Books of the Old Testament
The Deuteronomic Cycle describes the repeated pattern of Israel’s disobedience, punishment, repentance, and restoration. What is the main lesson of this cycle in the Bible?
What is the lesson that disobedience to God leads to consequences, but repentance brings forgiveness and restoration?
In the story of Cain and Abel, Cain becomes jealous of Abel and kills him. What was the reason for Cain's jealousy?
What is Cain's offering was not accepted by God, while Abel's offering was, leading Cain to feel rejected and jealous?
God made a great nation out of him
Who is Abraham?
In Genesis 2, God places Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and gives them dominion over creation. What deeper theological significance does the command to "till and keep" the garden (Genesis 2:15) have, and how does it relate to humanity’s role in God's creation?
What is the command to "till and keep" the garden signifying humanity’s responsibility to care for and steward creation, reflecting God's intention for humans to live in a harmonious relationship with the earth and fulfill their role as caretakers of God's creation?
This book explores the transition from Israel's tribal confederation to a monarchy, highlighting themes of obedience, divine kingship, and God's sovereignty over human leaders.
What is 1 Samuel?
The Deuteronomic Cycle is often seen in the book of Judges, where Israel repeatedly turns away from God, faces hardship, repents, and is restored. How does this cycle begin each time?
What is Israel’s disobedience to God and turning to idol worship?
In the Deuteronomic Cycle, God uses foreign nations to punish Israel for their disobedience. Which specific nation does God use to punish Israel after they fall into idol worship in the book of Judges?
What is the Midianites?
In 2 Samuel 7, God makes a covenant with David, promising that his descendants will rule Israel forever. What is the key promise God makes to David in this covenant?
What is that David’s throne will be established forever, and his descendants will continue to rule Israel?
In Exodus 32, Israel’s worship of the Golden Calf contrasts sharply with God's covenantal revelation on Mount Sinai. What does this event reveal about Israel's relationship with God?
What is the tension between Israel's disobedience and God's holiness, highlighting their need for atonement?
The Deuteronomic Cycle emphasizes the relationship between Israel’s leadership and their faithfulness to God. How does the leadership of the judges impact Israel's adherence to this cycle, especially in times of crisis?
What is the judges’ role in guiding Israel back to God during times of crisis, but their death leading to a return to disobedience and idolatry?
Moses' staff plays a significant role in several key events, such as parting the Red Sea and bringing water from a rock. How does the staff symbolize God's power and authority, and what does its use reveal about Moses' relationship with God throughout his leadership?
What is the staff symbolizing God’s presence and authority, showing that Moses' leadership is empowered by God, and emphasizing the need for obedience and faith in God’s power?
In Genesis 9, God establishes the Noahic Covenant after the flood, promising never to destroy the earth by water again. What is the significance of the rainbow as a sign of this covenant, and how does it relate to God's faithfulness and relationship with humanity?
What is the rainbow symbolizing God's promise of mercy and faithfulness, serving as a reminder that despite humanity's sin, God will never again bring a global flood, emphasizing His commitment to His creation?
After Solomon's death, the kingdom splits in 1 Kings 12. How does this division show the impact of bad leadership and turning away from God?
What is the division of Israel showing that bad leadership and turning to idols lead to consequences, and true leaders must stay faithful to God?
The Deuteronomic Cycle teaches that the key to Israel’s stability is their obedience to God’s law. How does the cycle in the books of Judges and Kings contrast the faithfulness of earlier leaders like Joshua with the failure of later kings like Ahab?
What is the contrast between Israel’s obedience under faithful leaders like Joshua and the idolatry and disobedience under kings like Ahab, showing the consequences of leadership that fails to follow God’s commands?
In the books from Genesis to 1 Samuel, fire and water are frequently used as symbols of God's presence, judgment, and power. How do these elements function in key events like the burning bush (Exodus 3), the flood (Genesis 6-9), and Elijah's challenge on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18)?
What is fire and water symbolizing God's purifying judgment, His covenantal presence, and the dynamic relationship between His holiness and the people's need for repentance, as seen in events like the flood, the burning bush, and Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal?
From Genesis to 1 Kings, several types of covenants are made between God and His people, including unconditional and conditional covenants. How do the Noahic, Abrahamic, and Mosaic covenants differ in their terms, and what is the significance of the Davidic Covenant as a continuation of these promises?
What is the Noahic Covenant being unconditional, promising never again to destroy the earth by flood; the Abrahamic Covenant, unconditional, focusing on the promise of land, descendants, and blessing; the Mosaic Covenant, conditional, based on Israel’s obedience to God’s law; and the Davidic Covenant, which continues the promise of an eternal dynasty through David’s descendants, reflecting God's ongoing faithfulness to His promises?
In Joshua 7-8, the Israelites face defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin, which violates the covenant. After the sin is dealt with, the Israelites are able to conquer Ai in a strategic military campaign. How does the story of Ai illustrate the relationship between Israel’s holiness, obedience to God, and their success or failure in battle, particularly in contrast to the earlier victory at Jericho?
What is the story of Ai demonstrating that Israel's success is contingent on their obedience to God’s commands, with sin causing defeat and divine judgment, while holiness and repentance lead to restoration and victory, thus contrasting Israel’s initial victory at Jericho through God's direct intervention and their failure at Ai due to disobedience?