consequences still follow. Bathsheba's first child dies, then the Lord blesses Solomon. David's house is in turmoil for years but then Solomon brings stability. This might be an example of the Lord character-name.
What is the paradox about worship addressed in Solomon's prayer?
The Lord is not limited to the temple, yet, he calls people to pray toward the temple. If God is everywhere, why designate a place for worship?
What is the basic function of prophets? What are some examples of prophets balancing the power of kings (Samuel, Nathan)?
The basic function of prophets is being God's speaker towards kings of Israel. These prophets tell the kings what God wants and tries to advise them. Some examples of prophets balancing the power of kings are that of Samuel where he initially anoints Saul as king but then makes Davis king instead after Saul turned away from the Lord. A second example can be seen with the prophet Nathan when he confronts David about his sin with Bathsheba.
Read Psalm 41, focusing especially on verse 9; and then read John 13:10-18, especially verse 18, where Jesus quotes from Psalm 41:9 and tells his apostles that one of them is about to "fulfill this passage of scripture." If someone believes that Jesus is thinking of ACCOMMODATION when he quotes from Psalm 41, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Jesus's comment?
The writer of Psalm 41 regrets his sinful behavior because it has led his friends to abandon him, but Jesus uses one line from the psalm to describe the way Judas betrays him for money.
Read Psalm 41, focusing especially on verse 9; and then read John 13:10-18, especially verse 18, where Jesus quotes from Psalm 41:9 and tells his apostles that one of them is about to "fulfill this passage of scripture." If someone believes that Jesus is thinking of DEEPER FULFILLMENT when he quotes from Psalm 41, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Jesus's comment?
The writer of the psalm was expressing his disappointment that a friend has betrayed him, and he also is predicting that one of the apostles at supper with Jesus would betray him.
Read Psalm 41, focusing especially on verse 9; and then read John 13:10-18, especially verse 18, where Jesus quotes from Psalm 41:9 and tells his apostles that one of them is about to "fulfill this passage of scripture." If someone believes that Jesus is thinking of MECHANICAL FULFILLMENT when he quotes from Psalm 41, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Jesus's comment?
The writer of the psalm was predicting that one of the apostles at supper with Jesus would betray him.
Is God's covenant with David is unconditional or conditional?
There will always be a king IF a kingdom exists. (It's a combo of both) Unconditional: "when he does wrong, I will punish him but I will not take my love from him, your house will endure forever" Conditional: "If your sons walk before me in faithfulness then you will never fail to have a successor" Ties the covenants of Abraham and Moses
What is the parallel between Samuel's challenge (1 Samuel 12) and Joshua's challenge (Joshua 24)?
They both have the challenge the people of Israel to serve the Lord with all their hearts.
There are five kings of Israel (the north kingdom) whose reigns are recorded here -- Jeroboam (son of Jehoash), Zechariah, Menahem, Pekahiah, and Pekah. All five "did evil in the eyes of the LORD." What is the "evil" that they do?
They keep doing the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had done in Israel.
Zedekiah
the final king of Judah who resists Babylon's siege against Jerusalem and loses, even though the prophet Jeremiah told him not to.
Nathan
the prophet who corrected King David after his afair with Bathsheba
Ahaz
King of Judah who submits to Assyria when Assyria attacks Damascus Syria. Ahaz also alters the temple altar in Jerusalem.
How does the Queen of Sheba react when she sees Solomon's wisdom and prosperity?
She encourages Solomon to use his success to uphold justice and righteousness. AND She attributes Solomon's wisdom and prosperity to the LORD and his love for Israel.
Read the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-3, and then read Matthew 4:12-16, where Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9 and tells us that when Jesus lived in Galilee, he "fulfilled" the words of Isaiah. If someone believes that Matthew is thinking of ACCOMMODATION when he quotes from Isaiah 9 in Mark 4, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Matthew's comment?
When Matthew wants to talk about divine insights that Jesus brought to the uneducated people of Galilee, he uses words that Isaiah had spoken about Israel being rescued from Assyrian invaders.
Sennacherib
Assyrian King
Uriah
Bathsheba's husband who was sent to die in battle
Goliath
(Old Testament) a giant Philistine warrior who was slain by David with a slingshot
How Christians relate Jeremiah's "new covenant" to the "New" Testament
Christians apply "new covenant" to faith in Jesus. Christians adopt those terms for their scriptures (Old and New Testament). A big question lingers: will the bride be faithful to her husband in the "new covenant"
Evidence that the Lord prefers David to Saul, and evidence that David is worthy of this (his heart, his actions)
David follows the Lord and Saul does not, David could kill Saul but he does not as Saul was appointed by God, David reunites the kingdom, the Lord chose David and not Saul
Which of the following statements best describes Samuel's comments here about Israel's request for a king?
He indicates that the LORD allows Israel to have a king, but He also reserves the authority to choose who the king will be.
Read Isaiah 1. Isaiah describes the devastated land of Israel, and then he calls for reform to prevent it from happening again. What behavior does the LORD want to see from the people of Jerusalem that he has not been seeing from them?
He wants them to treat widows and orphans and other oppressed people with justice.
