Key Terms & Definitions
1. Covenant – A solemn agreement between God and His people that involves mutual commitments.
2. Contract – A legal agreement between people that outlines obligations, unlike a covenant which involves God.
3. Inerrancy – The belief that the Bible, in matters of faith and salvation, is free from error.
4. Genesis – The first book of the Bible; tells the story of Creation, the Fall, and the Patriarchs.
5. Creation – God’s act of bringing the universe and all living things into existence.
6. Leviticus – A book of the Bible containing laws and priestly rituals for Israel.
7. Exodus – The book of the Bible telling of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and the giving of the Law.
8. Caleb and Joshua – Leaders of Israel who trusted God and led the Israelites into the Promised Land.
9. Psalms – A collection of sacred songs and prayers in the Bible, often attributed to King David.
Senses of Scripture
10. Allegorical Sense – Reading Scripture as it points to Christ or God’s plan.
11. Moral Sense – Reading Scripture to learn how to live a good, ethical life.
12. Anagogical Sense – Reading Scripture as it relates to our ultimate destiny in Heaven.
13. The Sabbath – The day of rest and worship, established by God after Creation.
14. Tower of Babel – Story of humanity’s pride leading to the confusion of languages and dispersion of people.
15. Abraham – First patriarch; received God’s covenant promising land, descendants, and blessing.
16. Isaac – Son of Abraham; father of Jacob and Esau.
17. A Type – A person or event in Scripture that prefigures Christ or future events.
18. Circumcision – Physical sign of the covenant with Abraham and his descendants.
19. Joseph – Jacob’s son, sold into slavery, later became a leader in Egypt.
20. Manna – Bread from Heaven provided by God to the Israelites in the desert.
21. Moses – Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt, received the Ten Commandments.
22. The Chosen People – The Israelites, God’s special covenant people.
23. The Tribe of Levi – The priestly tribe of Israel, responsible for Temple worship.
24. Samuel – Prophet and last judge of Israel; anointed Saul and David as kings.
25. King David – Second king of Israel; united the tribes, established Jerusalem as capital.
26. King Saul – First king of Israel; later rejected by God for disobedience.
27. King Solomon – Son of David; built the Temple, known for wisdom.
28. Old Testament – The first part of the Bible; contains God’s covenant with Israel.
29. The Number 40 – Symbolizes trial, testing, or preparation in Scripture (e.g., 40 days of flood, 40 years in desert).
30. Deuteronomy – Book of laws and speeches by Moses to prepare Israelites for the Promised Land.
31. The Temple – Holy place in Jerusalem where God’s presence dwelt and sacrifices were offered.
32. Samson – Judge of Israel with extraordinary strength, known for Nazarite vow.
33. The Passover Lamb – Symbol of deliverance; foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice.
34. Theophany – Appearance of God to humans (e.g., burning bush).
35. Elijah – Prophet of God who defended the worship of Yahweh in Israel.
36. Rachel – Jacob’s beloved wife; mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
37. Jacob – Son of Isaac; later named Israel; father of the twelve tribes.
38. Israel – Name given to Jacob; also refers to the people of God descended from him.
39. Tabernacle – Portable sanctuary used by Israelites during the Exodus.
40. Tradition – Teachings of the Church passed down orally from the apostles.
41. Canon – Official list of inspired Scripture books.
42. Esau – Jacob’s brother; sold his birthright for a meal.
43. Lamech – Descendant of Cain; associated with violence in Genesis.
44. Prophets – People called by God to speak His word and guide His people.
45. Aaron – Brother of Moses; first high priest of Israel.
46. Joshua – Successor to Moses; led Israel into the Promised Land.
47. Rahab – Woman of Jericho who helped Israelite spies; included in Jesus’ genealogy.
48. Ark of the Covenant – Sacred chest holding the Ten Commandments; symbol of God’s presence.
49. Throne of David – Symbol of the Davidic kingdom and God’s covenant with David.
50. Queen of Sheba – Visited Solomon to witness his wisdom and wealth.
51. Gentiles – Non-Jewish people.
52. Rehoboam – Son of Solomon; his harsh rule led to the division of Israel.
53. Jeroboam – First king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the split.
54. Yahweh – The personal name of God revealed to Moses.
55. Protoevangelium – First gospel; God’s promise of a Savior after the Fall (Genesis 3:15).
56. Moriah – Mount where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac; site of the Temple.
57. Mount Sinai – Mountain where Moses received the Law.
58. Apostasy – Rejection of God and the faith.
Concepts to Understand
Three Spiritual Senses of Scripture
Allegorical – Points to Christ or God’s plan.
Moral – Shows how to live rightly.
Anagogical – Points to ultimate destiny and Heaven.
