Questions and Answers
Israel did not have very much revelation about the final judgement and alternatives for eternal destiny.
True
Israel was not intended to find spiritual community in the temple.
True
The overall thrust of wisdom literature is to help us develop a unified worldview with God at the center.
True
Which of the following is a common theme of wisdom literature?
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The hope of an Israelite was __________.
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What is a basic theological teaching of the Old Testament regarding rewards and punishments?
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Article 2 of the Retribution Principle is biblically supported.
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Lady Wisdom precedes and facilitates creation.
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The Israelite psalmists focused on vindication rather than appeasement.
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What is the term used for the attempt to pacify an angry deity?
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What does vindication mean?
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The psalmist often expects his deliverance to come in the ______________.
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In the expression 'God will take me to himself,' the verb 'take' is the same verb used of ________.
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What is the alternative to Sheol?
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What is Sheol?
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The Israelites believed that, upon their death, they would see God's face and would not be abandoned to Sheol.
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God's justice may at times be discerned through an understanding of purpose rather than through an understanding of cause.
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Worship in the Old Testament was very different from worship today. List some differences.
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Each wisdom book has its own way of communicating, and we cannot get to its truth until we first understand how the literature worked in the __________.
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Article ___ of the Retribution Principle is true, but not in the sort that offers guarantees.
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_________ involved establishing order at every level and maintaining that order moment by moment.
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_____________ gives an understanding of the moral structure.
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______________ teaches us relationship with God.
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_______________ offers meaning of life (expectation of life should be).
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_________________ focused on the power of love.
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_________________ helps us to see how to live wisely in society and community.
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Study Notes
Wisdom Literature Concepts
- Israel had limited revelation regarding final judgment and eternal destiny.
- Spiritual community was not expected to be found in the temple in ancient Israel.
- Wisdom literature emphasizes a unified worldview with God as the central figure, helping individuals bring order to the chaos of their lives.
Themes and Teachings
- A common theme in wisdom literature is Creation.
- The hope of Israelites revolved around the next covenant generation, not immediate fulfillment.
- The Retribution Principle states that rewards and punishments are based on adherence to God's laws, anchored in the belief of God's justice.
Perspectives on Praise and Justice
- Article 2 of the Retribution Principle lacks biblical support.
- Lady Wisdom is portrayed as preceding and facilitating creation.
- Israelite psalmists sought vindication instead of appeasement, underscoring a justice-focused perspective.
Concepts of Conflict and Resolution
- Appeasement describes attempts to placate deities, often implying justice is not the issue.
- Vindication is the status of being declared innocent amid misfortune.
- The psalmist traditionally expects deliverance in the morning.
Afterlife Beliefs
- The expression "God will take me to himself" refers to Enoch.
- The alternative to Sheol—the abode of the dead in the Old Testament—is continued life on earth.
- Israelites believed they would not be abandoned to Sheol upon death and expected to see God's face.
Understanding God’s Justice
- God's justice may be understood through purpose rather than cause; circumstances can reveal justice.
- Worship in the Old Testament was unique, lacking regular gatherings, being largely oral, and undetermined prayer frequency.
Cultural Context of Wisdom Literature
- Each wisdom book communicates its truths through the lens of its cultural environment.
- Article 1 of the Retribution Principle is affirmed; Article 2 is not, illustrated by Luke 13:1-5 and John 9:1-5.
Role and Structure of Wisdom Books
- Creation involves establishing and maintaining order in society, underpinned by wisdom.
- The book of Job provides insights into moral structures.
- Psalms addresses the relationship with God.
- Ecclesiastes presents existential reflections on life's expectations.
- Song of Songs highlights the power of love.
- Proverbs offers guidance on living wisely within society and community.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 3 of Wisdom Literature as Scripture. This quiz uses true or false statements to challenge your understanding of Israel's spiritual revelations and community intentions. Engage with the material to deepen your grasp of this important theological topic.
