Cambridge International A Level · Biblical Studies (9484)

Prophecy in the ancient world and the Hebrew terms for prophets: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Prophecy in the ancient world and the Hebrew terms for prophets.

10 questions27 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

According to 1 Samuel 9:9, which Hebrew term was traditionally used to describe a prophet before the term nabi became the common designation?

Question 2

1 mark

In the confrontation between Micaiah ben Imlah and the court prophets of King Ahab in 1 Kings 22, what is the theological implication of the 'lying spirit' sent by Yahweh?

Question 3

1 mark

In the narrative of Amos 7:10-17, what is the significance of the priest Amaziah referring to Amos specifically as a hozeh (seer) when ordering him to leave the sanctuary at Bethel?

Question 4

1 mark

Which Hebrew term is used in the Old Testament to describe bands or guilds of prophets, often led by a ‘father’ or ‘master’ such as Elijah or Elisha?

Question 5

1 mark

According to the textual evidence in 1 Samuel 9:9 regarding the terminology of the ancient world, which statement accurately reflects the historical transition of prophetic identity in Israel?

Question 6

4 marks

Identify the Hebrew term used in 1 Samuel 9:9 for a visionary before the terminology shifted to nabi, and explain what this specific title suggests about the nature of their prophetic activity.

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Question 7

5 marks

Examine how the concept of the \( ruach \) (spirit) of God in 1 Samuel 10:6–10 relates to the phenomenon of contagious prophetic ecstasy.

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Question 8

3 marks

Using the example of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:1–4:1a, identify two key elements that characterize a prophet’s ‘call’ from God.

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Question 9

4 marks

The nature of Israelite Prophecy
Consider the difficulties in distinguishing between true and false prophets in the Old Testament.

\( (a) \) Identify the criteria for a true prophet as established in the warnings found in Deuteronomy \( 18:9-22 \).
\( (b) \) Explain how Jeremiah’s description of ‘lying dreams’ in Jeremiah \( 23:9-32 \) attempts to address the problem of prophets who had not ‘stood in the council of the Lord.’

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Question 10

6 marks

The nature of Israelite Prophecy
Analyze the development of prophetic identity through the terminology used to describe prophets in the Ancient Near East and Israel.

\( (a) \) Explain the functional differences between the terms roeh (seer), hozeh (seer), and nabi (prophet) as they appear in the specified texts for Samuel, Gad, and Amos.
\( (b) \) Discuss the relationship between Israelite prophecy and its historical context, with particular reference to the Kingdom of Mari in northern Mesopotamia.

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