Books of the Law / Torah / Pentateuch
Torah – Hebrew word for “Law”; first five books.
Pentateuch – Greek for “five books”; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
Four Genres of Old Testament Writings
Law
History
Wisdom
Prophecy
Deuterocanonical Books – Books included in Catholic Old Testament but not in Protestant versions.
Salvation History – God’s plan of saving humanity revealed over time through covenants.
Covenant Mediators – Individuals chosen to represent God and communicate His covenant (e.g., Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David).
1. Covenant – A solemn agreement between God and His people.
Example: God’s promise to Abraham that he would have many descendants.
2. Contract – Legal agreement between people, not involving God.
Example: A lease agreement to rent an apartment.
3. Inerrancy – The Bible is free from error in faith and morals.
Example: The story of Creation in Genesis teaches God made everything, which is considered true in faith.
4. Genesis – First book of the Bible.
Example: Includes Creation, Adam & Eve, Noah’s Ark.
5. Creation – God brings the universe into existence.
Example: God creating the world in seven days.
6. Leviticus – Book of laws for Israel.
Example: Instructions for sacrifices and purity laws.
7. Exodus – Israel leaves Egypt and receives God’s Law.
Example: Crossing the Red Sea and receiving the Ten Commandments.
8. Caleb and Joshua – Trusted God and led Israel into the Promised Land.
Example: Spies who encouraged the Israelites to enter Canaan.
9. Psalms – Sacred songs or prayers.
Example: Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd…”
Senses of Scripture
10. Allegorical Sense – Shows how Scripture points to Christ.
Example: Isaac carrying wood for sacrifice prefigures Jesus carrying the cross.
11. Moral Sense – Shows how to live rightly.
Example: The Good Samaritan teaches love of neighbor.
12. Anagogical Sense – Points to Heaven or our ultimate destiny.
Example: The New Jerusalem in Revelation symbolizes eternal life.
13. The Sabbath – Day of rest and worship.
Example: Jewish people rest on Saturday; Christians often on Sunday.
14. Tower of Babel – People try to reach Heaven, God confuses languages.
Example: Story in Genesis 11 explaining why people speak different languages.
15. Abraham – Patriarch of Israel.
Example: Trusted God to leave Ur and go to Canaan.
16. Isaac – Son of Abraham, father of Jacob.
Example: Nearly sacrificed by Abraham but saved by God.
17. A Type – Person or event that foreshadows Christ.
Example: Jonah in the whale represents Jesus in the tomb.
18. Circumcision – Sign of covenant with Abraham.
Example: Abraham circumcising his son Isaac.
19. Joseph – Jacob’s son, became leader in Egypt.
Example: Forgave his brothers who sold him into slavery.
20. Manna – Bread from Heaven.
Example: Israelites ate it while wandering in the desert.
21. Moses – Led Israelites out of Egypt.
Example: Parted the Red Sea.
22. The Chosen People – Israel, God’s covenant people.
Example: Israelites following God’s Law in the Promised Land.
23. Tribe of Levi – Priestly tribe.
Example: Aaron, Moses’ brother, was from this tribe.
24. Samuel – Prophet, anointed Saul and David.
Example: Warned Israel against kingship but obeyed God’s plan.
25. King David – United Israel, made Jerusalem the capital.
Example: Defeated Goliath.
26. King Saul – First king of Israel, disobeyed God.
Example: Failed to completely destroy the Amalekites as commanded.
27. King Solomon – Built the Temple, known for wisdom.
Example: Judged the two women claiming the same baby.
28. Old Testament – First part of the Bible.
Example: Includes Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah.
29. Number 40 – Symbolizes trial or testing.
Example: 40 days of rain in Noah’s flood; 40 years in desert.
30. Deuteronomy – Book of Moses’ speeches.
Example: Reminds Israelites to obey God’s Law before entering Canaan.
31. The Temple – Holy place in Jerusalem.
Example: Built by Solomon as the dwelling place of God’s presence.
32. Samson – Judge with great strength.
Example: Destroyed the Philistine temple by pushing its pillars.
33. Passover Lamb – Symbol of deliverance.
Example: Blood of lamb saved Israelites in Egypt; points to Jesus.
34. Theophany – God appears to humans.
Example: Burning bush to Moses.
35. Elijah – Prophet defending worship of God.
Example: Called down fire from Heaven on Mt. Carmel.
36. Rachel – Jacob’s wife, beloved.
Example: Mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
37. Jacob – Later named Israel, father of twelve tribes.
Example: Wrestled with God and received the new name.
38. Israel – Name for Jacob and the people of God.
Example: Israelites wandering in the desert.
39. Tabernacle – Portable sanctuary in de...
