Old Testament (OT) Survey Practice Exam

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• ______________ are stories retelling historical events that are intended to give meaning and direction to a given people in the present.
• What biblical figure advocated for the poor and marginalized in Israel?
• Which book quotes the book of Joel?
• True or False: Deuteronomy 6:4 demonstrates God's requirement of polytheism.
• Every how many years was Israel to have a Sabbatical year, where fields were left unplowed?
• Which character is known for his wisdom in the Old Testament?
• What does the term "exegesis" primarily refer to in biblical studies?
• Is our understanding of scripture equivalent to the Holy Spirit's meaning?
• Are the minor prophets considered less important than the major prophets?
• Did God himself inscribe the Ten Commandments on the stone tablets?
• What is the overarching message of the book of Lamentations regarding God?
• Which city is primarily associated with Ezekiel's ministry?
• Which king is associated with the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem?
• How is the Hebrew title of the book of Numbers translated?
• Which of the following is typically not considered a common narrative structure?
• Which of the following is NOT a key idea from the book of Ecclesiastes?
• Who is noted for his prophetic ministry alongside Haggai?
• If a man died without having a son, who was obligated to father a son for his widow?
• What significant artifact did the Israelites carry with them in battle, representing God's presence?
• What was the most important religious artifact in Israel?
• True or false: The phrase "in those days Israel had no king" appears frequently in the book of Judges.
• Which statement about unique interpretations of the Bible is accurate?
• Isaiah 53 describes what?
• Who was Samuel's mother?
• Which category does the Old Testament law belong to?
• Can wisdom be taught and passed from one generation to the next?
• What role did Ezra play in post-exilic Jerusalem?
• What type of meaning is often not directly stated but inferred in the narratives?
• The prophets in the Old Testament served as _________________ enforcement mediators.
• What significant issue led to Solomon's reign beginning well but ending poorly?
• What was the relationship of Abigail to Nabal the Carmelite?
• What theme does Qoheleth promote in Ecclesiastes?
• What is the primary focus of the book of Zechariah in relation to Haggai's message?
• The name Deuteronomy, from the Greek title for the book, means what?
• Ruth belonged to which nation?
• Who, king of Persia, made a proclamation to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem?
• God's relationship with Israel is illustrated by whose marriage?
• Only that which is explicitly renewed from the Old Testament law can be considered part of which law in the New Testament?
• Theory of translation has to do with whether one puts primary emphasis on _____________________ or _____________________ equivalency.
• What aspect of life was Haggai particularly critical about?
• In what situation does the narrative in Deuteronomy primarily express covenant renewal?
• What accusation did the people in Malachi make regarding their relationship with God?
• How supportive was Job's wife regarding his faithfulness to the Lord?
• Which of the following is NOT one of Jacob's sons?
• Into how many books is the book of Psalms divided?
• After Saul did not destroy everything belonging to the Amalekites, what did Samuel tell him was better than sacrifice?
• What criteria is NOT used in textual criticism?
• What literary form is often used by the prophets to convey their messages?
• In the Old Testament, who is often seen as a contrast to idolatrous practices during Solomon's reign?
• Which leader constructed two golden calves for worship in the North apart from Jerusalem?
• Which book of the Bible contains prophecies about the day of the Lord?
• Israel was destroyed by whom in 721 BC?
• What is not a basic part of a narrative?
• At which mountain did God make a covenant with Israel?
• What is not considered a major theme of 1 and 2 Samuel?
• What form of spiritual leadership did Eli represent during his time?
• True or False: The background of Isaiah is the invasion of Israel by the Neo-Babylonian empire.
• Which of the following books contains the story of Samuel?
• Who acted as the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth?
• Saul was from the tribe of ___________________.
• Which weapon did David use to defeat Goliath?
• What is typically the goal of theological interpretation?
• What role did the prophets serve in relation to the covenant?
• Do we have access to the original, handwritten manuscripts of the Bible?
• Who provided the counsel that led to the selection of Saul as king?
• What role did prophets serve in relation to the covenant?
• What does casuistic law refer to in the Old Testament?
• After which event did God harden Pharaoh's heart?
• In what way could the Old Testament laws be characterized?