Samuel
The last of the Judges, and the man chosen by God to anoint Saul and David kings for Israel.
Shiloh
Birthplace of Samuel. The Lord had abandoned Shiloh.
Spiritual problems Jeremiah confronts in his Temple Sermon (Jeremiah 7)
1. If injustices stop, and if you keep the 10 commandments, then you can live with the Lord 2. You treat the Lord's house like a "den of robbers", religion is empty without justice, righteousness, and mercy 3. If the Lord could abandon Shiloh, he can abandon Jerusalem, Jeremiah wants the leaders to learn from his ancestor's mistakes
Four characteristics of Jeremiah's "new covenant" (Jeremiah 31)
1. Laws on the heart 2. Renewed marriage vows 3. all will know the lord (experience and imitate his ways) 4. divine forgiveness ("I will remember their sins no more")
Four sins of Jeroboam
1. Places Golden Calves in two sanctuaries 2. Builds several shrines 3. Appoints non-levite priests 4. Reschedules fall festival Each change breaks a law of Moses
What are three ways in which David unites the nation?
1. Politically - Laments Saul's family, makes Jerusalem a neutral capital 2. Geographically - Drives out the Philistines 3. Religiously - Focuses on the Ark of God
Four primary themes of Isaiah, and examples of how he addresses each one (for example, the vision of Isaiah shows the Lord to be king, the references to 'eyes' and 'ears' address injustice or worship of idols, the bad fruit of the Lord's vineyard points to injustice, etc.)
1. The Lord is King - Isaish recognizes the Lord as the true king and not the son of David 2. Trust in the Lord, not idols - Idols are human creations, they cannot see hear, touch or taste, "those who make idols are like them, so are all who trust in them" 3. Do Justice and Righteousness - A people that is blessed should produce justice and righteousness. Isaiah uses a double wordplau to accuse S. Judah of injustice. The Lord looks for "justice" (mishpat) but sees bloodshed (mishpak). The Lord listens for "righteousness" (daqah) but only hears a cry (tse'aqah) 4. A remnant will return - The Lord promises a remnant, an angel of the lord "decimates the Assyrians" (185,000 die).
What are the different types of fulfillment?
1: Mechanical - OT predicts one event, NT identifies with the event 2. Deeper Fulfillment - OT predicts two events, one in the OT and one in the NT and the NT event is more significant 3. Parallel Situations - NT quotes OT passage to point out similar events in NT 4. Accommodation - NT quotes OT words to describe an unrelated event
What is the contrasting themes of 'choose' and 'reject' in connection to Saul and David?
After God rejects Saul he chooses David and David kills Goliath, Saul turns on David as he chases him out of the country, the philistines split the tribes, and Saul dies in battle. The Lord reject's David's bigger brothers.
Why does David have the man killed who brings him the news of Saul's death?
Because the man claims that he killed Saul, the LORD's anointed.
How did Isaiah speak to the before-during-after stages in the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem?
Before, Isaiah says Assyria is only the Lord's weapon and that a remnant will return but only a remnant. During, Isaiah says Israel does not know God and acts like a rebellious child, the Lord has spared a tower, a hut. After, Isaiah says current worship of sacrifices disgusts the Lord and that genuine worship includes Justice, Righteousness, and Mercy.
Samaria
Capital of the northern kingdom of Israel
Michal
Daughter of Saul; wife of David
What is the word play made on "house" in the story of the Lord's covenant promise to David?
David offers to build the Lord's "house" (temple) but God says "not yet" and that David's "seed" will build the Lord's "house". The Lord will first establish David's "house" forever (a dynasty).
Joab
David's general
What evidence does the writer highlight regarding David's guilt / culpability in the Bathsheba-Uriah episode?
David's house is in turmoil for years, he tries to get Uriah to go home by getting him drunk but Uriah maintains his integrity so David uses uriah's integrity to arrange his death, and then David downplay's the news of Uriah's death.
The changing tone (three phases) of Jeremiah's message to Jerusalem and Judah, introduced as three pairs of verbs in Jeremiah's call (Jeremiah 1)
First, Jeremiah sends threats towards Jerusalem telling them if injustices stop, and if you keep the 10 commandments, then you can live with the Lord; you treat the Lord's house like a "den of robbers" (religion is empty without justice, righteousness, and Mercy), and if the Lord could abandon Shiloh, he can abandon Jerusalem. Jeremiah wants the leaders to learn from his ancestor's mistakes. Then, they change from threats to warnings, and he says Jerusalem will fall. Finally they change from warnings to hopes for reversal, where he says the Lord will follow destruction with corresponding blessings as he will build what was demolished, plant what was picked up, gather what was scattered, joy in places of sorrow, and will make a new covenant.
Read the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-3, and then read Matthew 4:12-16, where Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9 and tells us that when Jesus lived in Galilee, he "fulfilled" the words of Isaiah. If someone believes that Matthew is thinking of MECHANICAL FULFILLMENT when he quotes from Isaiah 9 in Mark 4, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Matthew's comment?
Isaiah was predicting that Jesus would be "a great light" in Galilee when he moved there to speak to uneducated people living in Roman times.
