Sure, I can help break down these questions and provide some explanations:
CHAPTER TWO: FAITH AND GOD'S PROMISES
1. Describe ways in which Abraham demonstrated his faith in God.
- Abraham obeyed God’s command to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land (Genesis
12:1-4).
- He was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac as an act of faith (Genesis 22:1-19).
- Abraham believed in God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations despite his old age
and Sarah’s barrenness (Genesis 15:4-6).
- He showed faith in God’s protection and provision throughout his life, including trusting God to
deliver him from various dangers.
- Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating his faith in God’s justice and mercy
(Genesis 18:22-33).
2. Outline the promises of God to Abraham.
- God promised Abraham that he would become the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:2).
- God promised to bless Abraham and make his name great (Genesis 12:2).
- God promised to bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who curse him (Genesis 12:3).
- God promised to give Abraham’s descendants the land of Canaan (Genesis 13:14-17).
- God promised that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5).
3. Describe five actions from the life of Abraham which show his faith in God.
- Abraham’s departure from Ur of the Chaldeans without knowing his destination (Genesis 12:1).
- His willingness to offer Isaac as a burnt offering (Genesis 22:1-18).
- His rescue of Lot from captivity, showing his faith in God’s protection and guidance (Genesis 14:14-
16).
- His hospitality to the three visitors, which demonstrated his trust in God’s provision (Genesis 18:1-8).
- His belief in God’s promise of a son despite his old age (Genesis 17:17).
4. List five animals used in making the covenant between God and Abraham.
- A heifer
- A goat
- A ram
- A dove
- A pigeon (Genesis 15:9)
5. State the characteristics of the covenant between God and Abraham.
- Unconditional: God made promises that were not dependent on Abraham’s actions.
- Everlasting: The covenant was intended to last through all generations (Genesis 17:7).
- Land Grant: God promised Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan.
- Sign of Circumcision: Circumcision was established as a sign of the covenant (Genesis 17:10-14).
- Blessing and Curse: The covenant included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
6. a) Explain the importance of God's covenant with Abraham.
- It established the foundation for the Israelite nation.
- It showed God's commitment to providing a land and descendants for Abraham.
- It demonstrated God's faithfulness to His promises.
- It introduced the practice of circumcision as a sign of the covenant.
- It laid the groundwork for the messianic promise through Abraham’s line.
b) What lessons do Christians learn from the incident when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son
Isaac?
- The importance of obedience and trust in God, even in difficult circumstances.
- Faith involves trusting God’s promises and plans, even when they seem impossible.
- The act of faith can lead to a deeper relationship with God.
- God provides alternatives and solutions in times of trial.
- Obedience to God can bring about divine blessing and intervention.
7. Describe the covenant between God and Abraham.
- The covenant was an agreement in which God promised Abraham land, descendants, and blessings.
- Abraham’s part of the covenant was to trust God, walk blamelessly, and practice circumcision as a
sign of the covenant.
- The covenant was marked by rituals, including the cutting of animals and a divine vision that
symbolized God’s commitment (Genesis 15).
8. Identify the circumstances under which covenants were made in the traditional African society.
- Covenants were often made to seal agreements or alliances between individuals or groups.
- They were used to ensure mutual respect, cooperation, and loyalty.
- Rituals and sacrifices were commonly involved to sanctify the covenant.
- They might involve communal feasts, oaths, or symbolic acts like exchanging gifts.
9. Name five modern covenants.
- Marriage vows.
- Business partnerships or agreements.
- International treaties or peace agreements.
- Legal contracts (e.g., property deeds, employment contracts).
- Religious commitments (e.g., baptismal vows, church membership).
10. Name any three covenants made in the Old Testament.
- The Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17).
- The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 15 and 17).
- The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24).
CHAPTER THREE: MOSES AND THE SINAI COVENANT
1. Outline the qualities of God learned by the Israelites during the making of the Sinai covenant.
- God's holiness and separateness (Exodus 19:10-15).
- His sovereignty and authority (Exodus 19:16-19).
