Short Essays for 2nd Test (one of the following five questions will be on the test):
- Briefly describe the reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah. Although
these reforms were "theological," they have political
economic results. Why is this the case, and how do these reforms
allow Hezekiah and Josiah to build stronger kingdoms (see pp.
232-233 as well lecture notes for this question).
- Briefly describe how the accounts of the occupation of the
land in Joshua and Judges are in tension with each other. How
does a geographical study help us to understand these differences
and tensions? Which account do the "facts" of archaeology
support? In your answer, state briefly what can be said with
some degree of probability about what actually happened with
respect to the occupation of the land at the beginning of the
Iron Age.
- Discuss the origination of the monarchy in Israel and Judah.
In your answer, include discussions of whether the monarchy arises
late in comparison to other nations, the idea of the kingship
of Yahweh, and the kingships of David and Saul.
- Briefly describe what is meant by the term "Deuteronomistic
History." In your answer, include an explanation of how
the book of Deuteronomy functions as an introduction to the Deuteronomic
History, and why the books following Deuteronomy are viewed to
be part of one literary unit. Also include an explanation of
why scholars of identified two redactions or editions of the
Deuteronomistic History.
- How are the covenants with David and Abraham similar, and
how does David fulfill the promises to Abraham?
This is the updated version of the study guide (updated October 14, 2001)