Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the Hebrew word 'Nabi' signify?
What does the Hebrew word 'Nabi' signify?
- A guardian of the law
- One who speaks for another (correct)
- A messenger of peace
- A leader of the community
Which of these is NOT considered a primary characteristic of a prophet?
Which of these is NOT considered a primary characteristic of a prophet?
- Being a critic of idolatry
- Being an advocate of the Law
- Being a political leader (correct)
- Being a messenger of hope
What distinguishes the 'major' prophets from the 'minor' prophets?
What distinguishes the 'major' prophets from the 'minor' prophets?
- The length of their respective books (correct)
- Their position in the religious hierarchy
- The number of followers each prophet had
- The importance of their message
Which of the following is a central theme found in the messages of the prophets?
Which of the following is a central theme found in the messages of the prophets?
What kind of relationship is typically described between prophets and God?
What kind of relationship is typically described between prophets and God?
What significant event occurred in 586 BC, marking a major turning point for the Kingdom of Judah?
What significant event occurred in 586 BC, marking a major turning point for the Kingdom of Judah?
What was a primary method used by the Assyrians to conquer and control conquered territories?
What was a primary method used by the Assyrians to conquer and control conquered territories?
During the Babylonian Exile, what practice did the deported Jews emphasize to maintain their identity?
During the Babylonian Exile, what practice did the deported Jews emphasize to maintain their identity?
How did the absence of the Temple in Jerusalem impact Jewish religious practice during the Babylonian Exile?
How did the absence of the Temple in Jerusalem impact Jewish religious practice during the Babylonian Exile?
What action by Cyrus the Great of Persia had a major impact on the Jewish people?
What action by Cyrus the Great of Persia had a major impact on the Jewish people?
What significant event occurred in 515 BC in the context of Jewish history?
What significant event occurred in 515 BC in the context of Jewish history?
Following the return from exile, what two primary classes of leaders emerged in Judah?
Following the return from exile, what two primary classes of leaders emerged in Judah?
What was a key goal of Hellenism, a cultural movement established by Alexander the Great?
What was a key goal of Hellenism, a cultural movement established by Alexander the Great?
Which dynasty was directly established following the Maccabean Revolt?
Which dynasty was directly established following the Maccabean Revolt?
What impact did Alexander the Great's conquests have on the known world (to the Greeks)?
What impact did Alexander the Great's conquests have on the known world (to the Greeks)?
What was a key religious practice that Antiochus IV attempted to suppress among the Jews?
What was a key religious practice that Antiochus IV attempted to suppress among the Jews?
What significant linguistic shift was associated with the Hellenistic period?
What significant linguistic shift was associated with the Hellenistic period?
What significant event is commemorated by the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah?
What significant event is commemorated by the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah?
Which factor contributed to the Jewish people's general dissatisfaction with Roman rule?
Which factor contributed to the Jewish people's general dissatisfaction with Roman rule?
Which term best describes the Jewish group that sought to accommodate Roman rule?
Which term best describes the Jewish group that sought to accommodate Roman rule?
What was a notable characteristic of Roman governance in conquered territories?
What was a notable characteristic of Roman governance in conquered territories?
Which action is NOT associated with Herod the Great?
Which action is NOT associated with Herod the Great?
Who succeeded Herod the Great as ruler over Judea, Samaria, and Idumea?
Who succeeded Herod the Great as ruler over Judea, Samaria, and Idumea?
Which prophet is known for taunting the pagan practices of the king and people?
Which prophet is known for taunting the pagan practices of the king and people?
Which prophet succeeded Elijah?
Which prophet succeeded Elijah?
Which prophet's message focused on concrete deeds of mercy and justice for the weak and poor?
Which prophet's message focused on concrete deeds of mercy and justice for the weak and poor?
Which prophet's message centered around Israel's infidelity to God, while still emphasizing God's love for His people?
Which prophet's message centered around Israel's infidelity to God, while still emphasizing God's love for His people?
What is the approximate span of time covered by the prophecies in the Book of Isaiah?
What is the approximate span of time covered by the prophecies in the Book of Isaiah?
Which section of the Book of Isaiah contains the 'Suffering Servant Songs'?
Which section of the Book of Isaiah contains the 'Suffering Servant Songs'?
Which prophet is associated with the image of God as the potter and the people as the clay?
Which prophet is associated with the image of God as the potter and the people as the clay?
Which prophet foretold a time when God would bring a universal reign of peace?
Which prophet foretold a time when God would bring a universal reign of peace?
