Topic 7 Reading Review

This review will help you prepare for your course discussions, assignments, and exams. It is
important to cite your sources in order to avoid intentional or unintentional plagiarism, either of
which is a violation of the University Code of Conduct. Only use the Bible and course readings
to complete this review.
The questions will always come directly from the topic readings. Be sure to cite the textbook or
the Bible in each answer. When a textbook reading is being cited you can just provide the page
number at the end of the sentence. Example: (p.123). When citing the Bible be sure to cite book,
chapter, and verse(s). Example: (Genesis 1:26–28). If you do not cite the textbook properly there
will be a deduction. Do not use internet websites. Answer each question fully. Each answer
should be a minimum of 50 words, but many answers might require more content.

Part I:
Questions in part I will be from the assigned sections of Encountering the Old Testament: A
Christian Survey.

1. Name and describe the main theological themes within the book of Daniel.
A central theme in the book of Daniel is the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs even
in the face of adversity. Despite facing intense pressure to conform, Daniel and his companions
remain steadfast in their convictions. The book also highlights instances where God intervenes
to safeguard His followers, like in the rescue of Daniel's friends from a fiery furnace and
Daniel from a den of lions, showing His ability to guide us through challenging circumstances.
The book emphasizes the significance of maintaining hope for the future, assuring us that
ultimate justice will prevail and promising a deliverer who will bring salvation. The book of
Daniel emphasizes the need to have faith in God's supremacy and to persevere in times of trial,
trusting in His power to sustain us through life's difficulties (P. 534).
2. Name and describe the problems of interpretation within the book of Daniel.
The Book of Daniel presents interpretive challenges, including historical discrepancies, dual
languages, and symbolic visions. Debates come up over its dating, on whether it was written
during the Babylonian exile or the Maccabean period, and the meanings of the seventy weeks
prophecy, Son of Man, and end-time visions. These complexities make Daniel difficult to
interpret as it blends historical context, symbolic language, and theological messages (P. 538).
3. How did Hosea's marriage and family background shape his prophetic ministry?
Hosea’s marriage and family life was a metaphor for Israel’s relationship with God, shaping
his prophetic message. God instructed Hosea to marry Gomer, an unfaithful woman, mirroring
Israel’s spiritual adultery through idol worship and covenantal disobedience. This personal
experience illustrated God’s heartbreak over Israel’s betrayal, which made Hosea’s message
both relatable and emotionally valid. During Gomer's betrayal, Hosea continued to show
unconditional love and redemption, serving as a reminder of God's enduring mercy and
forgiveness towards those who repent, like Israel. The symbolic names of Hosea’s children
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 emphasized the consequences of Israel’s sin and offered hope for restoration, as their names
were later reversed to signify God’s promise of renewed relationship. Hosea's painful marriage
stressed the relational nature of God’s covenant with Israel, showing that God’s bond with His
people was rooted not just in legal obligation but in personal loyalty and love (550).
4. How does Joel present the theme of the Day of the Lord?
Joel’s message on the “Day of the Lord” intertwines judgment with hope, presenting it as both
a warning of imminent punishment and a promise of future restoration. He begins by
portraying a locust plague as a symbol of divine judgment, urging Israel to recognize the
destruction because of their sin and a call to repentance. This Day of the Lord is not only about
judgment, however, as Joel calls the people to heartfelt repentance, assuring them of God’s
mercy if they return to Him. Joel envisions a future of blessing where God will restore Israel,
pour out His Spirit, and bring justice to Israel’s enemies. Joel conveys both the seriousness of
God’s justice and the hope of renewal for those who seek Him (P. 554).
5. Who is Obadiah's prophecy focused against and why?
Obadiah’s prophecy pronounces judgment on Edom for betraying Israel, especially during
times of invasion, despite their shared ancestry. Edom’s pride in their secure, mountainous
strongholds led to arrogance, but Obadiah warns that God will humble them. Instead of aiding
Israel, Edom plundered, blocked escape routes, and captured fugitives, actions that will bring
divine retribution. Obadiah’s message emphasizes justice, foretelling Edom’s desolation and
Israel’s restoration on the Day of the Lord when all nations will be held accountable (P.563).
6. What did Jonah do at first when God commanded him to go to Nineveh and preach?
What is the main theological point of Jonah's preaching to Nineveh?
When God commanded Jonah to preach to Nineveh, Jonah initially disobeyed by fleeing
toward Tarshish instead. His attempt to escape led to a series of events where he was thrown
overboard, swallowed by a large fish, and eventually given a second chance to obey. Jonah’s
message to Nineveh warned of impending judgment, yet the Ninevites responded with sincere
repentance, leading God to withhold His punishment. This story highlights God’s universal
mercy and readiness to forgive all who repent, showing that His compassion extends beyond
Israel to all nations (P. 566).
7. What are some similarities between Micah's message and Amos's message?
Micah and Amos address social injustice, corruption, and idolatry in Israel and Judah,
condemning the exploitation of the poor and corrupt leadership. Both prophets warn of God’s
impending judgment but also offer hope of restoration for those who repent. Amos envisions
the renewal of David’s kingdom, while Micah foresees peace and justice under God’s rule,
emphasizing that true worship requires justice, righteousness, and humility (P. 568).
8. What is the major theme of the book of Nahum, and how does this complement the book
of Jonah?
The book of Nahum focuses on God's judgment against Nineveh for its cruelty and oppression,
emphasizing that wickedness will not go unpunished. Nahum serves as a complement to Jonah,
as it contrasts God's mercy shown to Nineveh when it repents with the inevitable judgment that
follows when Nineveh returns to sin. Together, these books illustrate that while God's mercy is
immense, His justice will ultimately prevail (P. 571).

