Study Questions & Essay Topics
Study Questions
1. What are some
of the ways God appears to humans in the Old Testament? How do these
appearances change between biblical books? What do they suggest
about the themes and purposes of each book?
2. Discuss the
role of geography in the development of the biblical story. What
is the relationship between physical location and religious well-being
in the Old Testament?
3. Discuss the
role of female characters in the Old Testament. To what extent do
the biblical writers portray women in a positive or negative light?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. What are some of the signs
or symbols of God's covenant with humankind? How do they change
over the course of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old
Testament)?
2. Compare and contrast Moses
and David as national and religious leaders of Israel. How are they
alike in their responses to those who oppose them? How are they
different?
3. Discuss some of the characters
who experience a reversal of fortune in the Old Testament. What
is common or unique about their experiences? What religious ideals
does the Old Testament portray in their reversal?
4. What are some of the images
used in biblical poetry to depict God, humans, and the conflict
between good and evil? How do these metaphors continue the themes
and motifs of the Old Testament?
5. Compare and contrast Abraham
and his grandson Jacob as patriarchs, or fathers, of the Hebrew
people. In what sense do their experiences foreshadow the struggles
of the Israelites?
