1
Q
Mesopotamia
A
means “in the midst of rivers” or “between rivers”
-the land of origins of the biblical Hebrews
2
Q
2 Rivers in mesopotamia
A
1) Tigris 2) Euphrates
3
Q
What is Mesopotamia known as today
A
southern Iraq
4
Q
who invented the earliest known form of writing (cuneiform)
A
the Sumerians
5
Q
Akkadians
A
Semites, the group of peoples to which the Hebrews belonged to
6
Q
who migrated to the Fertile Crescent and established important kingdoms in Mesopotamia
A
Amorites or “westerns”
7
Q
The most famous kingdom and most famous king in Mesopotamia
A
Babylonia, Hammurabi (known for his law codes)
8
Q
What treasures have the Mesopotamia cultures provided to archaeological materials
A
-law codes
-Enuma Elish
-Epic of Gilgamesh
9
Q
The coast of the Mediterranean Sea consists of
A
Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan
10
Q
What was the area called the “Holly Land”
A
Between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea
now used as place to worship, in the ancient world they traded between Egypt and Mesopotamia through Palestine
11
Q
The 2 major roads between Damascus (in Syria) and Egypt were
A
the Via Maris (Way of the Sea) and the King’d Highway (along the Transjordan Plateau)
valuable for military and trade purposes
12
Q
To the south of the land of Egypt is
A
the Nile River
13
Q
archaeological discoveries in Egypt
A
Rosetta store
The Gilgamesh Epic
The Ugaritic Materials
The Mari Tablets
The Dead Sea Scrolls
14
Q
The Dead Sea
A
a saltwater lake well below sea level
15
Q
Hebrew settlements
A
initially in the central hill country
not friendly to agriculture
16
Q
Archaeologists
A
those who study the material remains of ancient cultures such as pottery, animal bones, remains of buildings, or written texts.
The concern here is with archaeological work related to the ancient Near East
and the ancient Mediterranean world.
The purpose of this work is to help us
understand such ancient cultures and peoples. and also determine which sites might hold significant evidence
The goal of archaeologists is neither to prove nor disprove anything about the
Bible and historicity. It is rather to provide as much information as possible for reconstructing the lives of ancient peoples
And to uncover artifacts that relate to ancient religious practice
17
Q
Rosetta Stone
A
A stone slab discovered in Egypt (196 B.C.) with the same text written in Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphics. It allowed scholars to finally decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics.
18
Q
The Gilgamesh Epic
A
The oldest known epic in world literature, from Mesopotamia, about King Gilgamesh of Uruk. It contains themes of friendship, mortality, and a flood story similar to Noah’s.
19
Q
The Ugaritic Materials
A
Ancient texts discovered at Ugarit (modern Syria) written in the Ugaritic alphabet. They provide insight into Canaanite religion, language, and culture, often paralleling Old Testament themes.
20
Q
The Mari Tablets
A
Thousands of clay tablets from Mari (on the Euphrates River), dating to the 18th century B.C. They record political, economic, and religious life and show connections to the biblical world.
21
Q
The Dead Sea Scrolls
A
Ancient Jewish writings found near Qumran (1947–1950s). They include biblical manuscripts and sectarian texts, confirming the accuracy of Old Testament transmission and shedding light on Jewish life before and during Jesus’ time.
22
Q
Pentateuch (Hebrew canon) is made up of
A
the primeval history,
the ancestral stories,
the exodus
and covenant,
and the sojourn in the wilderness.
23
Q
Genesis means
A
origins
24
Q
What do “tohu” and “bohu” mean in Hebrew, and how do they relate to creation?
A
Tohu = unformed, bohu = unfilled.
Days 1–3 address the “unformed” aspect,
and days 4–6 address the “unfilled” aspect.
25
What happens in Days 1–3 of creation?
God “forms” creation by dividing:
Day 1: Light and darkness
Day 2: Sky and waters
Day 3: Water and dry land (with vegetation)
26
What happens in Days 4–6 of creation?
God “fills” creation:
Day 4: Sun, moon, and stars
Day 5: Fish and birds
Day 6: Animals and humans
27
What repeated phrase summarizes God’s work in creation?
God pronounces it “good” (tov), showing it conforms to divine intention.
He says this at the end of day 6
28
What does it mean that humans are made in the image of God?