- His faithfulness and commitment to His people (Exodus 20:2).
- His justice and the demand for righteous living (Exodus 20:1-17).
2. Describe ways in which God demonstrated His mercy to the Israelites at Mt. Sinai.
- He provided clear laws and guidance for living righteously.
- He forgave the Israelites after they sinned with the golden calf.
- He continued to offer His presence and guidance through the covenant.
- He provided for their needs during their journey in the wilderness.
3. List the qualities of Moses shown during his call at Mt. Sinai.
- Obedience: He followed God's instructions despite his initial reluctance (Exodus 3:10-12).
- Faithfulness: He trusted God's plan for liberating the Israelites (Exodus 3:13-22).
- Courage: He confronted Pharaoh and stood firm against opposition (Exodus 7-12).
- Intercession: He prayed for the people and sought God’s guidance (Exodus 32:11-14).
4. Identify five lessons that Christians learn about God from the call of Moses.
- God calls individuals to serve and fulfill His purposes.
- God provides guidance and support for His chosen leaders.
- God’s plans often involve challenges and require faith and courage.
- God’s promises and power are reliable and effective.
- God values obedience and commitment to His will.
5. State five ways in which God revealed Himself to the Israelites at Mt. Sinai.
- Through the dramatic manifestation of thunder and lightning (Exodus 19:16-19).
- Through the giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17).
- Through the cloud on the mountain, signifying His presence (Exodus 24:15-18).
- Through the voice from the mountain (Exodus 20:22-26).
- Through the detailed laws and instructions given to Moses (Exodus 21-23).
6. Give the values that a Christian can learn from the call of Moses.
- The importance of obedience to God's call.
- The necessity of faith and trust in God's guidance.
- The role of leadership and responsibility in fulfilling God’s plans.
- The need for perseverance in the face of challenges.
- The value of prayer and intercession for others.
7. Five Commandments That Teach How to Relate to One Another:**
The following commandments from the Ten Commandments guide interpersonal relationships:
1. Honor your father and mother.
2. Do not murder.
3. Do not commit adultery.
4. Do not steal.
5. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.
8. Challenges Moses Faced During the Exodus:
- Complaints and Grumblings: he Israelites frequently complained about the lack of food and water.
- Disobedience: The people disobeyed God's commands, such as when they worshipped the golden calf.
- Rebellion: some groups, like Korah's followers, challenged Moses' leadership.
- Heavy Burden: Moses often felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of leading the large population.
9. a ) Activities on the Night of the Passover:
1. Slaughtering a lamb without blemish.
2. Sprinkling the lamb's blood on doorposts.
3. Eating the roasted lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
4. Dressing in readiness to leave quickly.
5. Staying indoors until morning.
b) Reasons the Exodus Was Important to the Israelites:
1. Demonstrated God's power and faithfulness.
2. Marked their freedom from Egyptian slavery.
3. Established Israel as God's chosen people.
4. Led to the covenant at Mount Sinai.
5. Provided the foundation for Israel's identity and laws.
c) How Christians Show Respect for God:
1. Attending worship services.
2. Praying regularly.
3. Following God's commandments.
4. Showing love and kindness to others.
5. Living a life of integrity and faithfulness.
10. The Call of Moses:
Moses was called by God through a burning bush while tending sheep in Midian. God instructed him to
return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses initially hesitated due to his own perceived
inadequacies, but God assured him of His support and provided signs to confirm His call.
**Leadership in Israel - Past KCSE Questions**
**1. How Injustice Disrupts Peace in Society:**
- Creates social division.
- Breeds resentment and anger.
- Leads to violence and unrest.
- Destroys trust in leadership and institutions.
- Causes economic and social instability.
**2. Activities of King Jeroboam That Led to Idolatry:**
- Set up golden calves for worship.
- Established non-Levitical priests.
- Instituted festivals similar to those in Judah.
- Built temples in Bethel and Dan.
- Led the people away from worshiping the true God.
**3. Reasons the Northern Kingdom Was Destroyed Before Judah:**
- Greater idolatry and apostasy.