• Which of David's sons tried to take the kingdom from his father?
• As Christians, how should we view the OT Law?
• The messages of the prophets were primarily derived from which source?
• The separation of holy and common is emphasized in what aspect of Old Testament law?
• What role does context play in the interpretation of Scripture?
• In the Book of Esther, who ultimately saves the Jewish people?
• Which methodology could be employed when studying biblical texts?
• The places where manuscripts differ in their reading are called _______________.
• Is it possible to read and understand the Bible without interpreting it?
• True or False: The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally a single book.
• The Book of Jonah focuses on the judgment of which city?
• In addition to Haggai, who was also a significant voice for the rebuilding of the temple?
• What is the central conflict of the plotline in the Book of Esther?
• Which of the following is NOT a form of prophecy found in the Old Testament prophetic books?
• One of the purposes of the book of Hosea was to highlight what issue within Israel?
• In the characterization within the Old Testament, what aspect is highlighted?
• What was the significance of the Exodus event in the Old Testament?
• Who is the antagonist in the Book of Esther that plots against the Jews?
• True or False: The Davidic covenant, while significant in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, is unimportant in the rest of the Old Testament.
• The aim of good interpretation is to get at the _______________ intended meaning.
• Who was the pagan prophet who was sent to curse Israel but ended up blessing them instead?
• True or False: The Moabites returned the ark of the covenant including five gold rats and five gold tumors.
• In 1 Samuel, Samuel functions in which roles?
• What is a significant theme throughout the reign of Solomon as depicted in the Old Testament?
• True or False: The major theme of the book of Haggai is the rebuilding of Jerusalem's city walls.
• True or False: The Old Testament law is not more ethically advanced than its ancient counterparts.
• True or False: The book of Numbers illustrates that God is faithful but allows people to choose rebellion.
• David's friendship and covenant with whom illustrates his nonaggression toward Saul?
• Ritual impurity is not the same as sin, but either can restrict access to God's presence. (True/False)
• Which kingdom did Hosea prophesy to?
• Which of the following is a core message of the Book of Daniel?
• After Job was restored, did God explain to Job why he had to suffer?
• Are plain meanings of the text clear to everyone?
• David's son who defiled his sister is known as _________________.
• How is the Song of Songs often interpreted regarding its content?
• Which two individuals encouraged the building of the temple?
• True or False: During the covenant ceremony with Abraham, only God "walked" between the divided animals.
• In studying the book of Psalms, which background is more relevant?
• Which character is associated with stealing devoted things during the destruction of Jericho?
• Which theme is one of the major focuses in the book of Malachi?
• What does the term "covenant" refer to in the Old Testament context?
• What is the significance of the phrase "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one"?
• What is the main genre found in the Bible?
• Who was the first king of Israel?
• By whom was Judah destroyed in 586 BC?
• What task was assigned to the judges in Israel?
• Which book aimed to expose social injustice within Israel?
• Who did Solomon attempt to kill, who later became king of Israel?
• What was one of King Solomon's notable achievements during his reign?
• What is the primary purpose of narratives in the Old Testament?
• What is one of the significant themes in the Book of Proverbs?
• According to Christian belief, what does the Old Testament represent?
• What is the significance of the covenant ceremony between God and Abraham?
• None of the Old Testament casuistic laws are renewed in the New Testament.
• What was Zerubbabel's primary initiative in Jerusalem?
• What metaphor does Jeremiah commonly use to describe God's relationship with Israel?
• True or false: The concept of God's covenant loyalty is significant in the book of Ruth.
• What is the significance of the Day of Atonement outlined in Leviticus?
• True or False: Knowledge of God is something more than an intellectual assent - it is relational.
• True or False: Amos preached during a prosperous period in Israel's history.
• Which of the following was not a role of Joshua?
• According to Malachi, how did the people claim they had robbed God?
• What general attitude did Malachi challenge among the people of Israel?
• Are the minor prophets considered less important than other prophets?
• What did Haggai rebuke the people for being too focused on?
• The miracles of the Widow's Oil, the Shunamite's son, and Naaman the commander are related to which prophet?
• Most of the poems in Lamentations are composed as what literary structure?
• According to the text, possession of the Promised Land was central to which covenant?