Humans are not divine but can relate to God and represent Him in caring for creation, like statues represented rulers in the ancient Near East.
29
What perspective does Genesis 1’s literary structure emphasize? (horizontal and vertical)
it has been carefully shaped to communicate a perspective about God as creator and humans as created in the image and likeness of God.
30
How does the style of Genesis 2–3 differ from Genesis 1?
Genesis 2–3 uses a more personal, anthropomorphic portrayal of God, while Genesis 1 is structured and orderly.
31
What is the Babylonian creation epic called, and what does it describe?
Enuma Elish, a story of gods and goddesses fighting, with creation shaped from the defeated goddess Tiamat’s body.
32
What similarities exist between Enuma Elish and Genesis 1?
Both begin with watery chaos, creation by speech, six divisions with divine rest, creation starting with light, and a similar order of creation.
33
What are the key differences between Enuma Elish and Genesis?
Enuma Elish: violent, many gods, humans created as slaves.
Genesis 1: peaceful, one God (Elohim), humans made in God’s image to care for creation.
34
What prohibition did God give in the Garden of Eden?
Not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (not the tree of life)
35
How is the serpent described in Genesis 3?
As the craftiest of all the wild animals.
36
What was the consequence of Adam and Eve eating the fruit?
They broke God’s command, leading to curses:
Serpent → crawl in dust
Woman → pain in childbirth
Man → toil in working the cursed ground
37
What was the final consequence for Adam and Eve after their sin?
God expelled them from the Garden of Eden.
38
How did the shapers of Genesis view the two creation (Gen 1 and 2) accounts?
Not as contradictions, but as complementary perspectives: one broad (cosmic), one narrow (garden).
39
What are the two main literary types in Genesis 1–11?
Narratives and genealogies.
40
What are the four main narratives in Genesis 2–11?
Garden of Eden (Gen. 2–3)
Cain and Abel (Gen. 4)
Noah and the Flood (Gen. 6–9)
Tower of Babel (Gen. 11)
41
What knowledge did eating the fruit bring to Adam and Eve?
awareness of good and evil
makes the humans “like God”
42
What act of kindness did God show before expelling Adam and Eve?
God clothed them
43
What happens in the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4)?
Cain, jealous of Abel’s accepted sacrifice, kills him. This act is linked with sin.
44
What famous question does Cain ask after killing Abel?
"Am I my brother’s keeper?”
45
What was Cain’s punishment, and what protection did God give him?
Punishment: banishment as a wanderer. Ostracism
Protection: God marked Cain so no one would kill him, symbolizing divine kinship.
46
all the groups that God told Noah to put in his ark
-7 pairs of clean animals
-1 pair of unclean animals
-7 pairs of birds
47
What is the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11)?
Humans, united in one language, try to build a city and tower to “make a name” for themselves. God scatters them and confuses their language.
God's grace- Abraham covenant
48
Abraham's covenant
3 promises:
land
descendants
blessing to families
49
What Mesopotamian epic contains a flood story similar to Noah’s?
The Gilgamesh Epic, in which Utnapishtim survives a divine flood after building a boat for his family and animals.
50
What other Mesopotamian text contains a flood narrative that may predate Gilgamesh?
The Atrahasis Epic.
51
What are the similarities between Genesis and Mesopotamian flood stories?
Both include divine warning, building a boat, saving family and animals, the boat resting on a mountain, and releasing birds to test the waters.
52
What is distinctive about the flood story in Genesis?
It emphasizes God’s covenant faithfulness and the renewal of creation,
rather than a cycle of divine violence.
53
In Genesis 6–9 (Noah and the Flood), what is the sin, punishment, and grace?
Sin: Pervasive human corruption.
Punishment: The flood destroys humanity and animals.
Grace: Noah and his family are saved in the ark; God renews creation.
54
In Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel), what is the sin and punishment?
Sin: Humanity tries to “storm heaven” by building a tower.
Punishment: God scatters people and confuses their languages.
grace: Abraham covenant
55
What overarching theme connects the narratives in Genesis 2–11?
Human sin grows outward, but God’s grace continues to intervene, showing hope despite human fallibility.
56
What is an “etiology” in the context of these Genesis stories?
A story explaining the origin of a current reality, like why humans suffer, why murder exists, or why there are many languages.
