A Walk through the Old Testament
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Some students have asked for what I usually call “focal questions” regarding the course. What are the overriding ideas? These are some of the predominant concepts I’ll be discussing, but you must promise not to view this as a test. It’s a course outline. Remember that I will be relying on Werner Keller’s The Old Testament as History, and K.C. Pillai’s Light Through an Eastern Window, and Orientalisms in the Bible. These are not required texts, but I will be using them extensively |
Lesson 1: Overview
What is the difference between a covenant and a contract? What is the concept of Progressive Revelation? What are: Axiology Epistemology Eschatology Karma Kerygma Ontology Parousia Shekinah Satoriology Syncretism Theodosia There are several sources in the Bible. I have given you four. They were written at different times, and for different reasons. What is J? What is E? What is D? What is P? What is the Covenant of the Tent? What is the Covenant of Salt? How did the size of the scroll affect the Scripture? What are the concepts of Philos? Eros? Storge? Agape? Fruitos? What is the What is the Four Fold Test? What is the Four Fold Test in Scripture? |
Lesson 2 AbrahamWhat were the elements of the Abramic Covenant? Gen 12:1-3 Why did Abraham and What condition did Abraham place on Melchizedek’s blessing? Gen 14:23 What was the problem between Sarah and Hagar? Gen 16:4 Why was circumcision necessary? Gen 17:9-14 What does Chapter 18 show about the relationship between God and Abraham? What is the similarity between Gen 12:10-20, Gen 20, and Gen 26:1-11? What are the sources of these stories? What is important about their differences? Why did God renew his covenant? Gen 22:16 Why did Abraham insist on full price for the field at Mamre? Gen 23? |
Lesson 3 Isaac and JacobWhy did the servant place his hands between Abraham’s thighs? Gen 24:2 (cc Gen 48:29) What covenant was given to Isaac? Gen 26:2-5 Why is there a distinction between “father’s house” and “mother’s house” in Gen 24:24-28? How does Gen 24:12 compare with Judges 6:36? What was the foot washing ceremony? Gen 24:32 What was the role of the dowry? How was the decision to marry made? Gen 24 What was the role of men in accepting the marriage? What was the role of women in accepting marriage? Gen 24:57 What was expected of widowers? Gen 25:1-6 How did Esau and Jacob get their names? Gen 25:24-26 What price did Esau sell his birthright? Gen 25:27-34 (cc Gen 30:14-16) Why did Abimelech want to make a settlement agreement with Isaac? Gen 26:12-31 What was the problem between Esau and Rebecca? Gen 26:34, Gen 28:46 What was Isaac’s blessing to Jacob? Gen 27:28-29 Why should Chapter 27 break at verse 42? What were the two elements of Isaac’s petition to Jacob? Gen 28:1-4 What was the covenant at What was Jacob’s contract at Why did Laban give Jacob Leah first? Gen 29:26 Who were Leah’s sons? 1 (J) 2 (J) 3 (J) 4 (J) What did Rachel do because she was barren? Which sons were born? 5 (E) 6 (E) What did Leah do because she was barren? Which sons were born? 7 (E) 8 (E) What did Leah do to become pregnant again? Gen 30:14-16. Which sons were born? 9 (J) 10 (J) What did Jacob say about Rachel’s pregnancy? Gen 30:2& 22. Who was born? 11 Where did Rachel hide Laban’s household gods? Why was it safe there? Gen 31:35 What was the contract at Mizpah? Gen 31:49 What did Jacob do to prepare for meeting Esau? Gen 32:1-20 What was he expecting? Gen 32:20 What was Esau’s response? Gen 33:4 Why was Jacob’s name changed? Gen 32:22-28 (cc Gen 35:10) What is the covenant at What three things are called “ |
Lesson 4 JosephWhat do we learn about Joseph in Gen 37:2, 3, 5, & 9? What do we learn about What do we learn about Ruben in Gen 37:21 & 29? What is the symbolism of Jacob tearing his clothes? Gen 37:34 What was their understanding of death? Gen 37:35 How does Gen 39:8 compare with Gen 3:2-6, 2 Samuel 12:1-4, and Matthew 4:1-17? How was Joseph held in custody? Gen 39:20 What did Joseph become while in jail? Gen 39:21 What happened after the wine steward was released? Gen 40:23 How was Joseph able to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams? Gen 41:16 What did Joseph become after he interpreted the dreams? Gen 41:37-41 How does Gen 42:6 compare with Gen 37:7? How does Gen 42:22 compare with Gen 37:21 & 29? Who threw Joseph in the well? Gen 