JAMB Christian Religious Knowledge 2011 Past Questions & Answers

According to the creation story in Genesis $2:2-3$, after God finished creating the heavens and the earth in six days, He rested on the seventh day. The Bible says God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, or 'hallowed', specifically because on it He rested from all His work. This act of completing creation and setting apart a day of rest demonstrates His supreme authority and power over His creation.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option C because the seventh day (Sabbath) is known as a day of worship, but the specific reason given in the Genesis account is that God rested on that day.

According to the book of Genesis, during the great flood, the waters increased and lifted the ark high above the earth, causing it to float. This was the specific method by which God protected Noah, his family, and the animals from the destructive floodwaters. The ark was not rowed like a regular boat or anchored; its survival was a direct result of it floating as part of God's divine plan for protection.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option A because the Bible mentions the ark resting on the mountains of Ararat, but this happened after the floodwaters had gone down, not during the flood itself.

The question asks how God appeared on Mount Sinai when He gave the commandments, which was the event where He established His covenant with the nation of Israel. According to the account in Exodus 19:18, 'Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire.' This powerful display of smoke and fire demonstrated God's awesome presence and the seriousness of the covenant being made.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose 'a still small voice' because they confuse this event with God's later appearance to the prophet Elijah on Mount Horeb (Sinai).

The question asks for Joseph's very first response when Pharaoh requested an interpretation of his dream. According to the account in Genesis 41:16, Joseph immediately deflected the praise and attributed the power to God, saying, 'It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.' This response demonstrates his humility and faith, which are essential qualities of the leadership role God prepared for him.

Common mistake: Students often confuse Joseph's initial response with the actual interpretation, which leads them to incorrectly choose option A, a statement Joseph made later while explaining the meaning of the dream.

According to the Bible in Joshua chapter 7, Israel's defeat at Ai was not due to military weakness but because of sin in the camp. Achan had disobeyed God by taking forbidden items from Jericho. Therefore, God commanded Joshua to stop praying and instead 'sanctify the people', which involved identifying the sinner and removing the sin so that Israel could be right with God again.

Common mistake: Students may mistakenly choose 'pray fervently against their enemies', but in this story, God told Joshua that action to deal with disobedience was required, not more prayer.

In the story from Genesis 24, Abraham specifically commanded his servant to travel to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac. God's guidance was first demonstrated by leading the servant safely on the long journey to the correct destination, which was Abraham's fatherland. This was the necessary first step before the servant could even meet Rebekah, making it a primary act of God's guidance in the mission.

Common mistake: Many students mistakenly choose option B, as Rebekah fulfilling the prayer request is a powerful sign, but the initial guidance to the correct location (the fatherland) was the foundational step of the entire process.

The correct answer is based on 1 Samuel 2:29, where God confronts Eli. Although Eli's sons were wicked, God's anger was specifically on Eli because he knew about their evil deeds but failed to restrain them. By not disciplining his sons for dishonouring God's sacrifices, Eli was seen as honouring his sons more than God, which was a grave act of disobedience.

Common mistake: Students might choose option B because it is a true statement, but it is incomplete as the question specifically asks why God was angry with Eli, which was due to his failure to discipline his wicked sons.

The story of Absalom is a clear example of the dangers of not disciplining children. His father, King David, was too lenient and did not punish him for murdering his half-brother, Amnon. This lack of discipline allowed Absalom's bitterness and rebellion to grow, leading him to try and overthrow his father, which caused a civil war that was dangerous for both his family and the entire society of Israel.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose Tamar because she was a victim in the same story, but Absalom is the correct answer as his rebellious actions are the direct example of the danger.

The correct answer is A because the Bible directly links God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham to his obedience. In Genesis 22, after Abraham showed his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, God confirmed His covenant by saying, '...and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.' This shows that Abraham's obedience was the specific reason for the confirmation of this great promise.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option D because Abraham was indeed an exemplary leader, but the Bible specifically highlights his personal obedience to God's command as the direct reason for this particular blessing.

According to the Bible in Genesis chapter 3, after Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit, God listed their punishments. A key part of this punishment was being driven out of the Garden of Eden. This was done to prevent them from eating from the tree of life and living forever in their sinful condition.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option C, thinking that sin completely ended all fellowship with God, but while their relationship was broken, God still communicated with humanity after the fall.

This question refers to the story in 1 Samuel where David found King Saul sleeping and had the opportunity to kill him. David refused to harm Saul, calling him 'the LORD's anointed' because God had chosen and appointed Saul as the king of Israel. By doing this, David was showing respect for God's authority and acknowledging God's role in establishing Saul's leadership.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option C because they remember that Samuel was the prophet who anointed Saul, but the question is about David's statement which acknowledges the authority of the king's office, not Samuel's.

In the book of 1 Samuel, God had commanded the Israelites not to consult mediums or spirits. When King Saul was afraid of the Philistines and God did not answer him, he chose to disobey this command by visiting the medium at Endor. This act of disobedience showed that he had lost his faith and trust in God's power and guidance, choosing instead to seek help from a forbidden source.

Common mistake: Students may mistakenly choose 'leadership qualities' because this was a poor decision for a king, but the primary religious issue highlighted by this specific action is Saul's direct disobedience and resulting lack of faith in God.

The Bible records in 1 Kings 11 that King Solomon loved many foreign women, which was against God's law for Israelite kings. These foreign wives led him to worship their idols, turning his heart away from the God of Israel. This act of disobedience was his greatest failure and directly led to God's judgment that the kingdom would be divided after his death.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose 'developmental works' because Solomon's building projects were very expensive, but the Bible clearly identifies his marriages to foreign women and the resulting idolatry as the primary reason for his downfall.

