Free Old Testament Survey

This question helps participants articulate the overall function and message of the Old Testament within faith traditions. By clarifying purpose, respondents demonstrate comprehension of its significance.

Understanding the canon count highlights familiarity with the structure and scope of the text. It also sets the stage for exploring differences among various faith traditions.

This question checks awareness of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and occasional Greek texts that form the Old Testament. Recognizing original languages underscores the importance of translation nuances.

By identifying the Law (Torah), Prophets (Nevi'im), and Writings (Ketuvim), respondents demonstrate knowledge of Jewish and Christian organizational schemes. This division is key to theological and literary studies.

Estimating the timeline from the second millennium BCE to the post-exilic era shows appreciation for the text's long development. It also helps situate events within broader world history.

This question calls for understanding God's promises to Abraham as foundational for Israel's identity. It highlights covenant theology central to later biblical interpretation.

Explaining the term "Torah" deepens appreciation of its meaning as instruction or law. It also connects Jewish and Christian perspectives on these opening books.

This item encourages reflection on the devotional, poetic, and philosophical dimensions of books like Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Recognizing diverse genres enriches overall study.

Contrasting covenants, themes, and narrative arcs underscores the distinct purposes of each testament. It also prepares respondents for advanced inter-testamental studies.

This question highlights the continuity of themes such as covenant, prophecy, and Messianic expectation. It promotes a holistic approach to biblical theology across both testaments.

Recognizing Mesopotamia's role clarifies the geopolitical landscape of early biblical events. It also illustrates shared cultural practices between Israel and its neighbors.

This question examines cross-cultural exchange in law, art, and religious ritual. It also sets context for understanding the plagues and captivity narratives.

Reflecting on exile highlights themes of loss, adaptation, and renewal in Jewish history. It reveals how displacement influenced prophetic literature and community formation.

Identifying Canaanite deities and rituals helps explain periods of syncretism and repentance in Israel's story. It also underscores the ongoing struggle for monotheistic purity.

This item encourages review of key finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls and Tel Dan Stele. It demonstrates how material evidence supports or challenges biblical narratives.

This question explores political pressure, conquest, and deportation under Assyria. It deepens understanding of prophetic warnings and historical fulfillment.

Discussing family, tribal, and class systems reveals daily life and governance in biblical times. It also shows how these structures inform legal and ethical commands.

Analyzing farming, herding, and land tenure highlights the importance of harvest festivals and tithing. It connects spiritual observance with daily survival.

Understanding prophetic figures as both religious and political agents clarifies their dual influence. It shows how messages from God shaped national decisions.

This question sheds light on rebuilding efforts, temple restoration, and social reforms under leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah. It illustrates resilience in faith communities.

Exploring Abraham's faith journey reveals themes of trust and promise. His experience serves as a cornerstone for subsequent covenant theology.

This question highlights Moses's roles as lawgiver, mediator, and shepherd. It encourages reflection on servant leadership and prophetic authority.

Analyzing David's successes and failures provides insight into the interplay of faith, politics, and personal integrity. It also sets a benchmark for Messianic expectations.

Joseph's story illustrates resilience, forgiveness, and divine providence. It offers a model for navigating adversity and family dynamics.

Studying Isaiah's visions and oracles demonstrates the role of symbolic language and social critique. It also highlights enduring themes of judgment and hope.

Deborah's leadership challenges modern assumptions about gender roles in ancient societies. Her example inspires discussions about authority and collaboration.

This question explores Elijah's confrontation with idolatry and his dependence on God. It underscores themes of courage and divine provision.

Examining Solomon's decisions, writings, and failures offers a balanced view of wisdom's potentials and pitfalls. It reinforces the value of discernment.

Ruth's loyalty and faithfulness highlight God's inclusion of outsiders in His redemptive plan. Her narrative ties personal choices to broader salvation history.

Jeremiah's enduring commitment amid rejection showcases steadfast faith under trials. His life encourages perseverance in conveying difficult truths.

Defining covenant clarifies the relationship dynamics between God and humanity. It also underpins legal, prophetic, and narrative frameworks throughout the text.

Tracing redemption from deliverance scenes to prophetic promises highlights God's restorative work. This question connects historical events with ongoing spiritual hope.

Exploring holiness codes reveals the pursuit of moral and ritual purity. It also shows how sacred space and behavior are interlinked.

Discussing offerings, atonement rituals, and festivals illuminates ancient understandings of sin and forgiveness. It demonstrates how worship practices encode doctrine.

Examining examples from Abraham to Habakkuk highlights trust amidst uncertainty. It underscores faith as the lens through which events are interpreted.

This question explores calls for social equity, care for the oppressed, and divine judgment. It reveals the prophets' role as advocates for righteousness.

Analyzing books like Job and Ecclesiastes provides perspectives on pain, purpose, and human limitation. It encourages honest engagement with life's challenges.

Discussing the creation accounts highlights beliefs about God's sovereignty and the nature of humanity. It also informs ecological and philosophical debates.

Identifying names like Yahweh, Elohim, and El Shaddai deepens understanding of God's attributes. It shows how language shapes theological insight.

This question connects narratives of displacement with promises of return and renewal. It underscores hope amid judgment in the Old Testament story.

Identifying genres like narrative, poetry, law, and prophecy highlights the text's diversity. It also guides appropriate reading strategies for each form.

Explaining parallelism clarifies how meaning is developed through balanced lines. It enriches appreciation of Psalms and prophetic writings.

Discussing features like chiasm, repetition, and editorial commentary reveals deeper layers of storytelling. It supports more nuanced interpretation of events.

This question explores inverted parallel structures that emphasize central ideas. Recognizing chiasm aids in identifying key theological points.

Analyzing family lists highlights themes of identity, inheritance, and divine promise. It also helps track lineage and fulfill covenantal promises.

Comparing Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes with Isaiah or Amos underscores contrasting purposes and audiences. It shows how form reflects function.

Exploring metaphors like shepherd, rock, and fortress enhances emotional and theological resonance. It deepens worship and devotional engagement.

Understanding the pattern of introduction, judgment, and hope aids clarity when reading prophetic texts. It also reveals the rhythmic flow of divine messaging.

Identifying repeated phrases and events reveals emphasis on key doctrines and lessons. It demonstrates how Old Testament authors reinforced core messages.

Examining book introductions and conclusions shows how authors set expectations and summarize themes. It brings cohesion to individual writings.

This question invites respondents to apply biblical principles to contemporary moral dilemmas. It promotes thoughtful integration of scripture in daily life.

Reflecting on a mentor figure like David, Ruth, or Job fosters personal connection. It also reveals how individuals identify with ancient narratives.

Analyzing successes and failures of kings encourages application to organizational and community leadership. It offers timeless insights on power and responsibility.

Drawing on Proverbs or Ecclesiastes helps frame decisions around discernment and balance. It highlights the value of reflective reading for personal growth.

This item explores collective rituals, justice mandates, and covenantal bonds. It underscores the text's relevance to social cohesion and mutual care.

Considering elements like sacrifice, cleansing, and festivals offers fresh perspectives on worship. It encourages creative adaptation of ancient patterns.

Connecting calls for justice and repentance to modern concerns stimulates ethical dialogue. It empowers respondents to voice moral convictions.

Relating the pain of displacement to individual struggles fosters compassion. It reminds participants of hope amid adversity.

This question prompts reflection on human responsibility toward the earth. It connects theological origins to ecological ethics.

Identifying practical routines like reading plans or group discussions supports sustained learning. It encourages disciplined and communal approaches to scripture.