Samuel Literary Analysis Quiz

Literary & Theological Analysis: The Book of Samuel

1. According to the source material, what is the primary structural feature of the Book of Samuel as a whole?
  • A. It follows a strict, unbroken chronological account of Israel’s history.
  • B. It is a collection of separate epic tales about different heroes.
  • C. It is framed by two significant poems, one at the beginning and one at the end.
  • D. It is divided into sections based on the moral lessons of each story.
Hint: Consider how the book begins and ends on a literary level, as described in the section ‘A Book Framed by Poetry’.
Correct Answer: C. It is framed by Hannah’s Song in 1 Samuel 2 and David’s Song in 2 Samuel 22.
2. What is the exclusive focus of the book of 2 Samuel, as stated in the document?
  • A. The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
  • B. The priesthood of Eli and the rise of Samuel.
  • C. The establishment of the monarchy under King Saul.
  • D. The reign of King David.
Hint: The text draws a clear distinction between the main content of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.
Correct Answer: D. While 1 Samuel covers the transitions, 2 Samuel is dedicated entirely to David’s kingship.
3. Which phrase best characterizes the literary style of the Book of Samuel, based on the provided text?
  • A. A dialogue-driven narrative with minimal description.
  • B. A prophetic text filled with visions and allegories.
  • C. An epic poem with lengthy descriptions of battles.
  • D. A legal code outlining the duties of the king.
Hint: Refer to the section titled ‘Show and Listen, Don’t Tell or Describe’.
Correct Answer: A. The biblical narrator prefers using dialogue to advance the plot and reveal character.
4. Based on the passages from 1 Samuel 16, how is God’s role typically portrayed in the narrative?
  • A. As a force that is present but often in the background of human action.
  • B. As a character who physically appears and fights alongside the Israelites.
  • C. As an absent deity who does not interact with humanity.
  • D. As a narrator who explains the motivations of every character.
Hint: Consider the relationship between the sections ‘God in the Background’ and ‘Human Beings at the Center’.
Correct Answer: A. God works through and within human choices rather than through overt, frequent supernatural intervention.
5. The text gives the example, ‘Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A single flea?’. What literary device does this exemplify?
  • A. Foreshadowing
  • B. Inclusio
  • C. Leitwort
  • D. Rhetorical Question
Hint: This type of question is asked to make a point, not to receive an answer.
Correct Answer: D. Rhetorical Question. David asks these to point out the absurdity of Saul’s pursuit.
6. Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the major ‘Narrative Blocks of Leadership Transition’ in the Book of Samuel?
  • A. The Transition from Eli to Samuel.
  • B. Intra-Dynastic Succession.
  • C. The transition from judges to monarchy.
  • D. The Shift from Saul to David.
Hint: Carefully review the four specific titles given for the narrative blocks in the source material.
Correct Answer: C. While historically true, “judges to monarchy” is not the title of a block; the fourth block is “The Rise of Monarchy: Samuel and Saul”.
7. According to the passage from 1 Samuel 16:7, what is the primary distinction between divine and human perception?
  • A. Humans focus on individual actions, while God looks at a lifetime of deeds.
  • B. Humans see only the present, whereas God sees the future.
  • C. Humans judge based on external appearance, while God sees the heart.
      • D. Humans are deceived by words, but God knows all thoughts.
Hint: The passage describes Samuel’s reaction to a potential king’s height and looks.
Correct Answer: C. “For man sees only what is visible, but GOD sees into the heart.”
8. The document provides an older Greek and Latin name for the collection of books that includes Samuel and Kings. What is that name?
  • A. The Pentateuch
  • B. The Writings (Ketuvim)
  • C. Malachim (Of Kings)
  • D. Bιˊβλοι Bασιλειῶν (Libri Regnum)
Hint: Look for the section containing both Greek and Latin text.
Correct Answer: D. They were known as the “Books of Kingdoms.”
9. In 1 Samuel 16:14, the text states, ‘Now the spirit of GOD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from GOD began to terrify him.’ What does this illustrate about the narrative’s perspective?
  • A. It implies that God had completely abandoned Saul.
  • B. It is a metaphorical way of saying Saul was struggling with mental illness.
  • C. It shows that God is the ultimate source of both positive and negative spiritual influences.
  • D. It suggests that Saul was being punished by a separate, malevolent deity.
Hint: Pay close attention to the origin of the ‘evil spirit’ as described in the verse.
Correct Answer: C. The narrative maintains that all spiritual forces, even distressing ones, originate from the single sovereign God.