Theme 6

Question 1

Describe the most significant changes made by Josiah during his reforms. [4]

Answer 1

Josiah destroyed all local shrines and enforced worship exclusively in Jerusalem.

He removed idols and defiled pagan altars.

He revived Passover as a national pilgrimage festival in Jerusalem.

Josiah extended his reforms to former northern Israelite territories to unify worship

Question 2

What is “hybridity”, and what does it have to do with Carr’s interpretation of Deuteronomy? [2]

Answer 2

Hybridity refers to blending cultural forms with local traditions to resist oppression.

Carr’s View: Deuteronomy adapts Assyrian vassal treaty language but redirects it to Yahweh, rejecting Assyrian dominance

Question 3

Which two factors played a role in the success of Josiah’s reforms, whereas Hezekiah’s failed? [4]

Answer 3

Josiah acted when Assyria was weak, whereas Hezekiah faced Assyria’s peak power.

Josiah expanded reforms northward, leveraging the fall of Assyria’s northern provinces.

Question 4

Briefly discuss the interpretation of Deuteronomy 6:4-9. [3]

Answer 4

(v.4): “Yahweh is our God, Yahweh alone” asserts exclusive loyalty, rejecting polytheism.

(v.5): “Love Yahweh” means unwavering allegiance (heart, soul, strength), echoing Assyrian treaty language but for Yahweh.

(v.6–9): They memorized God’s laws, taught them to their kids, and used physical symbols to keep their faith central every day.

Question 5

Name and describe two of the foremost similarities between Deuteronomy and
the Assyrian vassal treaties in the seventh century. [4]

Answer 5

Structure of Loyalty Demands:
Assyrian treaties required absolute allegiance to the Assyrian king, mirrored in Deuteronomy’s command to “love Yahweh your God”.

Both texts use “love” to mean political/religious loyalty, not emotional affection.

Curses for Disobedience:
Assyrian treaties listed horrific curses for rebellion, parallelled in Deuteronomy 28.

Specific curses match Assyrian treaty language.

Question 5

Why do historians think that the reforms of Josiah really happened? [3]

Answer 5

Archaeology:
Shrines were destroyed in Judah c. late 7th century BCE.

Textual Corroboration:
2 Kings 22–23 aligns with Deuteronomy’s laws.

Political Context:
Assyria’s decline allowed Josiah’s independence

Question 6

What can you tell me about the historical context of Jeremiah? [2]

Answer 6

Timeline: Prophesied 627–586 BCE, spanning Josiah’s reforms to Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem.

Key Events: Opposed Judah’s alliances with Egypt/Babylon and warned of exile.