1) Chapter One – Our text states, “…biblical history in a real sense is our history.” (read the whole paragraph on pg. 23).
What do you think the author means by this?
How is this different from the way most people view the Old Testament?
Chapter Two – The early translators and printers of the Bible faced much persecution and danger, even death. The author claims that Wycliffe’s goal “was to fight against the corruption in the Church by making the Bible available to the common people.”
Why do you believe the translating and printing of the Bible was such a threat to Church and Political leaders of the time?
How has the accessibility of the Bible today affected modern day Christians in open countries? (There are still countries where the Bible is banned and Christians are persecuted).

2) Reread pages 19-23. Pay attention to the three green sidebars labeled with “T,” then write a response (200 word minimum) to the following question. Incorporate into your response at least three of the key vocabulary words from this chapter (see page 19).
When you think about the canon of scripture, what do you believe about divine revelation and the inspiration of scripture?

3) Read the two Genesis creation stories again. (Genesis 1 and 2)
Read the sidebars on pages 64 and 66 that are labeled with a “T.” Submit a personal reflection that addresses the questions below.
Your reflection is to be a minimum of 200 words and should have at least three short paragraphs.
Describe in your own words the differences between the two creation accounts.
Why do you believe we have two variant creation accounts in the Bible?
How do these two accounts speak to you?
What questions do you have for the biblical text? In other words, what would you like to know more about related to these two stories?

4) Chapter 5
Genesis chapters 1-11 lead right up to Abraham’s call in chapter 12. Some have said that chapter 12 is the climax of the book.
What is the relationship between chapters 1-11 and Chapters 12-25?
Describe the themes or focus of chapters 1-11 and contrast those with chapters 12-25.
Chapter Six
Genesis Chapter 15 records God’s covenant with Abraham.
How is this covenant different from the covenant that God would later make with Israel at Mount Sinai? (See page 78)
Name the terms of the covenant, what will God do, and what is required of Abraham.

5) Read Genesis, chapters 12, 15, 21-22, 25-27, 37, 39-41, 47. These chapters highlight some of the major events in the lives of the patriarchs of Israel. Your book provides a “commentary” on many of these key chapters, too.
Read the sidebars on pages 78, 81,86, and 90 that are labeled with a “T.” Before you submit your reflection (200 word minimum), consider the human dynamics of the patriarchs and respond to the following questions:
Do their family dynamics remind you of your extended family in any way? Notice how God was at work, in spite of all the human drama!
How do these stories speak to your heart?

6) Chapter 8
Make a list of the objections or excuses of Moses when God revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush. Make a list of God’s responses.
What is significant about the name Yahweh? What is the relationship between the name YHWH and the other names for God?
Chapter 9
Describe the goal and purpose of the Mt. Sinai covenant. (Hint: see pages 102-105. Be sure to address the purpose and focus of the 10 commandments. How do the 10 commandments relate to the covenant?)
Chapter 10
Describe at least two of the primary themes in the book of Leviticus. Hint: see pages 113-115.
Why is the Book of Numbers called the book of “NUMBERS?” In the Hebrew bible, this book is given a different name. What is that name and why is it an appropriate name?
Hint: See the title and authorship section for the Book of Numbers in the chapter.

7) Read the assigned chapters in Exodus.
Chapters 2-7, 11-14, 19-20, 25-26
Review the chapter summary statements on pages 100 and 110 in the text.
Read the sidebars labeled with a “T” on pages 96-98, and 102-103.
Consider the following then submit a 200 word (minimum) reflection:
How did God act on behalf of the Israelites?
How did God interact with Moses at the burning bush?
In the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, what did God want/expect from his people?
How the story of the Exodus like your own story?
How are the themes of Exodus still relevant today?
Your response should show signs that you have read both the textbook and the passages in the Bible.