• What significant event occurred when Saul sought counsel from the Medium of Endor?
• What does Proverbs assert about human speech?
• Ezekiel is identified as what profession?
• What is considered the MOST important question in biblical interpretation?
• Why is Jonah upset with the people of Nineveh?
• Which book contains the account of David's covenant with God?
• King Solomon was known for all the following except:
• What is the primary question addressed in the Book of Habakkuk?
• Who were the two faithful spies allowed to enter the Promised Land?
• After the fall of Jerusalem, how many years were the Lord's people in exile?
• Who was the husband of Rebekah in the Old Testament?
• What initiative did Nehemiah undertake in Jerusalem?
• Which prophet rebuked David for his adultery and murder?
• Whose song in the Old Testament is compared to Mary's song in the New Testament?
• Do we have access to the original handwritten manuscripts of the Bible?
• In interpreting scripture, what is an effective first step?
• Which character tricked his brother into selling his birthright for a meal?
• Whose sons were known to be wicked men who disrespected the Lord's offerings?
• Who among the following is known for their association with redemption in the Book of Ruth?
• Is all of the OT law considered the inerrant Word of God for Christians?
• In which book is the sanctity of human sexual expression in the context of marriage captured?
• What critical issue did Malachi address in relation to offerings?
• True or False: The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were originally one single book.
• True or False: The primary function of the law was to set out parameters of relationships and establish loyalty between God and his people.
• Which of the following is NOT a judge of Israel?
• What was a primary reason for the people's request for a monarchy in Samuel?
• What does the "T" stand for in the Jewish OT referred to as the "TaNak"?
• Which prophet was a contemporary of Micah?
• What is the primary concern of the book of Lamentations?
• Who continued the oppressive practices and instigated the division between the northern and southern kingdoms?
• What are the levels of narratives in the Old Testament?
• Which of the following character types is NOT found in Hebrew literary narratives?
• In what year did the city of Jerusalem fall?
• Which book emphasizes public accountability and community responsibility in worship?
• What does the Song of Songs affirm regarding chastity?
• Which language, in addition to Hebrew, is a significant part of the book of Daniel?
• What is the beginning of wisdom according to Proverbs 1:7?
• What type of equivalence aims to convey the original meaning using normal English?
• The role of Moses primarily included what responsibility?
• How many years had passed from the time Abraham's descendants arrived in Egypt until Moses was raised up?
• What rebuke did Haggai give to the people regarding their priorities?
• Which judge was frequently endowed with the Spirit of the Lord to deliver Israel?
• Which book is known for addressing issues related to marriage and divorce in a significant way?
• True or False: The book of Jeremiah occupies more space in the Bible than any other book.
• What is the primary difficulty with interpreting the Psalms?
• True or False: The book of Lamentations teaches that God will not forever abandon His people.
• A text cannot mean what it could never have meant for its ____________________ readers/hearers.
• What characterizes the largest group of psalms?
• Ritual impurity is synonymous with which concept?
• In the Book of Genesis, who killed his brother?
• True or False: The word "law" has more than one connotation in the Bible.
• What type of psalm expresses anger against someone or something directly to or through God?
• Before becoming a prophet, what was Amos's occupation?
• What relationship did David have with Solomon?
• True or False: Ezekiel's ministry took place in Jerusalem after the return from exile.
• How did King Saul die in battle against the Philistines?
• Joel uses the imagery of what to depict impending invasion?
• The prophet ______________________ was called a prophet to Israel and to the nations.
• What is a common literary feature found in the Book of Jonah?
• What was a common criticism against the Israelites found in the prophetic messages?
• What was central to Israel's covenant with God concerning the Promised Land?
• Can God's justice be reduced to a single formula like the retribution principle?
• Which commandment is considered pivotal for defining a relationship with God and others?
• Which of the following is NOT a major theme of 1 Samuel?
• In the books of Samuel, what form of government did the people desire to be established?
• Is the dating of the Psalms considered a significant exegetical problem?
• What is considered the "great equalizer" according to Ecclesiastes?
• What is one implication of reading the English Bible?
• According to biblical understanding, what is wisdom?
• The rules from the Old Testament to the New Testament have changed because what has also changed?
