RL 200, Introduction to the First Testament
Review for Third Unit Examation
06 November 2009

1. Trace the development of the idea of the covenant from the early Israelite monarchy to the post-exilic period.
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3. Demonstrate familiarity with the historical-critical method of HB interpretation, including the following:
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   2. The relationship of the Judaism to the other Ancient Near Eastern religions and cultures.
   3. The key terms and significant personages relating to Hebrew Bible study .
   4. Dating for the significant persons, events and key writings of the HB.
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4. Make fruitful use of the standard reference tools for HB study (e.g., commentaries, Bible dictionaries, critical notes and apparatuses).
5. All core courses are supposed to help students improve their thinking skills. This course focuses on skills at the levels of organization (4), analysis (5), and integration (7).

1. Before you begin, double-check that you know the Glossary terms from the previous exams and are able to utilize and re-contextualize those concepts. Mere memorization of definitions will not be sufficient to succeed on this examination.
2. Be able to identify and distinguish among the following forms: call story; consecration ritual; covenant ratification or renewal ceremony; curse; hymn; miracle; oracle; rîb; theophany; vision
3. Recognize the covenant terms: emet, hesed, yada, yalak
4. Define the Glossary terms relating to methods or phases of Biblical study and various forms in the Hebrew Bible.
5. Know the following persons and nations and why they are important to the history of ancient Israel: Assyria, Babylon, Cyrus, David, Elijah, Elisha, Persia, Samuel
6. Know the meaning and significance of the following Hebrew terms: kosher; Passover; rîb; Sabbath.
7. Be able to recognize the similarities and differences between the monarchial and prophetic models of power/authority. Why does prophecy seem to fail with the dissolution of the monarchy?
8. Be prepared to write a 500-word essay on ONE of the following topics. In doing so, take into account as many resources as possible from the Pentateuch, the Deuteronomistic History, the Prophets, Benjamin, and other required readings. Be as explicit as possible, define your key terms, and give at least four specific examples from the First Testament (with citations) to illustrate your points.
   1. Micah 6:8 claims that "YHWH seeks nothing from you except that you do justice [mishpat; = tsedaqah)], love mercy [hesed], and walk [yalak] humbly with your God.”
      1. What is the literary context of this text?
      2. To whom was the prophecy made and what do we know about the audience?
      3. What is the approximate dating for this prophecy and what kind of significant historical events are taking place (or are about to take place) at the time?
      4. What covenant language or imagery does the prophecy include? What significance, if any, does the prophets' call to “know” (yada’) YHWH have for this particular prophecy?
      5. What is the significance of this passage for understanding the Biblical idea of covenant?
   2. Jeremiah 31:31–34 speaks of a "new covenant" that God will write on the hearts of the faithful remnant of Israel: "'Look, the days are coming, Yahweh declares, when I shall make a new covenant with the House of Israel (and the House of Judah), but not like the covenant I made with their ancestors the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt, a covenant which they broke, even though I was their Master, Yahweh declares. No, this is the covenant I shall make with the House of Israel when those days have come, Yahweh declares. Within them I shall plant my Law, writing it on their hearts. Then I shall be their God and they will be my people. There will be no further need for everyone to teach neighbour or brother, saying, "Learn to know Yahweh!" No, they will all know me, from the least to the greatest, Yahweh declares, since I shall forgive their guilt and never more call their sin to mind.'"
      1. What is the literary context of this text?
      2. To whom was the prophecy made and what do we know about the audience?
      3. What is the approximate dating for this prophecy and what kind of significant historical events are taking place (or are about to take place) at the time?
      4. What covenant language or imagery does the prophecy include? What significance, if any, does the prophets' call to “know” (yada’) YHWH have for this particular prophecy?
      5. What is the significance of this passage for understanding the Biblical idea of covenant?
   3. How is the idea(s) of the covenant related to the theology of grace in the Hebrew Bible? Using at least two difference Biblical sources, show how this covenant theology develops over time. Give particular attention to the significance of the Babylonian Exile for the development of this covenant theology.