Survival of the Fittest

Our Old Testament "quizzes" (which require at LEAST 4 hours of study time in order to pass) ask questions regarding names, the etymology of names, dates (month, day, year) and places of events that happen in the Old Testament. Ask me what happens in the Old Testament, I couldn't tell you... But ask me who tried to steady the arc, and I'll tell you: Its Uzzah.

Just to give you a sample:
1. In what magazine and on what day is an article published relating to the Rosetta stone? The Times and Seasons: March 1, 1842

2. Who is Jacob's second wife's second offspring? What is the meaning of the child's name? Bilhah-Nephtali: to wrestle.

3. List the 5 valleys and guarding cities of the Shephelah? AiJalon- Bet Heroml; Sorek- Bet Shemesh; Elah- Azekah; Guvrin- Mershah; Lachich- Lachich

4. What does the Hebrew term "Abaddon" denote? The place of the lost. (Who has even ever heard that term!)

5. What is the meaning of the name of the person who hangs by his hair in an oak tree? Absalom: Father of Peace.

6. Name is the most distinguished Benjamite and who did he "belong" to? Paul belonged to Tarsus in Cilicia

1/10th of Quiz 6 material:
Abimalech
Ahimalech
Achich
Asenath
Abithar
Ashdad
Abigail
Ashtaroth
Asahel
Azariah
Azekah
Amnon
Absalom
Akishar
Amram
Amalek
Asher

Don't worry, I can tell you who these peoples' parents and siblings were, what their names mean, where they are derived from, the exact locations they traversed as ordered by their masters, and how they died. (Many of them were stabbed under the 5th rib.)

But in Huff's defense, all the information is in the text. The questions are fair, and clearly, I need to reform my study habits. I mean, he addresses some of the information tested on in class :)

I just want to take this opportunity to give a shout out to my sister Heather who took OT from Huff here in Jerusalem 9 years ago. She rocked every quiz and set the high score on the final. Heather provoked Brother Huff with the challenge: "ask me anything!" She made her own memory game with the Bible Dictionary terms, and discussed the text over a pita sandwich in the Oasis. I am proud of Heather- but a little nervous that her enthusiasm for the Old Testament set a standard in our teacher's mind that simply can't be reached again!

I just got back quiz 6, and I FINALLY earned a 30/30!!! Wow, that was difficult! But, I can't get too confidant-the final is yet to come.

P.S. I HATE grade distributions. I like my classmates, and I want them to do well. But, I am learning to look out for #1. It's the only way to get the grade I need.