Bible Historical & Cultural Background
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1: Covenant (Berith) in Ancient Near Eastern Context
1. Term: Berith — בְּרִית (Covenant) Meaning: Formal agreement or treaty between parties, especially between God and Israel. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Biblical Examples and Notes: 4. Cultural Significance:
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2: Kingship (Melek) and Monarchy in Ancient Israel
1. Term: Melek — מֶלֶךְ (King) Meaning: King, ruler, sovereign; a political and often religious leader. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Biblical Examples and Notes: 4. Cultural Significance:
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3: The Holy Spirit (Ruach) in Ancient Jewish Thought
1. Term: Ruach — רוּחַ (Spirit, Breath, Wind) Meaning: Spirit; God’s dynamic presence, life-giving breath, or wind. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Biblical Examples and Notes: 4. Cultural Significance:
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4: Covenant (Berith) Rituals and Symbolism
1. Term: Berith — בְּרִית (Covenant) Meaning: Formal agreement or treaty, especially between God and His people. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Biblical Examples and Notes: 4. Cultural Significance:
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5: Kingship and Anointing (Melek and Mashiach)
1. Terms: 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Biblical Examples and Notes: 4. Cultural Significance:
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6: The Holy Spirit in Early Judaism and Christianity
1. Term: Holy Spirit Meaning: God’s empowering presence and active force in the world and in believers. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Biblical and Extra-Biblical Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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7: Messiah Expectations in Second Temple Judaism
1. Term: Messiah — מָשִׁיחַ (Mashiach) Meaning: Anointed one; expected deliverer and king. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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8: The Kingdom of God in Jewish Thought
1. Term: Kingdom of God — מַלְכוּת הָאֱלֹהִים (Malkuth HaElohim) Meaning: God’s reign, sovereignty, and rule. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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9: Law (Torah) and Its Interpretation in Jewish Culture
1. Term: Torah — תּוֹרָה Meaning: Law, instruction, teaching; the divine guidance given to Israel. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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10: Prophecy and Its Role in Israelite Society
1. Term: Nabi — נָבִיא (Prophet) Meaning: One who is called to speak on behalf of God; a messenger. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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11: Sacrificial System and Temple Worship
1. Term: Korban — קָרְבָּן (Sacrifice, Offering) Meaning: An offering presented to God, usually involving animals, grain, or incense. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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12: Sabbath and Festivals in Ancient Israel
1. Term: Shabbat — שַׁבָּת (Sabbath) Meaning: The seventh day of rest; a sacred day set apart for rest and worship. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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13: Wisdom Literature and Its Social Role
1. Term: Hokmah (Hebrew) — חָכְמָה (Wisdom) Meaning: Practical skill, insight, and understanding; living life in accordance with God’s will. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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14: Prophecy and Apocalyptic Literature
1. Term: Nabi (נָבִיא) — Prophet / Apocalypse (ἀποκάλυψις) — Revelation Meaning: 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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15: Sacrificial System and Priesthood
1. Terms: 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:
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16: Festivals and Liturgical Calendar
1. Term: Moedim — מוֹעֲדִים (Festivals, Appointed Times) Meaning: Sacred times set by God for worship, remembrance, and communal identity. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance: