REL 214 THE BIBLE
Study Guide for Exam # 2

1. Be familiar with the contents of the biblical readings and be able to summarize the contents and story lines of Joshua, Judges, 1& 2 Samuel, 1& 2 Kings, Hosea, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Jonah, Ruth, and Esther.
2. Be familiar with the readings from the textbook.
3. Be familiar with the main themes and concerns of the Deuteronomistic History. Why does it criticize most of Israel’s and Judah’s kings?
4. Be able to describe the formal features of Hebrew poetry and the contents and themes of books like Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations and Song of Songs.
5. Be familiar with the structures and messages of Ezekiel and Isaiah.
6. Be able to describe the views of the books of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, 2 Isaiah, Jonah, Esther, Ruth, Ezra and Nehemiah on the political and religious issues facing Jews in the exilic and early post-exilic periods.
7. Be familiar with the roles and careers of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Essay Questions for Exam # 2

TWO of the following questions will appear on the exam, and you will be expected to choose ONE to answer. Prepare your answers in advance to all four questions. I suggest you develop short outlines of your answers which can be easily memorized. Notes or other aides may NOT be used during the test.

1. Describe the nature of prophecy and the role of prophets in the Deuteronomistic History. What religious practices do the prophets attack? Why?
2. Describe the political history of Israel and Judah in the period of the kingdoms, in the exile, and in the early post-exilic period, and explain why Israel and Judah have increasing difficulty during these time periods in maintaining their political independence?
3. Explain why there are debates over the composition of the book of Isaiah, and describe and evaluate the major theories of its composition.
4. Explain what is meant by the “Davidic Covenant” and describe the influence of royal theology on Israel’s religious traditions.