The Youth Corner: Bible Quiz on Hoshea, Joel and Amos

In the autumn, our Triennial Bible Calendar brings us to the small books of the prophets Hoshea, Joel and Amos. This time the questions are of a less technical nature than in previous quizzes appearing here. You should do much better than before. Twelve correct answers is an excellent score for this one.

1. Where are the Israelites compared to the “sons of Ethiopians” (Cushim)?
2. Name two prophets who were active in Northern Israel?
3. Concerning which prophet do we have no information but his name and his fathers’ name?
4. Which prophet came from Judea to prophecy in Israel?
5. Why do you think Amos discusses many of Israel’s neighbors before turning to criticism of Israel?
6. How do we know that Amos held a very low opinion of the men and women of wealth in Israel?
7. What did Hoshea’s marriage problems with his wife, Gomer, represent?
8. What “scientific argument” does Amos use to indicate that there is divine power behind his messages?
9. Names are often of symbolic importance in the Bible. What did the following names of Hoshea’s children represent: Jezreel, Lo-Ruhamah, and Lo-Ammi?
10. Who told Amos to go back where he came from and also reported him to the king?
11. What does Hoshea promise for the period after the dire predictions?
12. Hoshea points an accusing finger at a particular group in Israel; which?
13. Name at least two sites of sanctuaries mentioned by Amos.
14. According to Hoshea, what are the main causes for Israel’s punishment?
15. Who pleaded with the people: “Shuvah, Return O, Israel unto the Lord, your God . . .” and when are these words read in the synagogue?

Prepared by Haim Halpern

Answers

Printed on page 40 of the issue.

1. In Amos 9:7.
2. Hoshea and Amos.
3. Joel ben Pethuel.
4. Amos. See chapter 1, verse 1. The site of Tekoa may be visited today in modern Israel.
5. In chapters 1 and 2 Amos probably is trying to draw the attention of the people to the awful consequences of their neighbors’ sins. It was the practice of all the major prophets to utter prophecies concerning the “nations.”
6. He speaks with bitterness and sarcasm of their exploitation of the poor and their extravagance. See especially 2:6-8, 4:1 and 6:4.
7. God’s relationship and subsequent disappointment with Israel.
8. The principle of “cause and effect” in 3:3-8.
9. Jezreel (1:4) symbolizes the defeat in that valley of the Israelites. Lo-Ruhamah (1:6) represents God’s lack of love for Israel. Lo-Ammi (1:9) bears the message of God’s rejection of Ephraim.
10. Amaziah, the High Priest (7:10, 12).
11. After punishment there will come a period of reunification of Israel and Judea and their restoration to God’s favor.
12. The Kohanim (priests). See Hoshea 4:4f and 5:1.
13. Beth El, Gilgal, and Beersheva (5:5).
14. Ingratitude and unfaithfulness (2:2-13).
15. Hoshea 14:1, read on Shabbat Shuva (Sabbath of Repentance). Also included in the readings is a selection from Joel.