• Who is considered the father of many nations in the Old Testament?
• What is the primary function of the Old Testament prophets?
• What was a key characteristic of the prophetic messages in the Old Testament?
• What command did Pharaoh give to the Hebrew midwives?
• True or False: It is suggested in the Old Testament that anyone can be saved by keeping the law.
• Which figure played a significant role in transitioning Israel from judges to monarchy?
• What was a significant concern raised in the book of Malachi?
• What was the consequence of David's sin involving Bathsheba?
• According to Jewish and Christian tradition, who wrote the book of Exodus?
• Which of the following is NOT recognized as a Biblical language?
• Which of the following describes the literary style of the Psalms?
• In translation theory, primary emphasis can be placed on which two types of equivalency?
• What was one of the major signs of God's displeasure with Saul?
• How does the Old Testament contribute to a Christian's spiritual understanding?
• Decalogue is another name for what?
• One of the major themes of Leviticus is the holiness of God. (True/False)
• Who was deceived by his uncle into marrying his daughters?
• The role of prophets included delivering messages about which fundamental issue?
• What does God hold nations accountable for according to Amos's message?
• Which miracle is NOT associated with the prophet Elisha?
• How does Hebrew narrative typically compare to modern narrative?
• What major theme relates to the downfall of rulers in the Book of Daniel?
• According to the understanding of the Bible, how should it be perceived?
• Which book is not typically considered a good example of wisdom literature?
• True or False: True worship of God is connected to how we treat others made in God's image.
• One of the significant interpretive issues for the book of Joel is its what?
• Which book of the Old Testament contains the story of Joseph?
• How does historical context influence biblical interpretation?
• What did Solomon request from the Lord when He appeared to him at Gibeon?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the Ancient Near Eastern law codes?
• Was wisdom literature uncommon in most ancient cultures?
• Who was the priest of Midian and father-in-law to Moses?
• Which of the following prophets is known for the vision of dry bones?
• Is reading the Bible in translation considered acceptable?
• During which significant event in Israel's history did Jeremiah function as a prophet?
• Which term refers to the commandments and ethical guidelines given in the Book of Deuteronomy?
• Did the prophets announce doctrines that were not included in the Pentateuch?
• What is true about Old Testament narratives?
• Which prophet is known for addressing the concept of spiritual adultery?
• In which context does Ezekiel's theodicy operate?
• Why is it important to consider author intent in biblical interpretation?
• Why might changes be introduced to the text of Scripture?
• What does Qoheleth contend in Ecclesiastes regarding the search for life meaning?
• What did the Philistines include when they returned the Ark of the Covenant?
• Which queen visited Solomon to test him with hard questions?
• The book of Leviticus contains instructions for all of the following except what?
• Which book follows the narrative style similar to the book of Ruth concerning loyalty and family?
• Which concept is reflected in the Shema?
• What was Daniel primarily known for during his time in Babylon?
• Is the book of Exodus a part of the Pentateuch?
• Why might changes be introduced to the text of Scriptures?
• What is a type of Old Testament law?
• Are unique interpretations of the Bible generally considered correct?
• What significant theme is found throughout the messages of the prophets?
• In the book of Samuel, the people sought to change their government from a ____________________ to a ________________.
• What event does Jeremiah 52 best describe?
• In which century BC did the prophet Isaiah live?
• One of the main purposes of Numbers is to summarize and renew the law. (True/False)
• During which Jewish festival is the Book of Esther read annually?
• Every seven years, Israel was to observe which type of year, where the fields were left unplowed?
• What is a suggested method for using Bible translations effectively?
• How many censuses are recorded in the book of Numbers?
• What was the primary role of a judge in Israel?
• True or False: Saul was generally viewed as a good and successful king.
• Exegesis is primarily a ___________________ task.
• What was true of Israel's historical situation coming out of Egypt?
• True or False: Jeremiah teaches that Yahweh rules over all nations, not just Israel and Judah.
• What is considered the most crucial question in biblical interpretation?
• What is the oldest interpretive approach to Song of Songs?
• Which of the following is not a major theme in the book of Deuteronomy?
• What was Moses told to reply when the children of Israel asked what was the name of God?
• Which concept is prevalent in the discussions found within Ecclesiastes?
• How many censuses were recorded in the book of Numbers?
• Which of the following statements is true about Israel's leadership during the time of Judges?
• What type of government did Daniel serve in?
• What literary form is primarily used in Lamentations to express sorrow?
• What is one of the key ideas in the book of Exodus?
• Which of the following best describes the purpose of the covenant in 2 Samuel 7?
• Are all readers of the English Bible engaged in interpretation?
• Which statement best summarizes the Bible's content?
• Which of the following best describes the relationship between David and Saul throughout most of Saul’s reign?
• Which Biblical figure rose from prison to become second in command in Egypt?
• A brief, particular expression of truth is known as what?
• Which section of theology is the Book of Ezekiel primarily concerned with?
• In which context did Hosea’s marriage serve as a metaphor?
• Who anointed both Saul and David to be king?
• According to Amos, what issue demonstrated spiritual sickness within society?
• To which empire did the northern kingdom fall in 722 BC?
• What was the significance of the law in ancient Israel?
• Which of the following is not a major geographical area in the Book of Numbers?
• Which prophet's work fundamentally emphasizes social justice?
• What is an aspect of characterization in the Old Testament?
• What theme does the book of Lamentations focus on regarding the people of Judah?
• What was the view of rabbis and early church fathers about the Son of Songs?
• What is Amos' hometown?
• In which book would you find commentary on the role of priests in relation to the people's offerings?
• Who was the last king to rule a united Israel?
• The message of prophets were often centered around what theme related to Israel?
• Who is traditionally believed to have authored Genesis?
• Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" is commonly referred to as the what?
• Which aspect of Israel's identity was emphasized by prophets like Amos?
• Which event marks the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign?
• Against which nation does the book of Obadiah pronounce divine judgment?
• What was a significant reason for Israel needing to learn after leaving Egypt?
• What does Bible translation require according to the text?
• What prophetic book is primarily concerned with social justice and the treatment of the poor?
• Which group destroyed Israel and in what year?
• Who was the youngest of Israel's sons?
• In the book of ________________, the prophet sees God seated on His throne while the seraphim surround Him singing, "Holy, Holy, Holy..."
• Which city did David capture and make the capital of Israel?
• __________________ teaching is that which is clearly present in the story but not stated in so many words.
• Adam and Eve were at the base of which tree in the Garden of Eden when they ate the forbidden fruit?
• Was Hosea's message delivered before the destruction of the northern kingdom?
• Which book of the Old Testament primarily focuses on laws and regulations for the Israelites?
• Which major theme is most associated with the book of Jeremiah?
• What is the name of the son Abraham had with Hagar, Sarah's maidservant?
• Who became one in spirit with David and loved him as himself?
• What is a key characteristic of the book of Joshua regarding Israel's conquests?
• What is notable about the book of Obadiah?
• What is one of the main purposes of the book of Deuteronomy?
• What was the sign given to Abraham to signify his covenant with God?
• Who was Jeremiah's scribe?
• According to the retribution principle, what happens to a righteous person?
• What are the differences in readings of biblical manuscripts called?
• What aspect of faith is emphasized through the account of the two faithful spies?
• Which approach should one avoid when using Bible translations?
• What does the Hebrew title of the book of Numbers translate to?
• True or False: The book of Numbers aims to summarize the law of God.
• In commemoration of the final plague and freedom from bondage in Egypt, Israel celebrated a festival known as the what?
• What is the primary focus of exegesis?
• Which theme relates to God's intervention in human affairs within the Book of Esther?
• What is the major theme of the book of Exodus?
• Is understanding the historical background of Job essential for interpreting the book?
• Proverbs 31:10-31 is an acrostic poem that extols the virtues of which character?
• In what context are the blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy?
• Which of the following is not an aspect of the fear of the Lord?
• Who is known for hiding the spies in Jericho?
• Which term is used for the overarching story that connects individual narratives in the Old Testament?
• Which statement is true about the nature of the Bible?
• Who fulfills the Davidic covenant in 2 Samuel 7 as the son of David?
• Which statement accurately reflects the theme of military victories in the book of Joshua?
• What is the nature of the Bible according to the text?