The Hebrew and Christian Traditions
Final, Fall 2021
Of the following four questions, write on three. Answer each question thoroughly (about 400
words per essay). You may use the Bible and any class notes to answer the questions. Do not
discuss these questions with anyone else. Do not consult other resources, including internet
resources. As a reminder, using resources without citing them is plagiarism. Upload the exam to
the Final Exam Drop box in the Final Exam module of the course Canvas site by Thursday,
December 9th @ 5:00 P.M.
1. The importance of justice is discussed in Amos and Ruth. Discuss the meaning of
Biblical justice. What sorts of people is each book insisting be treated justly? Why do
they fall under the particular concern of divine justice?
2. Both the stories of Jonah and Ruth deal with the relationship of Israel to foreigners.
How does each book encourage Israel to adopt an expanded role with foreign peoples?
How does this fit in with God’s plan for self-revelation?
3. In what ways does Matthew portray Jesus’ ministry as standing in continuity with the
major themes of the Old Testament tradition? In what ways does Matthew represent
him as standing outside that tradition?
4. New Testament authors struggle with the question of how God can judge people to be
in harmony with him when they lack the necessary moral qualities to allow for such a
judgment. Discuss how Paul in the Letter to the Romans uses the stories from Genesis
and how the author of Hebrews uses the Old Testament sacrificial system to propose