42:24 Why were the brothers given provisions and the money also hidden in their sacks? Gen 42:25 Why did the brothers return the money to the servant? Gen 43:18-23 Who had put the money back in their sacks? Gen 43:23 Contrast the story of the money in Gen 42 with the story of the cup in Gen 44 How does divination in Gen 42:5 & 15 illustrate syncretism? How does Gen 42:18-34 reflect Gen 37:26? What did Joseph see as his purpose? Gen 45:5 Why did the Hebrews go to Why did they pose as shepherds? Gen 46:34 Why do we believe in eminent domain? Gen 47:20-24 What was Jacob’s final request, Gen 47:30 and how was it made? Gen 47:29 (cc Gen 24:2) How did Joseph accomplish it? Gen 50:1-14 What was Jacob’s relation with Ephraim and Manasseh? Gen 48:5-7 Why did Jacob do a crossed hand blessing? Gen 48:19 Why did Joseph not seek vengeance against his brothers? Gen 50:15-21 What was Joseph’s final request? 50:25. How was it
accomplished? Ex |
Lesson 5 LiberationHow would we translate “a new king” in the 21st Century? Ex 1:8 What worried Pharaoh about the Israelites? Ex 1:8-10 Compare Ex 2:3 with Gen 6:13-18 Why did Moses leave Why is Jethro important? Ex Compare Ex 3:2 and 4 How does Ex 3:4 – 4:17 illustrate theophony? What is the contract in Ex 3:12? What is the importance of the verb tense in Ex 3:14? What does Ex 3:18 say about henotheology? Why does YHWH use a cobra in Ex 4:3-4 What is Aaron’s role? Ex What is the role of the walking stick? Ex What is the role of miracles? Ex What does Ex 6:3 indicate about progressive revelation? What is the Covenant made with the people through Moses? Ex 6:2-13 Why did Pharaoh continue to resist Moses? Ex 7:3-5, Ex 11:9 Why were these specific plagues chosen? What did the magicians do through the first three plagues?
Ex Exodus What is the first month of the Jewish year? Ex12:2. What guided the Israelites? Ex Where is the Why did the Egyptians pursue the Hebrews to the |
Lesson 6 WanderingsThere are several examples of miracles between Ex Both “ What problem was Moses having, and how did Jethro solve
it? Ex How did the relationship between YHWH and the people change at he Mountain? Ex 19:4-9 What is the importance of the way the people gathered
around What is a suzerainty treaty? What are pentads and decalogues? What is the difference between Chok and Torah? How was the suzerainty treaty sealed? Ex 24:1-11 When were the tablets made? Ex 24:12-18 Why did the people build the calf? Ex 32:1 What is the difference between Moses at Ex 32:7-14 and Abraham at Gen 18:23-33? Who made the first stone tablets? Ex 24:12. Who made the second? Ex 34:1 Who was accountable for making the golden bull? Ex 32:20-24 What sacrifice was Moses willing to make for the people? Ex 32:32 What is a daysman? Ex 32:30-32 Who could go into the Tent of the Lord’s Presence? Ex 33:7 What was Moses’ covenant of leadership? Ex 33:12-17 What went ahead of the tribes as they wandered? Nu 10:33-34 Compare Nu How does YHWH speak to prophets? Nu 12:6 What did the spies find? Nu 13:27-33 Compare Nu 14:10-19 with Lu 23:34 What happened to Aaron’s rod? Nu 17:1-5, 10. Compare Ex 17:1-7 with Nu 20:1-13 Compare Nu 21:6-9 with Lu 23:44-4, Lu 23:44-46 Why did Balak hire Balaam? Nu 22:5-6 Compare Balaam’s reply in Nu 22:18 with Acts 8:18-23 What was the sin at Peor? Nu 25:2 What happened because of it? Nu 25:8 What was Phinehas’ response? Nu 25:7-13 What was the decision regarding the daughters of Zelophehad? Nu 27:1-11 |
Lesson 7 JoshuaWhat are the elements of leadership? What are the kinds of leadership? Charismatic? Traditional? Legal/Rational? Subjective? Objective? Why was his name changed? Nu 13:16 How many days did the spies spend exploring the land? Nu 13: 25 What was Caleb’s rebuke? Nu 13:30 How is Nu 14:10 similar to Lu 23:34? How is Nu 14:11 similar to Ex 32:11? What was Joshua and Caleb’s position regarding invasion? Ex14:29 et seq. What was the relationship between Joshua and Eleazar? Nu 27:21 What were to be destroyed during the invasion? Nu 33:50 What was the Joshua Covenant? Jo 1:1 What are the borders of Isreal? cf Jo 1:4 vs. Nu 34:1-12 What was Rahab’s role? Jo 2 How is it consistent with the covenant of the tent and of salt? What happened as the people crossed the What was the purpose of the Shechem of stones? Jo 4:20 Who advised Joshua before How was What was Achan’s sin? Jo 7:1 Who was punished? Jo 7:11 How was the punishment satisfied? Jo 7:25 What changed after the battle of Ai? Jo 8:2 How was Joshua’s behavior at Ai like Moses’ at Amelek? How did the Gibeonites deceive Joshua? Jo 9 Who was punished? How did the other Canaanites respond to What was Joshua’s response? Jo 10:12 What was God’s response? Jo 10:11 What is the Book of Jashar? Jo 10:13 How is the policy in Joshua 11:12 consistent with Joshua 8:2? How are the Philistines different from other people in What special treatment was Caleb given? Jo 15:13 Why should the Israelites not intermarry? Jo 23:12 What was Joshua’s final pledge? Jo 24 |
