Final Exam Page 15 Flashcards
What is the meaning of hokmah?
“Strong” or “firm.” The verbal idea is “to make strong” or “to make firm.”
As the Hebrews understood it, what was “wisdom”?
They particularly understood wisdom as advice given to young men in order that they may know how to live a long, prosperous, and happy life.
List 5 characteristics of wisdom as given in class:
International, rather than national Man-centered, rather than God-centered Rationalistic, rather than revelational/based on experience Individualistic, rather than corporate Practical, rather than theoretical
List the 3 elements of Hebrew wisdom as given in class:
Intellectual element
Moral element
Religion element
How is Israel’s wisdom tradition similar to and different from the wisdom traditions of the ancient near eastern world?
Wisdom material is based upon experience, such that Israel shared much “wisdom” with other nations of the Near East. For Israel, however, there could be no “wisdom” without a proper relationship with God. Life without or apart from a right relationship with God was simply “foolish.”
What is the meaning of tehillim?
the word “tehillim” means “praises” and is the name of the book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible. It is related to the word “hallelujah” meaning “Praise Yahweh”
The name Psalms comes to us from the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint.
Name 3 different types of Hebrew parallelism.
Hebrew parallelism refers to the parallel thought in Hebrew poetry. Effectively, it was often means that several lines should be taken and understood together.
Synonymous-two lines suggest the same thought, but with different wording.
Antithetical-two lines suggest opposite thought, as contrasting statements express an idea
Progressive-the lines build upon one another, in order to move toward a climax or more complex understanding.
What are the basic two types of psalms?
Hymns-a psalm of praise and joy
Laments-a psalm which expresses a feeling of abandonment or questioning