Examples that the consequences of David's sins fit the sins he committed
God forgives David; yet as a result of Adultery and Murder: prince Amnon rapes Princess Tamar, Prince Absalom kills Prince Amnon, Prince Absalom rebels against King David, Prince Absalom shames David's concubines, general Joab kills prince Absalom. Bathsheba's first child dies.
The optimistic and pessimistic aspects of the message in Jeremiah's vision of two fig baskets (Jeremiah 24)
Good figs are the fortunate people, the lord will give them a heart to know that he is the Lord and they will return with all their heart. The bad figs are the unfortunate folk (left in Jerusalem) where "sword, famine, and plague" await Jerusalem
Go back and read about Rachel, the wife of Jacob, in Genesis 30:22-24 and Genesis 35:16-20. Then read Jeremiah 31:15-17. Why does Jeremiah refer to Rachel here?
Rachel is one of the mothers of all Israel (as the wife of Jacob), so she can represent all mothers in Israel.
What is the change in Solomon's "heart," from what he asks for in his prayer (1 Kings 3) to what the Lord says about Solomon's heart in his final evaluation (1 Kings 11)?
Initially Solomon asks for wisdom in his heart, but then towards the latter part of his life, he builds high places for the gods of his foreign wives which makes God angry with him enough to "tear the kingdom" away from him.
Read the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-3, and then read Matthew 4:12-16, where Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9 and tells us that when Jesus lived in Galilee, he "fulfilled" the words of Isaiah. If someone believes that Matthew is thinking of DEEPER FULFILLMENT when he quotes from Isaiah 9 in Mark 4, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Matthew's comment?
Isaiah brought words of hope at a discouraging time in his own life by saying that God would soon rescue the people of Galilee from Assyrian invaders, but with the same words, Isaiah was predicting that Jesus would be "a great light" in Galilee many centuries later by giving them hope when they are discouraged by Roman domination.
Read the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-3, and then read Matthew 4:12-16, where Matthew quotes from Isaiah 9 and tells us that when Jesus lived in Galilee, he "fulfilled" the words of Isaiah. If someone believes that Matthew is thinking of PARALLEL SITUATIONS when he quotes from Isaiah 9 in Mark 4, which of the following would best explain their understanding of Matthew's comment?
Matthew is pointing out that the hope Jesus brought when he moved to Galilee under Roman rule was similar to the hope that the people of Galilee gained when the LORD rescued them from Assyrian rule in the days of Isaiah.
What are the contrasts between the histories of (North) Israel and (South) Judah?
North Israel - created by Jeroboam, was made up of ten tribes, its capital was Samaria, 20 kings and 7 dynasties, all kings "walked in the sins of Jeroboam", exiled to Assyria, Elijah and Elisha are the two prophets working here South Judah - Two tribes (Judah and Benjamin), its capital was Jerusalem (on the border of Judah and Benjamin), "House of David", had 8 "good kings" and 11 "evil kings", exiled to babylon
What are two explanations for the break-up of the kingdom (Solomon to Rehoboam / Jeroboam)?
One explanation was that Solomon turned away from the Lord and therefore God "tore (a part) of the kingdom" away from him. A second explanation is that the people demanded an end to forced labor but Solomon's son said no so Jeroboam led a peaceful secession to break up the kingdom.
What are some potential effects - positive and negative - of building the temple in Jerusalem?
Positive: Encourages devotion to the Lord AND promotes political stability Negative: Makes the Lord seem limited AND enables abuse of royal power AND costs in $$$ and human labor
What are the primary details of Hezekiah's Reform?
Removed high places, removed idols, removed Moses' bronze serpent, extends the walls of the city and digs a water supply tunner under the city for a siege
Jeroboam
Royal official who oversees the government building projects who leads 10 tribes of Israel to peacefully secede after Solomon's son refuses to end forced labor.
Read 1 Kings 9:1-9, where the LORD responds to Solomon's prayer (in chapter 8). What is the main point of the LORD's response?
The fulfillment of the LORD's promise to David of a dynasty depends on whether David's descendants obey the LORD's commands.
Anathoth
The hometown of Jeremiah in the tribe of Benjamin
Relation of the Davidic Covenant to the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants; examples that bear out this connection (for example, the words of the Queen of Sheba, calls for justice and righteousness in Isaiah)
The lord will establish David's "house" forever ( a dynasty) Humans have corrupted the Lord's good world, The Lord chose one family to bless all families (Abrahamic Covenant) Israel blesses others by "doing justice and righteousness" (Mosaic Covenant)
Hezekiah
The reforming king of Judah who temporarily returned Judah to the pure worship of God. Son of Ahaz.
Does David exhibit humility or humiliation in reaction to the consequences of his sins?
Why does David not avenge wrongs? Some say David humbly submits to the Lord's punishments while others say David feels humiliated and therefore lacks the moral authority to govern.
Bathsheba
Wife of Uriah, a Hittite soldier working for King David, her adultery with David caused David to murder her husband and evoked the denunciation of the prophet Nathan. She becomes the mother of Solomon.
Attitudes toward monarchy in Israel, according to the Old Testament
Without a king "everyone did what was right in their own eyes"