Lesson 8 JudgesWhat is the theme of Judges? Ju 2:11-22 1 2 3 4 Define “angel of the Lord.” Ju 2:1-5 How did Ehud deliver the people? Ju 3 Deborah What was Barak’s demand on Deborah? Ju 4:8 How did Jael enforce the covenant of the tent? Ju 4:21 Gideon What was the nature of Gideon’s call? Ju 6:11 What pattern of choices does his call demonstrate? Ju 6:15 What test did Gideon use first? Ju 6:19 What changed to show authority and mission? Ju 6:32 What was Gideon’s second test? Ju 6:36 How were the soldiers chosen? Ju 7:4 How did Gideon know he would win? Ju 7:13 Why did Gideon refuse the people? Ju 8:22-23 Why was Abimelech treated differently? Ju 8:31 Why did the people of Shechem rally to Abimelech? Ju 9:6 What was Jotham’s prophecy? Ju 9:7-15 Jephthah How is Jephthah’s recruitment in Ju 11:1-11 different from Abimelech’s in Ju 8:31-9:7? How does Ju 11:4-11 illustrate the idea of restorative justice? What was the nature of Jephthah’s sacrifice? Ju 11:29-34 Why was there civil war with the Ephraimites? Ju 12 Sampson What is a Nazirite? Ju 13:5 and Nu 6:1-21 What were Manoah’s duties during
pregnancy? Ju 13:5 What work was Sampson to begin? Ju 13:5 Why was the angel’s name so important? Ju 13:17-18 cf Gen 32:27-29; Ex 3:13-14 What did Sampson rely on for his strength? Ju What is the groom’s responsibility for the feast? Ju With whom do herdsmen’s wives live? Ju 15:1-8 Sampson’s final contest was actually between whom? Dan What land was originally assigned to Dan? Jo 19:40-48 Where did Dan re-locate? Ju 18:27-29 Where were they then moved? 1Kings 10
What does Judges see as the problem with democracy? Ju 21:25 |
Lesson 9 Samuel
What is the purpose of the Early Source? 1King What is the purpose of the Late Source? 2Kings 25:27-30
(561 BCE) 2Kings How was Hannah’s struggle 1Sam 1:1-20, similar to Sarai’s Gen 16:1, and Manoah’s? Ju 13:2-5 Eli
What was the
problem with Eli’s sons? 1Sam
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Lesson 10 King
David
Coronation How did David become king of Who became king of What is the cycle of vengeance? 2Sam 2:8-3:39 When was 2Sam 4:3 written? Why is it important that the last of Saul’s heirs was
crippled? 2Sam 4:4 cc 2Sam How was the Abramic Covenant affirmed? 2Sam How was the Covenant changed? 2Sam What is the change in henotheology in 2 Sam Rabbah How does the advice given to
Hanun 2Sam 10:3 compare to that given to Rehoboam 1Kings How did Joab resolve the
two-front battle in front of Rabbah? 2Sam Bathsheba How does Bathsheba compare with Polithar’s wife? 2Sam 11:2-4 cf Gen 39:7-10 Who called David to account for his deeds? 2Sam 12 How were David and Bathsheba punished? 2Sam How did David do penance? 2Sam How was there restorative justice? 2Sam David’s
Punishment Specifically what were David’s sins? 2Sam 12:9 What were the elements of his punishment? 2Sam 2Sam 12:11a 2Sam 12:11b What trouble did Amnon do? 2Sam 13:1-16 What was Tamar’s view of what happened? 2Sam What did David do? 2Sam Absalom What did Absalom do to Amnon? 2Sam What did Absalom do next? 2Sam How is Absalom like Eli and Samuel’s sons? 2 Sam 15:1-6,
cc 1 Sam 2:12-17, 1 Sam 8:3 How is How were both
What were David’s criteria for good government? 2 Sam 23:1-5 cc 1 Kings 2:2-4
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Lesson 11 SolomonAdonijah
How did Solomon handle Adonijah’s claims to the throne? 1
Kings
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Lesson 12 Elijah and ElishaWhat was the contest on Caramel? 1Kings 18 How did Elohim come to Elijah on
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Lesson 13 DeuteronomyJeremiah How does he anticipate the New Covenant? 31:31-34
Joel What is the evidence that Joel What is Joel’s understanding of baptism by the Holy Spirit? 2:28-29
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Lesson 14 The Paralipomena, or “matters previously
omitted.”
