Study unit 1 - What is OT

Question 1

What does “canon” mean and what does it have to do with you?

Answer 1

Reed/measuring stick
Measuring standard for faith + practise
Standard to which biblical writings must conform

66 books - 39 OT + 27 NT

Question 2

How was the Old Testament initially conveyed from one generation to the next?

Answer 2

Oral

Written - scribes handcopied

Question 3

Explain briefly what we understand with the “Grammatical-historical” method of
Bible research.

Answer 3

Find basic “plain sense” meaning of passage
Apply standard rules of grammar (language) + syntax (structure)

Text says - grammatically
Meant - historically

What happened + how it’s described

Question 4

In which languages were the Old Testament initially written?

Answer 4

Hebrew

Aramaic (few portions)

Question 5

Explain why the Old Testament is still authoritative, although we already have
the New Testament.

Answer 5

God makes Himself known
All scripture - final authority as God’s infallible word
Interpret OT i.t.o God’s progressive revelation in covenants - discern how to apply it today.

Question 6

Describe the process by which those who copied the Scriptures passed them
down to us.

Answer 6

Masoretes
Original Hebrew text - no vowels, punctuation or stress marks

1. System for writting vowels
   Preserve in written form oral tradition received
2. System of accents
   Assist in pronounciation
   Relationship of words + phrases
   Clarity
3. Detailed notes
   Check accuracy of copied text

Question 7

Summarise the course of the Old Testament history (grand story) under 5 main
events the way you understand it.

Answer 7

1. Beginning
   Creation
2. Problem
   Tempted by satan
   Rebel
   Repeat sin - disastorous + deadly consequences

3. Solution
Covenant w. Abraham 
-Great nation
-Land
-Blessing to all nations 

4. Climax
   Christ (life, death + resurrection)
5. Revelation
   Final victory over evil
   Rejected - judgement
   Accepted - new heaven + new earth w. Him

Question 8

Name the five parts in which the Old Testament is organised and give a short
summary of the content of each

Answer 8

1. Pentateuch 
1st 5 books
-Creation
-Sin + rebellion
-Covenant 
-Deliverance 
-Covenant (Moses)
-Laws
-Journey 

2. Historical 
Joshua-Esther
*Joshua-2 Kings 
-Closely connected to Deut. 
-Continues story
*2 Kings 
-Jerusalem destruction
-Exile 
*1 Chron-Esther 
-Return
-Remain faithful 

3. Psalms
Praises
Testimonies
Laments
-Public worship + private meditation 

4. Wisdom
   Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiates, Songs of Songs
   *listening, thinking, considering, reflecting
   -Development of Godly character
   -Wise decisions

5. Prophets 
Israel deaf to God after entering 
Other Gods
Prophet w. final message 
-Turn back to true worship
-Judgement
-Hope 
Judgement - Assyrians (NK) + Babylonians (SK) 
Promise of future restoration - promise to Abraham fulfilled