Read Genesis 1-8
1. What is the point of the creation stories in Gen. 1-2? What is the assumed purpose of the Hebrew God's creation? What did that God think of the completed project?
2. Compare to Enuma Elish . How would you describe the differences? The similarities? Which makes more sense to you? Why?
3. Why, according to Genesis , are humans separated from God?
4. Compare to Gilgamesh . Why did the Hebrew God send the flood? How does this demonstrate this God's values? Why was Noah saved? Utnapishtim?
Read Genesis 12-22
1. What makes Abraham a Hebrew hero? Compare with Gilgamesh.
2. Why did God choose Abraham?
3. In what sense is Abraham the Father of God's "Chosen People?" What do you think is meant by "Chosen?" Are other peoples excluded from God's concern?
4. How would you describe Abraham's world? Economics? Politics?
Read Exodus 1-20.
1. How did the Hebrews end up in Egypt? Why were they enslaved?
2. What makes Moses a hero?
3. How did Moses convince Pharaoh to "Let my people go?"
4. What event convinced the Hebrews that God was on their side?
5. What is the significance of the name, "Yahweh" (translated the LORD [all caps])?
6. Compare and contrast the Hebrew Decalogue (Ten Commandments [Ex. 20]) with the Law Code of Hammurabi . What is the source of each? What sorts of concerns do they demonstrate? What are the assumptions about the meaning of Justice that underlie each?
7. Is "you shall have no other gods before me" a monotheistic commandment?
8. For the Hebrews, what must people do to please God?
Read Deuteronomy 4-6
1. What is promised to the people of Israel if they obey? If they disobey?
2. Compare 4:35, 39 & 6:4 with 5:7 and Ex. 20:3. Do you see any difference in the Hebrew understanding of Yahweh? What has changed? Why?
Read Isaiah 43-44
1. How is Yahweh portrayed (see esp. 43:10-11; 44:6)?
2. How is God's relationship with Israel described?
3. What is God's relationship with Cyrus (king of Persia)?
4. What is Isaiah's view of polytheistic gods?