- Political instability and frequent coups.
- Reliance on foreign alliances instead of God.
- Prophetic warnings ignored.
- Increased moral corruption.
**4. Ways Israelite Kings Brought People Back to God:**
- Destroying idols and altars to foreign gods.
- Reinstating the worship of Yahweh.
- Encouraging the observance of the Law.
- Leading religious reforms.
- Consulting prophets and seeking God's guidance.
**5. Duties of Prophet Samuel:**
- Serving as a judge over Israel.
- Anointing kings (Saul and David).
- Interceding for the people.
- Delivering God's messages to the nation.
- Leading religious rituals and sacrifices.
**6. Factors Leading to the Failure of David's Successors:**
- Moral failures and personal sins.
- Internal family conflicts.
- Poor political decisions.
- Neglecting the worship of God.
- Oppression of the people.
**7. Failures of King Saul:**
- Disobeying God's command to destroy the Amalekites completely.
- Consulting a witch for guidance.
- Allowing jealousy and paranoia to rule his decisions.
- Failing to unite the tribes of Israel.
- Attempting to kill David, God's chosen successor.
**8. Reasons the Israelites Demanded a King:**
- Desire to be like other nations.
- Fear of external threats and need for a strong leader.
- Samuel's sons were corrupt and unfit to lead.
- Desire for centralized leadership.
- Dissatisfaction with the current system of judges.
**9. Achievements of Solomon as King of Israel:**
- Building the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Expanding Israel's borders and influence.
- Establishing trade alliances with other nations.
- Writing Proverbs and other wisdom literature.
- Bringing peace and prosperity to Israel.
**10. How David Promoted the Worship of God:**
- Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem.
- Writing Psalms used in worship.
- Establishing Jerusalem as the religious capital.
- Organizing the priesthood and Levites.
- Leading the nation in public worship.
**11. Why Samuel Was Opposed to Kingship in Israel:**
- Belief that God was the true King of Israel.
- Fear that a king would oppress the people.
- Concern that a king would lead Israel away from God.
- Understanding that a king would centralize power.
- Warnings from God about the dangers of monarchy.
**12. Why David Was the Most Successful King in Israel:**
- United the tribes of Israel.
- Established Jerusalem as the capital.
- Expanded Israel's territory.
- Maintained a strong relationship with God.
- Brought prosperity and peace to the nation.
**13. Importance of the Temple in Jerusalem:**
- Center of worship and religious life.
- Place where sacrifices were offered.
- Symbol of God's presence among the people.
- Location of major religious festivals.
- Focus of national unity and identity.
**14. Role of Judges in Israel:**
- Delivering Israel from oppression.
- Leading the people in battle.
- Settling disputes among the tribes.
- Upholding the Law of God.
- Serving as spiritual leaders.
**15. Promises Given to King David:**
- His descendants would rule Israel forever.
- The Messiah would come from his lineage.
- His kingdom would be established forever.
- God's favor would not depart from his house.
- His throne would be everlasting.
**16. Qualities Modern Leaders Should Have from David's Example:**
- Integrity and honesty.
- Strong faith and trust in God.
- Courage and decisiveness.
- Humility and willingness to repent.
- Vision and ability to unite people.
**17. How King Solomon Turned Away from the Covenant Way of Life:**
- Marrying foreign women who led him to idolatry.
- Building high places for idol worship.
- Oppressing the people with heavy taxes.
- Ignoring God's warnings through the prophets.
- Failing to walk in the ways of his father, David.
**18. Nine Judges in Israel:**
- Othniel
- Ehud
- Shamgar
- Deborah
- Gide
on
- Tola
- Jair
- Jephthah
- Samson
**19. Challenges Faced During the Period of Judges:**
- Constant threat of invasion by neighboring nations.
- Internal strife and lack of unity among the tribes.
- Idolatry and turning away from God.
- Moral and spiritual decline.
- Lack of strong, consistent leadership.
These answers should provide a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of the Israelites'
journey, leadership, and religious practices.