8) Read Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:1-21.
Compare the first set of Ten Commandments with the second set of Ten Commandments.
Make a quick abbreviated list for each and submit it here.
Summarize the similarities and the differences then answer the following questions:
Why do you think there are differences? (Remember what you have learned about the name and setting of Deuteronomy.)
Which version came first? Which was a retelling many years later?
Does either version appear as if the people are more settled now?
Are the commandments numbered in either Exodus or Deuteronomy?

9) Chapter 12
The book of Joshua depicts the taking of the land as an act of worship. The warfare was an act of worship. Joshua chapters 6,7, and 8 describe the destruction of Jerico, the initial defeat at Ai, and then the final destruction of Ai. Explain how cherem was an act of worship and how it got Joshua in trouble when some of his men kept some of the devoted things.
Christians have a challenge when reading Joshua because of the focus on holy war. How does the author of the textbook suggest that we deal with this challenge?
Chapter 13
The stories of the judges cover about a 200 year period. The stories have a repeated four-fold pattern. List the four repeating parts.
The judges in the Old Testament are different than Judges today. Describe the role of the judge in Old Testament times.
Chapter 14
It is said that Samuel was a transitionary leader for Israel. What does this mean?
Why was the desire for a king seen as a rejection of God?
Chapter 15
Describe the meaning of the Davidic Covenant. How is the Davidic Covenant similar to the Abrahamic covenant but different than the Sinai Covenant? (Hint: see pages 78, 102-104, and 170.)

10) Read the assigned passages from 1 Samuel
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%201-4:1&version=NRSV – (Click to Read)

Read the summary statements at the end of chapter 14.
Read the sidebars that are labeled with a “T” on pages 159,160.
Submit a personal reflection that is at least 200 words.
Briefly summarize what was going on in the assigned passage (s).
Reflect on what you think the meaning is for us today. What is being taught in the Bible readings for this week?
Hint: The sidebar readings labeled “T” may provide you clues.

11) Describe the nature and purpose of the temple in Jerusalem. Hint: see pages 180,181, and 182.
Describe some of the factors that led to the revolt of the northern tribes which results in a divided Israel. Hint: see pages 183-184, also 1 Kings 12:1-33.
Describe one idea that was helpful for your biblical understanding from one of the sidebar sections labeled “H” from chapter 17. Be sure to list the page number on which the sidebar is found. Be sure to say why and/or how it was helpful.

12) Chapter 18 in the textbook tells the history of how the Assyrians, then the Babylonians, and finally the Persians conquered the land of Israel and Judah. The temple was destroyed and many of the Jews were carried off into exile. This created a major faith crisis for the Jews.
Read Psalm 137 that is printed on page 206 in the “H” sidebar.
Read carefully the section about the “Theological Crisis and Its Outcome” beginning on page 205.
After completing the reading above, post a 200 word personal reflection. Respond to one of these questions:
Have you ever experienced a theological crisis because of a tragic circumstance in your life? Please share a little about the theological crisis and the outcome for you. Do you see any parallels to the experience of the people of Jerusalem who survived the destruction of their temple and nation?
How have you seen others experience a theological crisis as the result of personal suffering? What lessons can we learn from biblical history that might provide some hope?

13) Describe the role and function of Israel’s prophets.
How are Israel’s prophet’s similar to modern day preachers?
Compare and Contrast prophetic eschatology with apocalyptic eschatology.
The classical period of prophecy was between 800-450 BCE. Review the timeline of events during this period (Click to Read). Read the “Situational Prophetic Message” (Click to View) slide.
How did the events of this era impact or effect the message of the prophets?

14) Reflect on the past 8 weeks of learning.
Review and Summarize the key persons and themes of the Old Testament. (This should require a 2-3 paragraphs.)
How do these themes prepare us for the New Testament?
(You might want to refer to the timeline of dates posted in week 7 (Click to Read). You may also find helpful clues and summaries by reviewing the sidebars marked with “T’s,” especially chapter 31, and 32 The appendix 375 might be helpful, too.)