Which prophet is known for emphasizing the importance of the Temple and its worship?
Which prophet is known for emphasizing the importance of the Temple and its worship?
Which kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 BC?
Which kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 BC?
What happened to the Israelites who were deported by the Assyrians?
What happened to the Israelites who were deported by the Assyrians?
When did the Babylonian Empire defeat the Assyrian Empire?
When did the Babylonian Empire defeat the Assyrian Empire?
Which of the following is classified as a 'Major Prophet'?
Which of the following is classified as a 'Major Prophet'?
In which era did the prophet Ezekiel serve?
In which era did the prophet Ezekiel serve?
Which of these prophets was NOT from the northern kingdom?
Which of these prophets was NOT from the northern kingdom?
Flashcards
Nabi
Nabi
Hebrew word meaning 'one who speaks for another'
Characteristics of a Prophet
Characteristics of a Prophet
Seven traits that define a prophet's role and function
Basic Themes of Prophets
Basic Themes of Prophets
Major messages communicated by prophets, such as justice and worship
Major vs. Minor Prophets
Major vs. Minor Prophets
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Prophets' Role
Prophets' Role
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Minor Prophets
Minor Prophets
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Major Prophets
Major Prophets
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Pre-Exilic Prophets
Pre-Exilic Prophets
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During Exile Prophets
During Exile Prophets
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Post-Exilic Prophets
Post-Exilic Prophets
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Elijah
Elijah
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Amos
Amos
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Isaiah
Isaiah
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Jeremiah
Jeremiah
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Hosea
Hosea
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Micah
Micah
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Lost Tribes of Israel
Lost Tribes of Israel
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Ezekiel
Ezekiel
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Babylonian Exile
Babylonian Exile
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Division of the Kingdom
Division of the Kingdom
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Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar
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Judah
Judah
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High Priest
High Priest
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Scribes
Scribes
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Second Temple
Second Temple
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Cyrus the Great
Cyrus the Great
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Hellenism
Hellenism
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Koine Greek
Koine Greek
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Judaism
Judaism
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Ptolemies of Egypt
Ptolemies of Egypt
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Seleucids of Syria
Seleucids of Syria
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Antiochus IV
Antiochus IV
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Maccabean Revolt
Maccabean Revolt
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Feast of Hanukkah
Feast of Hanukkah
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Hasmonean Dynasty
Hasmonean Dynasty
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Herod the Great
Herod the Great
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Herod Archelaus
Herod Archelaus
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Study Notes
The Bridge Between the Old and New Testament
- The Prophets, Historical and Political World
Timeline of the Sprint Through Salvation History (Genesis to Royal Kingdom)
- The timeline traces salvation history from Genesis to the Royal Kingdom period
- It includes key events, people, and books from the period.
- The timeline is depicted visually with different colored sections for various periods.
Prophets
- Called to speak on God's behalf, announcing God's message to the people
- Hebrew word meaning "one who speaks for another"
- Intimate relationship with God
- Spoke about God intimately
- Often used harsh and violent language, yet filled with love and compassion
- Message for all people, not just Israel
- Concern for the poor and marginalized
- Remind people of the covenant
Seven Characteristics of a Prophet
- Outsiders
- Called by God
- Advocates of the Law
- Critics of Idolatry
- Voices of Justice
- A Warning of Judgment
- Messengers of Hope
Prophets' Basic Themes
- Worship the one true God
- Be just, especially to the poor and those in need
- Know that God will ultimately triumph
- Accept God's love and mercy
Major and Minor Prophets
- Classification of prophets based on the length of their book, not importance
- Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel are Major Prophets
- Includes Joel, Hosea, Micah, Obadiah, Amos, Jonah, Habakkuk, Nanum, Zechariah, Malachi, Zephaniah as Minor Prophets
Eras of Prophets
- PRE-EXILIC: Prophets before the exile occurred. The period before the northern and southern kingdoms' exile.
- DURING EXILE: Prophets who spoke during the Babylonian exile, particularly the southern tribes.
- POST-EXILIC: Prophets who spoke after the Babylonian exile; the period of consolidation after the exile.
- The classification divides the prophetic messages by various historical periods within the Jewish history,
Prophets of the Northern Kingdom
- Elijah and Elisha: 1 Kings/2 Kings - These prophets spoke against pagan practices and promoted worship of God
- Amos and Hosea: Prophets who spoke against idolatry. Amos the shepherd foretold the small remnant of the people surviving destruction and taught worship of God. However the message Hosea was for those remaining, to come back to God, even though their lack of faithfulness resulted.
