Final Exam Page 9

Question 1

What was the relationship of the Judges to the Mosaic religion?

Answer 1

Interestingly, in the biblical accounts of judges, the shophetim or judges show little or no knowledge of Moses’ teachings or the religious traditions of Israel.

Question 2

Discuss the concept of “Deuteronomic History” in terms of its basic nature, content, and perspectives.

Answer 2

“blessings for obedience, punishment for disobedience”&raquo_space; set forth in Deuteronomy
two basic principles: covenant and land–kept covenant, kept land/break covenant, lose land

Question 3

List 3 reasons Samuel was an important figure in ancient Israel.

Answer 3

1. He was a significant transitional figure between the Tribal League and the Monarchy
2. He was a spiritual figure wise in military strategy, as was characteristic of the judges.
3. He anointed Israel’s first two kings. He thus served in many capacities of roles-prophet, priest, judge, spiritual advisor, and anointed of Kings.

Question 4

List two strengths, two weaknesses, two contributions of Saul:

Answer 4

He was a charismatic leader of sincere faith and a good military strategist. Yet he had no great spiritual insights, but had a limited view of God’s purposes in history. He suffered from severe jealousy or envy, to the point he became personally disintegrated. He served as Israel’s first king and laid initial foundations for the monarchy in Israel. He kept the Philistines at bay, even though he was ultimately killed in battle.

Question 5

With regard to David, be able to discuss his rise to the throne, his character, weaknesses, and at least 6 contributions:

Answer 5

He was anointed king after God took the kingdom from the hand of Saul. The Bible describes him as a man “after God’s own heart”. He was able to gain the throne after Saul and his sons were killed in battle against the Philistines. He was gifted with political and spiritual insights and a personality that attracted devotion. He proved to be a very human ruler who had an affair with Bathsheba. He had many family problems, such that he could not keep his own family in order.

1. He reunited Israel in a 12-tribe unit under a king
2. He overcame the military opponents of Israel
3. He created a sense of national unity
4. He organized the priesthood and the music materials of Israel.
5. He wrote or sponsored many of the psalms
6. He brought Israel to her “Golden Age”