Old Testament Theology

Study Guide for Vos’ Biblical Theology

Discussion Questions
1. Practical uses of Biblical Theology (17,18)
2. Form of revelation during the Patriarchal times (69-76)
3. Principles of Exodus deliverance (110-120)
4. The Decalogue (129-143)
5. The supposed prophetic opposition to the cult (265-273)
(i.e. why did the prophets condemn the sacrifices?)

Listings
1. Four departments of theology (4)
2. Four departments of exegetical theology(4,5)
3. Four features or aspects of revelation (5-9)
4. Four supposed stages of the evolution of religion (11)
5. Four principles of primeval revelation and the symbol of each (27)
6. Three way of interpreting the trees in the Garden of Eden narrative (29-31; Lehman 58-59)
7. Four principle elements in the formulation of the curse that indicate the ultimate victory over the serpent
(42,43)
8. Two features that characterize the revelation of the period between the Fall and the Flood (45)
9. Four points that describe the extreme wickedness of the pre-flood civilization (51)
10. Four points of revelation involved in God’s procedure with the Patriarchs (76-83)
11. Three proofs that the election of Abraham was a “particularistic means toward a universal end.” (77)
12. Three great promises of God to the Patriarchs (80)
13. Three great spiritual events in Jacob’s life (94-97)
14. Four forms of revelation used in the Mosaic age apart from Moses personally (106)
15. Two key elements of the Passover (123)
16. Four names of the Tabernacle (148-150)
17. Symbolism of the furniture of the Tabernacle (151-152)
18. Fourfold typical significance of the Tabernacle (154-155)
19. Significance of the different kinds of sacrifice (Lehman, 148)
20. Six steps involved in sacrifice (161-169)
21. Three points about prophetism that make it difficult for the critic to explain away the movement (213)
22. Three facts about pre-exilic prophets that proved they believed in an “explicit monotheism.” (236-237)
23. Five kinds of righteousness in the Old Testament (251)
24. Five points which Hosea makes concerning the bond between Yahweh and Israel (260-263)

Short Answer
1. Who was the first to separate Biblical theology from other disciplines and create a discipline? (9)
2. How can revelation come to a close but redemption still continue? (6)
3. How does Vos define Old Testament theology? (5)
4. According to Vos, what is the best title for what is presently called Biblical Theology? (14)
5. Why was the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil called that? (31)
6. Why was Ham punished in Canaan? (57)
7. What is the characteristic divine name in the Patriarchal age? (81)
8. By what is the ethical character of Old Testament religion symbolized? (88)
9. Why does the narrative continue to use both names of Jacob after he was given a new name whereas
Abraham’s old name is not mentioned after he received a new one? (99)
10. How was the deliverance from Egypt “a signal demonstration of the sovereign grace of God?” (113)
11. What does the Bible mean when it says that God spoke with Moses “face to face?” (105)