57
How does the Tower of Babel reflect cultural elements?
The tower likely represents Babylonian ziggurats and illustrates human pride, rebellion, and ambition.
58
What genealogies are found in Genesis 5, 10, and 11?
Genesis 5: From Seth to Noah, including Enoch and Methuselah.
Genesis 10: Table of Nations, descendants of Noah’s sons, including Nimrod.
Genesis 11: Descendants of Shem leading to Terah, father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
59
What is significant about Enoch in Genesis 5?
He “walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him,” showing a close relationship with God.
60
What role do genealogies play in Genesis 1–11?
They:
Introduce additional characters.
Show God’s continuing relationship with humans across generations.
Act as “glue” connecting narratives and bridging gaps.
Continue the account of the generations of humans on earth.
61
How do the genealogies relate to the creation account in Genesis 1?
They move forward the story of human generations, connecting creation to the unfolding narrative of humanity.
62
How do interpreters view Genesis 1–11 in terms of its focus?
The texts often represent universal human experiences rather than specific historical persons, reflecting the human condition.
63
Why do Genesis 1–11 texts continue to be influential?
They are central to Abrahamic faiths, Christian history, and Western culture, shaping views of creation, humanity, and God.
64
What is the second major division of Genesis?
The ancestral narratives, covering Genesis 12–50, beginning with Abram and Sarai.
65
What historical period do the ancestral stories likely reflect?
The first half of the second millennium BCE, possibly the Middle Bronze Age (2100–1550 BCE).
66
How do the ancestral stories connect to archaeology?
Names and locations like Ur and Nuzi in Mesopotamia correspond to archaeological sites that reflect social and religious customs of the time.
67
What kinds of customs do texts from Ur and Nuzi help us understand?
Marriage, inheritance, and family structures relevant to the ancestral narratives.
68
What archaeological sites help illuminate the context of Genesis 12–50?
Ur and Nuzi in Mesopotamia, Mari near the Euphrates in Syria, and Ras Shamra (Ugarit) on the Syrian coast.
69
How do scholars view the historical accuracy of the ancestral stories?
Opinions vary: some see the texts as anachronistic, some ignore historical questions, and many see the texts as reflecting cultural and social background of the Middle Bronze Age.
70
What do the texts suggest about the family of Abram and Sarai?
They were likely itinerant herders living in extended family units in the Middle Bronze Age.
71
Have archaeologists found direct evidence of Abram or Sarai?
No direct evidence exists, but the texts reflect the lifestyle and customs of families like theirs.
72
Why is the connection to ancient Near Eastern texts important for understanding Genesis?
It provides background for the patriarchs and matriarchs, showing how biblical stories reflect the culture, customs, and religious context of the time.
73
What does the “Outline of the History of the Hebrew People” provide?
A chronological framework from the Patriarchs (2000–1500 BCE) through the Greek Period, including kings, wars, and major events, helping to situate biblical narratives historically.
74
How does this historical framework relate to Genesis 12–50?
It situates Abram, Sarai, and their descendants in the Middle Bronze Age, connecting biblical stories with broader Near Eastern history and archaeology.
75
Which four generations are recounted in Genesis 12–50?
Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 12–25)
Isaac and Rebekah (Gen. 24; 26)
Jacob and Rachel/Leah (Gen. 25–36)
Joseph Generation (Gen. 37–50)
76
How does the focus of Genesis 12–50 differ from Genesis 1–11?
The narrative narrows from universal human history to one family—Abram and Sarai—and their descendants, through whom divine engagement continues.
77
What is the purpose of divine engagement with Abram and his family?
To bless all the families of the earth, continuing the universal implications of God’s relationship with humanity after the Tower of Babel.
78
What is the counter theme present in the ancestral stories?
Threats to the fulfillment of the covenant promise, creating tension and driving the narratives.
79
What are some threats to the ancestral covenant promise?
Barrenness of the matriarchs (e.g., Abraham and Sarah, Gen. 16)
Compromise or endangerment of the matriarchs (Gen. 12:10–20; 20)
Sibling rivalry (e.g., Jacob and Esau, Gen. 27)
Conflicts with local citizenry (Gen. 34)
Joseph story threats: brothers’ jealousy, Potiphar’s wife, famine (Gen. 37–50)
80
How does Genesis 50:20 reflect the covenant promise?