Chronicles Why is Jabez’ prayer a call from the oppressed? 1 Chronicles 4:9 Ezra Nehemiah
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Lesson 15 The MegillothRuth Canticles
Ecclesiastes
Esther |
Lesson 16 The ApocryphaDaniel“Dan” means judged, and “el” means
Eternal Lord. Dan’el means God has
judged.
The Book of Daniel was written in about
167-164 BCE while the Greek tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes oppressed
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Mark
Mark appears
to have been written first, in It is a
summary of Peterian teaching, which emphasizes the example of Jesus. Mark knew Peter as shown in Acts Acts Mark 14:51-52 indicates that he was personally present at Jesus’ arrest. The Gospel was written for a Roman audience to explain why “the Son of God” was crucified. It is composed as a series of narratives. Each chapter is devoted to a specific point, and takes place in a known location. Tags were
added by subsequent scriveners as shown in Because of Mark’s Roman audience, the Gospel shows Jesus in constant motion. Things happen suddenly. The word “immediately” appears 40 times in the 16 chapters. Romans are not at the arrest, Pilate acts like an administrative judge, and a Roman centurion identifies Jesus as the Son of God. The Roman reader is not burdened with Jewish history or law. Moses and Elijah appear, and Isaiah is mentioned once. Jesus proves
that he is the Son of God through a series of mighty works. There are no sermons, and he uses
relatively few words. At the Last
Supper, Mark Mark uses “adoptive Christology.” There is no Christmas narrative. He is adopted at his baptism. He refers to himself as the “Son of Man” (Mark 2:10) which Jews would see as a reference to Daniel 7:13-14, and gentiles would see as a reference to himself as a typical human being. It is the demons who refer to him as “Son of God.” Both Jews and Romans would relate to the idea of a human being adopted by God. 1 Samuel 16:13.
Section I Introduction 1:1-13 What is the relationship between John and Jesus? Mark
1:1-10, Who heard the anointment? 1:10-12 Why did he go into the wilderness?
Section II Galilean Ministry How does Jesus drive out demons? 1:23-26 How does he cure sickness? What is Jesus’ attitude toward “separatism?” 1:43-44, 3:12, 5:19-20, 5:43, 7:36, 8:27-30, 9:9 What was the scribes concern in chapter 2? What was Peter’s marital status? Why did Jesus go from place to place? What is the difference between “the spirit of the law” and “the letter of the law?” Who were the disciples? What was Jesus’ family constellation? What did Jesus think of the status of women? What sins are never forgiven? 3:28-30, 1Sam 2:25 To whom did Jesus speak in parables, and to whom did he provide explanation? 4:33-34 How did he show compassion to Legions? 5:1-13 What was the public response? 5:14-17 What was the response of the woman who touched his
garment? What made her whole? What was Ja’irus’ status in society? What was Jesus’ warning to Ja’irus? What did the people do when Jesus said she was sleeping? How was Jesus received in How are missionaries paid? 6:7-13 How was crowd fed? What is the essence of Jesus’ teaching? 7:8-13 What is Corban? When is the end expected? 9:1 Who heard the voice from the cloud? 9:5-8 cf 1:10-12 Why could the child not be cured? 9:14-29 What were the disciples discussing on the road to Caper’na-um? 9:33-37 What was John’s concern about healing? 9:38-41
Section III Journey to 10:1-52 What is the role of children? 9:35-37, Why did Jesus refer to the disciples as “children?” With which pentad did the rich man comply? 10:17-22 What are the rewards in the times? 10:29-31
Section IV Holy Week 11:1-15:47 Why are Palm Sunday, the cleansing of the What were the people expecting? 11:9-10 When did the chief priests and scribes (Sadducees and
Pharisees) decide to destroy Jesus? Why did they delay? What is the effect of Who does How is the upper room in How is Who did the arrest? Why did the witnesses fail? Deuteronomy 19:15 What was Jesus’ answer to the charges? 14:60 What was the first time Jesus identified himself as divine? 14:61-62 Did Pilate believe Jesus was guilty? 15:5,
Section V Resurrection 16:1-8
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