What I Learned in Sunday School Quiz

Answer: he accused them of being spies, then was coolly gracious, then forgave them

Joseph's brothers were jealous of the favoritism showed to Joseph by their father, Jacob. They plotted to murder him, but Judah persuaded the others to sell him as a slave to a caravan of traders heading to Egypt. Despite many hardships while in Egypt, Joseph built a reputation as an interpreter of dreams. When Pharaoh was troubled by disturbing dreams that none of his magicians could explain, Joseph was called in and said that the dreams meant a coming famine and advised that Egypt should begin to store grain against it. Pharaoh was so impressed with Joseph's wisdom that he made him a high official overseeing the food storage and distribution.

During the famine, Jacob sent his ten eldest sons to Egypt to buy grain. They didn't recognize Joseph, but he knew his brothers and spoke gruffly to them at first, then tested them in various ways to see if they had changed. After being satisfied that they had matured and were remorseful for what they had done many years ago, he revealed himself to them, then invited his whole family to come and live in Egypt.

Answer: he felt he wasn't an eloquent enough speaker

God spoke to Moses from a bush that burned, but was not burnt and told him of the mission to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. Even though God showed Moses that he was chosen by turning Moses' staff into a serpent and making Moses' hand leprous, then curing it, Moses was still reluctant citing that he was "slow of speech and slow of tongue." (Exodus 4:10). God then told Moses to have his brother Aaron do the talking when they went before Pharaoh.

Answer: He was a man of war

God wanted a man of peace to build the Temple (1 Chronicles 28:3,6). David's son Solomon, who had never lead Israel into battle, was permitted to erect the Temple. Labor was conscripted from male Israelites and materials brought in from many other nations.

Answer: Purim

Haman was angry at the Jews because they would not bow to him in public. He plotted to destroy them and cast lots (pur) to see what day of the year he should undertake his evil plan and had the king make it a law. It fell on the 13th day of the twelfth month (Adar).

However the king regretted this when Esther made it know to him that she was a Jew, having been informed of Haman's plot by her close relative, Mordecai. Although the king could not revoke the law, he allowed the Hebrews to defend themselves, thereby avoiding a total extermination. Since than, this day on the Jewish calendar is observed as a feast of Purim on the western calendar falls anywhere from late February to mid March. Esther 3:7,13 and 9:24-26.

Answer: He commanded the sun and moon to stand still

During the battle, Joshua was afraid the routed enemy armies would escape under cover of darkness. He prayed for the sun and moon to stand still in order to have enough light to keep pursuing the enemies. The prayer was granted. Joshua 10:12-14.

Answer: Damascus

Saul, later to be re-named Paul, was on his way to Damascus to slaughter Christians when he saw a great light and heard a voice asking, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" He was struck blind and taken to the city where he was cured by Ananias. After that, Saul became a staunch proponent of the new religion and changed his name to Paul. Acts 9.

Answer: Ephesians

This can be found in Ephesians 6:11-17: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Answer: King Solomon

This is revealed in Proverbs 1:1 - "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel." Solomon is often credited as being the wisest king Israel. In a famous bible story, he judges between two women who each claimed one baby was hers. Solomon ordered the child be divided and a half given to each woman. One of the women pleaded to have the baby given to the other woman rather an to see it slain. Solomon then knew she was real mother. Proverbs is a book of his collected saying of wisdom and good general principles.

Answer: Curse the Hebrews

King Balak sent for Balaam to curse the Israelites because he was afraid of them and wanted to conquer them before they had a chance to settle in Canaan. On his way, the donkey Balaam was riding kept balking because she saw an angel standing in the roadway. Balaam beat her until she spoke rebuking his behavior, then Balaam finally saw the angel.

However, God would not permit Balaam to curse Israel, although he tried three times. Instead three blessings were given to the Hebrews. (Numbers 22).

Answer: 1000

The Philistines were angry that Samson had burnt their crops even though he did that in revenge for them already dealing harshly with him. They set out to take him hostage and bound him with "two new cords." However, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson. He broke his bonds and took hold of the jawbone and smote the Philistines killing a thousand men. Judges 15: 13-16.