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 9. How does Habakkuk approach God to find out what God's purpose are? What does the
book of Habakkuk have to say about God's purposes?
In Habakkuk, the prophet openly questions God about the injustice and suffering around him,
seeking to understand why God appears passive. God responds, revealing that He will use the
Babylonians as instruments of judgment, challenging Habakkuk's understanding of divine
justice. Emphasizing faith, God reassures him that justice will prevail in His timing. The book
shows that trusting in God’s sovereignty is essential, even when His ways seem inscrutable (P.
573).
10. How does Zephaniah's prophecy present Judah and the nations?
Zephaniah’s prophecy addresses both Judah and the surrounding nations, emphasizing themes
of judgment and restoration. For Judah, he warns of imminent judgment due to idolatry and
corruption, urging the people to repent and pursue righteousness to avoid God’s wrath. The
surrounding nations also face God’s universal judgment, highlighting His sovereignty over all.
Ultimately, Zephaniah’s message offers hope for a future restoration in which Judah and the
nations will worship God together, emphasizing accountability and renewal ( P. 575).
11. Describe the main features of Haggai's background and message.
Haggai played a key role in encouraging the Jewish people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem
after returning from Babylonian captivity. His message emphasized that neglecting the temple
was tied to their struggles and urged them to make its reconstruction a priority. Haggai’s
prophecy conveyed hope, assuring them of God’s presence and future blessings, marking a
period of restoration and spiritual renewal for the community (p. 579).
12. Describe the main features of Zechariah's background and his message concerning the
coming of the Messiah.
Zechariah, who was a prophet and priest during Israel’s post-exilic period, emphasized hope
and restoration as the Jewish people rebuilt Jerusalem and the Temple. His messages focused
on the coming of the Messiah, a humble king who would bring salvation and establish God’s
kingdom, described in the New Testament as fulfilled by Jesus. Through visions and symbolic
imagery, Zechariah highlighted God’s sovereignty, urging faithfulness as Israel awaited peace
and the fulfillment of God’s promises (P. 582).
13. What are some of the main messages given in the book of Malachi?
The book of Malachi, the last in the Old Testament, addresses Israel’s spiritual state after exile,
reminding them of God’s love and urging a return to faithfulness. Malachi calls for repentance,
condemns corruption among priests and people, and warns of impending judgment alongside
hope for restoration. He emphasizes sincere worship, integrity, and faithful tithing,
encouraging the Israelites to renew their commitment to God and uphold their covenant
relationship (P. 589).

Part II:
Questions in part II will be from the assigned sections of Covenant and God's Purpose for the
World.

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14. According to Schreiner what role does the renewal of the heart play in the new covenant?
Interact with biblical texts and the book in your answer. (100 words)
The renewal of the heart is central to the new covenant, as it signifies a transformative
relationship with God. In Jeremiah 31:33, God promises to write His law on the hearts of His
people, indicating an internal change rather than mere external adherence to the law. This
renewal enables believers to truly know God and obey Him, as highlighted in Ezekiel 36:26-
27, where God gives a new heart and spirit. Schreiner emphasizes that this heart transformation
is essential for living out the new covenant, allowing believers to experience genuine faith and
obedience (P. 84).
15. What does Schreiner mean when he describes the new covenant people as regenerate?
Explain. (100 words)
When Schreiner describes the new covenant people as "regenerate," he refers to their spiritual
rebirth through God's transformative work within them. He explains that this regeneration
means believers are fundamentally changed at the core and given a new nature empowered by
the Holy Spirit. This is seen in Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God promises to replace hearts of
stone with hearts of flesh, enabling obedience. Regeneration in the new covenant signifies an
inner renewal that aligns believers’ desires and actions with God's will, creating a covenant
community genuinely devoted to Him (P. 86).