Theme 8 Flashcards
(7 cards)
Describe the removal of “foreign wives” in the time of Ezra. Why is this event so difficult to understand, and how does Carr explain this? [5]
In Ezra 9–10, Ezra mandates the expulsion of foreign wives and their children to purify the post-exilic community.
This contrasts with earlier biblical figures (Moses) who married foreigners without condemnation.
Why It’s Difficult to Understand:
The forced divorces seem cruel, especially toward women and children.
Earlier texts celebrate foreign loyalty to Israel’s God.
The policy may reflect extreme identity preservation under Persian rule, but its enforcement is unclear.
Carr’s Explanation:
Ezra’s reforms aimed to prevent assimilation and cultural loss.
The narrative may exaggerate the event to emphasize purity ideals, reflecting later editorial agendas.
What can you tell me about combining the P and L creation narratives? [3]
P (Priestly Source):
Structured, liturgical, emphasizes God’s transcendence.
L (Non-Priestly, possibly Yahwistic [J]): Anthropomorphic, relational.
Editors merged P’s cosmic scope with L’s human-centred story, creating a layered theological message: God is both transcendent (P) and immanent (L).
What can you tell me about Cyrus and Darius? [2]
Cyrus the Great (539–530 BCE):
Persian conqueror of Babylon; issued the Cyrus Decree, allowing exiles to return.
Darius I (522–486 BCE):
Consolidated Persian Empire; supported Temple rebuilding.
His reign ensured Judah’s semi-autonomy
Explain how the L and P sources were combined in the second half of the book of Exodus and the theological meaning of this combination. [3]
L (Non-Priestly): Focuses on narrative drama with vivid, anthropomorphic God.
P (Priestly): Adds ritual structure and emphasizes God’s transcendence.
The blend highlights both divine intimacy (L) and sacred order (P), showing God as both personal and cosmic.
What do we learn from the Cyrus cylinder? [2]
Records Cyrus’s tolerance—he restored temples/deported people (like Jews) to their homelands (538 BCE).
Matches Ezra, where Cyrus permits Judah’s return, framing him as Yahweh’s instrument.
Name the four major phases in the rebuilding of the post-exilic Jewish community. [4]
Initial Return Under Cyrus (538–515 BCE)
First wave of exiles returns; Temple foundation laid.
Temple Rebuilding Under Darius I (520–515 BCE)
Prophets Haggai/Zechariah spur completion of the Second Temple.
Ezra’s Religious Reforms (458/7 BCE)
Torah-centered revival; dissolution of foreign marriages.
Nehemiah’s Wall & Governance (445–433 BCE)
Jerusalem’s walls rebuilt; social/economic reforms.
In which of the four phases mentioned in 4.1 do the following characters fit in? Darius, Joshua, Zerubbabel and Nehemiah? [4]
Darius I: Phase 2 (Temple completion approved, Ezra 6:1–12).
Joshua (High Priest): Phase 2 (Works with Zerubbabel to rebuild Temple, Haggai 1:1).
Zerubbabel: Phase 2 (Governor overseeing Temple rebuilding, Ezra 3:8).
Nehemiah: Phase 4 (Rebuilt walls, served as governor, Neh 1–6).