Despite numerous threats, the promise endures; God’s plan and blessing remain intact.
81
: What major event occurs in Genesis 12 with Abram and Sarai?
They journey to Egypt due to famine, and Abram puts Sarai at risk by claiming she is his sister; God protects them, and the promise continues.
82
What family conflict does Abram deal with in Genesis 13–14?
Conflicts with his nephew Lot over land and resources.
83
How does Genesis 15 illustrate ancient covenant customs?
Abram brings and cuts sacrificial animals in two, a smoking fire pot and flaming torch pass between the pieces, symbolizing God’s presence and commitment to the promise of land and progeny.
84
What is a theophany, as seen in Genesis 15?
An appearance of God to humans; here, God passes between the animal pieces to confirm the covenant with Abram.
85
What unusual cultural practice is seen in Genesis 16?
Sarai instructs her servant Hagar to bear a child with Abram because she is barren, resulting in the birth of Ishmael.
86
What do the name changes from Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah signify?
Abram → Abraham: “father of a multitude”
Sarai → Sarah: “princess”
These changes emphasize their role in the covenant and future generations.
87
What physical sign of the covenant is introduced in Genesis 17?
Circumcision, marking the family’s covenant relationship with God.
88
Who is Isaac, and what is his significance?
Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 21), born as the fulfillment of God’s promise. He is the heir through whom the covenant will continue.
89
What happens to Hagar and Ishmael?
They are sent away; the covenant promise will not flow through them, but God provides for them.
90
What test of Abraham occurs in Genesis 22?
God instructs Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham obeys, but God provides a ram, sparing Isaac, reaffirming the covenant.
91
How does Isaac and Rebekah’s story continue the covenant?
Their marriage (Gen. 24) and the reaffirmation of the covenant in Gen. 26 ensure the promise of progeny (descendants), land, and blessing continues to the next generation.
92
Who are Jacob and Esau, and what conflict defines their story?
Twins born to Isaac and Rebekah; sibling rivalry arises over birthright and blessing. Jacob deceives Esau to obtain both.
93
What is “Jacob’s Ladder”?
A dream at Bethel where Jacob encounters God, who gives him the ancestral covenant promise.
94
How does Jacob’s time with Laban demonstrate deception and covenant fulfillment?
Jacob is tricked into marrying Leah before Rachel, works longer to marry Rachel, manipulates circumstances to become wealthy, and leaves with his family under cover of night.
95
What are teraphim, and why does Rachel take them?
Teraphim are household gods; Rachel takes them because possession relates to customs of inheritance.
96
How does Jacob’s encounter at the ford of the Jabbok change him?
Jacob wrestles with the divine, is renamed Israel (“one who strives with God”), and leaves with a limp, signifying his new role in carrying the covenant promise.
97
How does Jacob reconcile with Esau?
The encounter is peaceful, and Jacob continues with his family to Bethel, where the divine blessing and covenant promise are repeated.
98
What stories highlight threats to Jacob’s family among local Canaanites?
The story of Shechem and Dinah (Gen. 34) and Judah and Tamar (Gen. 38) show encounters that could threaten the family and covenant promise.
99
How is the Joseph generation (Gen. 37–50) different from earlier ancestral narratives?
It forms a self-contained novella with an Egyptian backdrop, and God communicates more subtly, through natural events and dreams rather than direct appearances.
100
What role does Joseph play in the narrative?
Joseph is a wisdom character who interprets dreams and guides the future of the divine promise, navigating threats and challenges.
101
What triggers sibling rivalry in Joseph’s story?
Joseph dreams of ruling over his brothers, provoking jealousy; his brothers sell him into slavery in Egypt and deceive Jacob about his fate.
102
What challenges does Joseph face in Egypt?
He becomes a servant in Potiphar’s house, is falsely accused of assault by Potiphar’s wife, and imprisoned—but he rises to prominence eventually.
103
How does Joseph rise to power in Egypt?
Through his interpretation of dreams, Joseph is introduced to Pharaoh’s court and eventually becomes prime minister, enabling Egypt to survive a severe famine.
104
How is Joseph reunited with his family?
His brothers come to Egypt seeking food; through a complex series of events and deceptions, Joseph reconciles with them, and the entire Jacob clan migrates to Egypt.
105
What happens to the ancestral covenant promise during Joseph’s life?
The promise is not repeated until the end of Joseph’s story because Jacob, who bears the promise, is still alive; it is passed to Jacob’s grandchildren in Genesis 48.
106
Why is Joseph considered a wisdom character?
He interprets dreams, discerns the way forward in life, demonstrates faithful and wise living, and serves as a teaching figure for the young in ancient Israel.
107
How does the book of Genesis conclude?
With the reconciliation of Joseph and his brothers, the survival of the ancestral covenant promise, and the death of Joseph.
108
What is the Pentateuch, and what is its traditional attribution?
The Pentateuch, or Torah, comprises the first five books of the Old Testament. Tradition ties them to Moses, though the texts themselves are anonymous and do not explicitly claim Mosaic authorship.
109
What evidence suggests that the Pentateuch was written from a later perspective?
Notes like “At that time the Canaanites were in the land” (Gen. 12:6) and “These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the Israelites” (Gen. 36:31) indicate knowledge of events after the time described.
110
How does the book of Deuteronomy indicate its perspective comes after Moses?
The conclusion of Deuteronomy comes after Moses’ death, showing that at least part of the text was written from a later viewpoint.
111
What evidence in the Pentateuch suggests it was composed over time?
Differences in texts (e.g., two creation accounts, variations in Noah’s flood instructions, multiple Abrahamic covenant traditions, and the self-contained Joseph narrative) indicate gradual composition.
112
What is the Documentary Hypothesis?
A theory that the Pentateuch developed from the combination of several documents or sources over time.
113
Who formalized the classic Documentary Hypothesis?
Julius Wellhausen in 1878.
114
What does the “J” source represent?
Texts from the 10th century BCE using the divine name YHWH (Jahweh).
115
What does the “E” source represent?
Texts from the 9th century BCE using the divine name Elohim.
116
What does the “D” source represent?
Deuteronomy, associated with King Josiah’s reform in the 7th century BCE.
117
What does the “P” source represent?
Priestly material from the 6th century BCE, after the beginning of the Babylonian exile.
118
How were the JEDP sources combined?
Priestly editors redacted together the J and E material with Deuteronomy (D) and their own Priestly (P) material.
119
What is redaction criticism in relation to the Pentateuch?
The study of how the various sources (J, E, D, P) were edited and compiled into a unified text.
120
How have modern scholars revised the Documentary Hypothesis?
E source discussion has largely disappeared, the dating of J has been reconsidered, and emphasis is now on traditions and memories rather than fixed documents.
121
What are the main Pentateuchal sources according to the documentary hypothesis?
J (Yahwist), E (Elohist), D (Deuteronomist), and P (Priestly).
122
What are the characteristics and approximate dates of the J source?
Uses YHWH for God, vivid and concrete storytelling, begins with creation (Gen. 2:4b), relates to southern kingdom (Judah), hopeful tone, ~950 BCE.
123
What are the characteristics and approximate dates of the E source?
Uses Elohim for God, more abstract style, begins with Abraham, northern Israel (Ephraim), “prophetic” tone, ~850 BCE.
124
What are the characteristics and approximate dates of the D source?
Reflects Josiah’s reform (~621 BCE), insists on one central sanctuary, covenant theology, ~650–621 BCE.
125
What are the characteristics and approximate dates of the P source?
Emphasizes law, priestly concerns, genealogies, precise style, post-Babylonian exile (~550 BCE).
126
Why is there not complete consensus on Pentateuchal composition?
Scholars debate whether there were pre-existing narrative collections, and whether P or D gave the Pentateuch its final form.
127
What are alternative approaches to studying the Pentateuch besides source criticism?
Focus on the final text as literature (form criticism, rhetorical criticism, canonical criticism), analyzing plot, characters, and literary patterns.
128
How does historical context help in interpreting Genesis and the Pentateuch?
It explains unusual customs, like Priestly traditions connected to the exile, helping readers understand themes like creation and covenant.
129
How is the Pentateuch traditionally described?
As the “books of Moses” passing down Mosaic covenant faith through generations, shaped by multiple authors and editors.
130
What metaphors are helpful for understanding the Pentateuch’s composition?
A river fed by tributaries (various traditions contributing to the whole) and the memory of a people (ancient Israel’s collective memory shaping the text).
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