Introduction to Old Testament/Hebrew Bible
Study Guide for Final Exam
Dr. T.W. Burgh
Transition from Judges to Kingship
-How would you explain the transition from the system of Judges to Kingship/Monarchy? (Two theories)
-How would you describe the relationship between Samuel and Saul?
-How did David first enter Saul’s court?
-How would you describe the relationship between Saul and David?
Possible Essay Question
-Do you think the monarchy was an effective means of leadership for Israel? Why or why not?
United Kingdom: Reign of David and Solomon
-How would you describe the reign of David? What were some of its defining characteristics?
-In your opinion, was David a “good” king? Why or why not?
-Who is the court prophet for David?
-How would you describe the reign of Solomon? What were some of the defining characteristics?
-What do writers point to as reasons for Solomon’s reign coming to an end? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Divided Kingdom
-Explain how and why the kingdom split.
-What is the “Sin of Jeroboam?”
-Who were the major players of the Omride Dynasty?
-What religion did Jezebel (primarily) and Ahab introduce? What eventually happens to each of them? How?
-What kind of prophets are Elijah and Elisha?
-What was the relationship between Elijah and Elisha?
-What does Elijah do symbolically to name Elisha as his successor?
Prophecy
-What are the unacceptable methods of Yahwistic prophecy?
-Who does Saul seek to present questions to Samuel after Samuel has died?
-What roles did prophets play in the culture of ancient Israel?
-What are some of the ways that people in ancient Israel and the Near East attempted to learn the will of the gods? Be able to explain these.
-What are the ways prophets received their messages?
-What is the Hebrew term for prophet?
-What happens to Jeremiah following his temple sermon?
-Who is Jeremiah’s assistant?
Deuteronomistic Thought
-What is Deuteronomistic Ideology or D-School of thought? (3 line mantra)
The Demise of Israel
-Explain the destruction of Israel.
-Who were three Assyrian kings that led military campaigns against Israel?
-Which Assyrian king is responsible for the fall of Israel?
Possible Essay Questions
-We know that the Assyrians were brilliant military strategists, but as masters of intimidation, what kinds of tactics did they use to make opponents surrender without a fight? Be able to describe them.
-Be able to discuss Assyrian deportation.
Possible Essay Question
-Why does Israel fall? How would you explain the destruction from a historical and religious perspective? You must be able to explain both!
-What was the Damascus Coalition? Name three members of this group. What was their purpose?
The Demise of Judah
-Who was Josiah?
-What was his claim to fame?
-What happened to make him bring about a reform?
-Who was Jeremiah? What was his claim to fame?
Possible Essay Questions
-Explain the destruction of Judah at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar.
-Explain the three deportations from Judah (Need to include who was on the throne or “in charge” of Judah; dates will probably help you in organizing your answer)
-Why does this happen? How would you explain the destruction from a historical and religious perspective?
Wisdom Literature
-How do you define wisdom?
-Name four Wisdom books in the Hebrew Bible.
-What is a psalm?
-What is a proverb?
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