Prophets of the Southern Kingdom
- Isaiah: Collection of prophecies spanning 250 years. Message: repentance and the coming of the Messiah
- Jeremiah: Preached justice, foretold the punishment for Israel's sins, taught by parables, predicted a new covenant written on hearts
- Micah: Contemporary of Isaiah, warned of coming judgement, foretold God would bring universal reign of peace
Isaiah
- Three sections
- Pre-exile, second-Isaiah, and Third-Isaiah, each covering different periods and themes in the prophetic book of Isaiah.
- Pre-exile Isaiah, with chapters 1-39, focused on the birth of the Messiah, the virgin birth.
- Second Isaiah (chapters 40-55) delivered compassionate messages during the Babylonian exile. It contained messages of the coming promises.
- Third Isaiah (chapters 56-66) spoke about the oracles from after the exile. This had messages for the coming of the Messiah and God's redeeming grace.
Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Micah
- Jeremiah: Preached justice, foretold the punishment for Israel's sins, described a new covenant
- Ezekiel: Served as a priestly prophet during the exile, emphasized the importance of the Temple and worship.
- Micah: Contemporary of Isaiah, dealt with coming judgement and God's universal reign of peace and the coming of the Messiah.
The Kingdom Divided
- Following Solomon's death, Israel was divided into two kingdoms.
- Israel (10 tribes) in the north and Judah (2 tribes) in the south
Northern Kingdom Captured
- The Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed by Assyria in 722 BC
- 27,000 Israelites were deported into exile
- Eventually merged and were known as the Lost Tribes of Israel.
Judah and the Babylonians
- Babylonian empire defeated the Assyrian empire in 609 BC
- 597-586 BC: Babylon deports the middle and upper class of Judah
- The "people of the land" remained in Judea
- After a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC
- This period between 597-538BC is known as the Babylonian Exile.
Assyrians and Babylonians
- Assyrians conquered by deporting citizens, and intermarried from 746-609 BC
- Babylonians defeated the Assyrian empire, taking control of lands from 609-539 BC
- Their conquering lands through deporting the wealthy and intelligent of the people to the capital of the empire.
Judah in the Babylonian Exile
- Deported Jews distinguished themselves from captors through studying the Law, observing the Sabbath, and continuing circumcision
- Worshipping occurred in synagogues
Judah and the Persian Empire
- Persians, under Cyrus the Great, conquered the Babylonians in 538 BC
- Permitted the return of the Jews to Judah
Return from the Exile
- In 515 BC, many exiled Jews returned to Judah and rebuilt the temple
- The Jewish people were united under a High Priest
- Religion became known as Judaism
- Led to the development of two main classes of leaders: priests and scribes.

Hellenistic Influence
- Alexander the Great defeated the Persian Empire (in 334 BC)
- Unified Greek culture
- Known as Hellenism.
- Coined the word Koine (common Greek).
Palestine in the Hellenistic Age
- After Alexander's death, two families (Ptolemies of Egypt and Seleucids of Syria) fought for control of Palestine
- Ptolemies were kind to jews
- Seleucids led by Antiochus IV tried to impose Hellenistic culture on the Jews in 198-63 BC
- Disallowed circumcision, sabbath worship, Temple sacrifice and pork.
Maccabean Revolt
- Revolt against the Greeks by Jews led by Judas Matthias
- Recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple in 164 BC
- Commemorated through the Feast of Hanukkah
Hasmonean Dynasty
- Formed after Maccabaean revolt from 164 to 63 BC
- Governed by the Jews
- Brought glory and political freedom to the Jews.

- Led to conversions
- Founded Jewish communities
The Roman Empire
- Romans took over the Seleucids and Ptolemies
- Maintained peace, control, and avoided revolts
- Did not declare an official religion; appointed their leaders within the conquered people
The Roman Empire - Cont.
- Jewish people did not like Roman rule, due to heavy taxation, and ruling their land
Herod the Great
- Ruled as king of Judea (37 to 4 BC).
- Not a pure Jew
- Hated by Jews
- Reconstructed the Temple
- Ordered the killing of all firstborn male babies in Bethlehem
Herod Archelaus
- Ruled from 4 BC to 6 AD
- Son of Herod the Great
- Exiled because of violence
Herod Antipas
- Ruled Galilee and Perea (4-39 AD)
- Beheaded John the Baptist and returned Jesus to Pilate
Philip the Tetrarch
- Half-brother of other sons of Herod
- Ruled Northern territories of Palestine from 4 - 34 AD
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