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Study Guide: TRS251A Religion of the Old Testament

! This study guide aims to help you focus on your review and research. The format will include multiple choice, short answer and definition sections. Be sure that you not only study basic facts but also understand major concepts and their significance. The exam will include material from the Patriarchal period to the Monarchy, as well as on the methodology of Biblical Study. Your best guides are the Carvalho text and the Bible itself.

The Patriarchal Period:
 Who the Patriarchs were, major figures (Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, Isaac, Rebekah, Esau and Jacob, Joseph, the Twelve Tribes of Israel
 Covenant, The birth of Ishmael and its significance, Hagar, Isaac, the near Sacrifice of Isaac, patriarchy, faith of Abraham, challenges to his faith

Isaac and Rebekah, Esau and Jacob, Rachel and Leah, the change of Jacob’s name to Israel, etiology

Exodus:

Conflict between Yahweh and Pharaoh, birth of Moses, role of women in defying Pharaoh, the burning bush, giving the name of Yahweh, Response of Moses to call to be a messenger to Pharaoh, the plagues, the Passover in the scriptures and as practiced today, the Reed Sea, Liberation and message to the oppressed, the Israelites in the Wilderness, the gift of the Law to Moses, Sinai Covenant, the Ten Commandments, other forms of law (Holiness Code) purity, Numbers, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Sacred food and Sacred Offerings

The Rise of the Monarchy:

First and Second Samuel, Samuel as Priest and Prophet, Saul, From tribal confederacy to kingdom, David and Goliath, rise of David, Jonathan and Michal, Conflict with Saul, David’s consolidation of power, David’s Sin

Biblical Criticism: How the Bible Came to Be, Oral Tradition, Sources or written documents and traditions, Editing (Redaction), Formation of the Canon, See Carvalho 34-35

Historical Criticism, Source Criticism

There will be a short essay question asking you to reflect on the meaning of a text for the original audience and its significance for today.