This question refers to the story in 1 Kings 22 where Kings Ahab and Jehoshaphat prepared for battle. While many false prophets predicted victory, Micaiah, a true prophet of God, foretold that Ahab would die. The kings chose to ignore Micaiah's warning, an act of disobedience to God's word, which led to Ahab's death in the battle as prophesied.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose Elijah because he is the most well-known prophet who frequently confronted King Ahab, but it was Micaiah in this specific incident.

The contest on Mount Carmel, as told in 1 Kings chapter 18, was to prove who the true God is. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to call on their god to send down fire, but nothing happened. The reason Baal did not answer is that he is a false god, an idol with no life or power, so he could not hear their cries. This event demonstrated the supremacy of the God of Israel, who later answered Elijah's prayer with fire.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option D because Elijah sarcastically suggested that Baal could be asleep, but this was only a taunt to show that Baal was powerless.

This question is from the account of King Josiah's reforms in 2 Kings 22. The money collected for the temple repairs was given to supervisors who were in charge of the project. These supervisors then paid the individual workmen for their labour. Therefore, the workmen were not required to account for the money because they did not receive the large sums directly; they only received their wages from the supervisors.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose option D, 'were honest workmen', because the Bible does mention that the supervisors were trusted due to their honesty, but the question specifically asks about the workmen who were paid by these supervisors.

The question asks for a sin of King Manasseh that led to Judah's destruction. The Bible records that Manasseh's reign was full of idolatry and disobedience, which angered God. Although he committed many sins, the establishment of pagan worship practices, which included keeping cult prostitutes in the temple area (as indicated by their removal by King Josiah in 2 Kings 23:7), was a major act of defiling God's house and a sign of complete rebellion against Him.

Common mistake: Students often choose 'shedding innocent blood' because 2 Kings $24:3-4$ explicitly mentions this sin, but Manasseh's introduction of widespread idolatry, including temple prostitution, was a foundational sin that led to God's judgment.

The question describes Nehemiah's reaction to the threats from his enemies while rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. According to Nehemiah $4:4-5$, instead of fighting back himself or reporting to the king, he prayed to God for help and justice. This act demonstrates his strong faith and reliance on God's divine protection and guidance during a very difficult task.

Common mistake: Students may be tempted to choose a leadership-focused topic, but the correct answer specifically points to Nehemiah's prayer, which is a direct appeal for God's intervention and protection.

According to the biblical account in Daniel chapter 3, King Nebuchadnezzar made a proclamation for all his subjects. The command was that whenever they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, they were to fall down and worship the golden image he had set up. Therefore, the sound of the horn was the specific signal that triggered the command to worship.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option D, 'were told to do so', because it is generally true, but the question asks for the specific signal which was the sound of the music.

In the biblical account, a great storm arose after Jonah boarded the ship to flee from God's presence. The sailors cast lots to find the cause of their trouble, and the lot fell on Jonah. When they questioned him, Jonah confessed that he was running away from the LORD. It was after this confession that the men became terrified and asked the question, showing their shock that he would disobey his God.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option A because they remember that Jonah was found sleeping during the storm, but the sailors' specific question was a reaction to his confession of fleeing from God, not just his sleeping.

This question quotes the prophet Hosea, who is listed in this subtopic. God, speaking through Hosea, complains that the love and loyalty of Israel (Ephraim) and Judah are not genuine or permanent. Just like a cloud that appears in the morning and is quickly burned away by the sun, their commitment to God would disappear fast, showing their religion was not true.

Common mistake: Students might choose 'is cloudy' because they take the word 'cloud' literally, without understanding the metaphor about something that is temporary and vanishes quickly.

The prophet Amos preached that God was displeased with the Israelites' religious ceremonies because they were not accompanied by righteous living and social justice. In the book of Amos, God explicitly rejects their sacrifices, stating He desires justice and a true relationship with Him (knowledge of Him) instead of their burnt offerings. Therefore, God desires knowledge of Him rather than burnt offerings.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose 'fervent prayers' because it is also a religious activity, but the book of Amos specifically and strongly contrasts the Israelites' many burnt offerings with God's demand for social justice.

This question refers to the divine call of Prophet Isaiah as recorded in Isaiah chapter 6. In his vision, Isaiah saw the holiness of God and cried out that he was a sinful man with 'unclean lips'. To purify him, a seraph took a live coal from the altar and touched his mouth, declaring that his guilt was taken away and his sin was forgiven. This act prepared him to receive God's commission.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option D because they think forgiveness is a reward for agreeing to serve, but the Bible shows that God first purified Isaiah *before* asking him to serve.

The correct answer is found in Jeremiah 1:5, where God speaks to the prophet saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.' This verse directly states that Jeremiah was chosen and set apart for God's service even before he was born. The calls of the other prophets listed happened later in their lives.

Common mistake: Students may confuse the call of Jeremiah with that of Isaiah, but Isaiah's call occurred as an adult during a vision in the temple, not from the womb.

The prophet Jeremiah's message was that Israel's disobedience had provoked God's holy anger, leading to judgement. However, Jeremiah also taught that God is compassionate and would not be angry forever. The basis for this hope was not the people's actions or the prophet's prayers, but God's own character of steadfast love and mercy, which is the ultimate reason His anger would be reduced.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose 'the prophet’s prayers' because prophets often interceded for the people, but the ultimate reason for God's forgiveness is His own nature of mercy, not the prophet's actions.