REL/JSP 215 HEBREW BIBLE

Study Guide for Final Exam

Study guides for the first and second exams should be consulted to review the first 2/3rds of the course. In addition:

1. Be familiar with the contents of the biblical readings and be able to summarize the nature and contents of the poetic, prophetic, and apocalyptic literature of the Hebrew Bible.

2. Review the subjects and readings for the focus section on Job.

3. What effect did the Exile have on Israel’s religion?

4. Describe the plot, themes, and message of the book of Jonah.

5. What is a psalm? What are the major classifications of psalms? What kind of “criticism” is used to make those classifications?

6. What is Wisdom literature? What books of the Hebrew Bible and the Apocrypha are usually categorized as Wisdom?

7. Describe the history of Jews in Palestine during the Second Temple period.

8. Describe apocalyptic literature and the apocalyptic beliefs that developed in Second Temple Judaism.

9. Describe the structure and contents of the book of Daniel. When do most modern scholars think Daniel was written? Why?

Essay Questions for the Final Exam

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.

1) COMPARE AND CONTRAST the messages of Ezekiel and Second Isaiah within the historical context of the Babylonian Exile.

2) COMPARE the contents and messages of the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job and DESCRIBE their place within ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions.

3) DEFINE the problem of THEODICY and describe how the book of Job addresses the issue.

4) DESCRIBE the historical conditions out of which Apocalyptic literature developed and the purpose of Apocalyptic’s response.