JAMB UTME - Christian Religious Studies - 1989

'What is sweeter than honey. What is stronger than lion? 'Who gave this riddle?

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This riddle was given by Samson, who was a judge and a hero in the Bible. Samson was known for his incredible strength, which he used to fight against the enemies of the Israelites. In the book of Judges in the Old Testament, Samson posed this riddle to a group of Philistines whom he had wagered with: "Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet." The riddle refers to the story of Samson killing a lion with his bare hands and then finding a swarm of bees and honey inside the carcass. The answer to the riddle is "nothing," as there is nothing sweeter than honey or stronger than a lion. The Philistines were unable to solve the riddle, but Samson's wife managed to extract the answer from him and told it to her people, which led to Samson's defeat. The riddle is a demonstration of Samson's cleverness and wit.

'Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. The above quotation teaches.

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The above quotation teaches obedience to civil authority. It implies that people should pay taxes to the government and fulfill their obligations as citizens, while also giving God the reverence and devotion that is due to Him. It emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between one's obligations to the government and one's religious duties.

'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he pleased! is usually referred to as

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The phrase "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he pleased!" is usually referred to as "the angels' song." It was declared by a multitude of angels to the shepherds who were watching their flocks at night when Jesus was born. It's recorded in the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament of the Bible. The angels' song is an announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ, who would bring peace to earth and glory to God.

Which of the following is the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham ?

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The sign of the covenant between God and Abraham was circumcision in the flesh of the foreskins. In Genesis 17, God appeared to Abraham and made a covenant with him, promising to make him the father of many nations. As a sign of this covenant, God commanded Abraham to circumcise himself and all the males in his household. This physical sign was a symbol of Abraham's commitment to follow God and to trust in His promises. It also marked the beginning of the separation of Abraham and his descendants as a chosen people, set apart by God for a special purpose. The practice of circumcision became a key part of Jewish identity and a sign of their unique relationship with God. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is circumcision in the flesh of the foreskins.

A famous prophetess who was also a judge in Israel was

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The famous prophetess who was also a judge in Israel was Deborah. She is mentioned in the Bible in the book of Judges. Deborah was not only a prophetess and a judge, but also a military leader who helped the Israelites defeat their enemies. Deborah was known for her wisdom, courage, and leadership. She judged Israel during a time of oppression, when the Israelites were being oppressed by the Canaanites. Deborah listened to God's guidance and gave instructions to Barak, the commander of the Israelite army, which led to their victory over the Canaanites. Deborah's story is an inspiring example of a woman who used her gifts and abilities to serve God and her people. She is remembered as one of the great leaders of Israel and a faithful servant of God.

Gilgamesh Epic is the Babylonian equivalent of the biblical story of the

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Gilgamesh Epic is the Babylonian equivalent of the biblical story of the flood. In the epic, the gods decide to destroy humanity with a flood, and the hero, Gilgamesh, is instructed by the god Ea to build an ark and save himself, his family, and the animals. The similarities with the biblical story of Noah's ark are striking, and it is believed that the story of the flood was a common mythological motif in the ancient Near East.

Who requested for the body of Jesus after His death?

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Joseph of Arimathea requested for the body of Jesus after His death. Joseph was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body, which Pilate granted. Joseph then wrapped the body in a clean linen cloth and placed it in his own tomb, which was hewn in a rock.

When they saw the man who had been possessed by demons in his right mind, the Gerasenes

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When the Gerasenes saw the man who had been possessed by demons in his right mind, they asked Jesus to depart from them.

The elders at Jerusalem advised Paul on his arrival in the city to

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The elders at Jerusalem advised Paul on his arrival in the city to purify himself along with men under vows. This advice was given to Paul to dispel the false rumors that he was teaching Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake Moses and not to circumcise their children. Therefore, the elders advised Paul to join four men in their purification rites and pay their expenses, so that everyone would know that the rumors against him were baseless and that he was still living in observance of the Jewish law. (Acts 21:17-26)

To the question of the Philippian jailer, 'Men, what must I do to be saved? Paul replied,

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When the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, "Men, what must I do to be saved?", Paul replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." This is recorded in the Bible in the book of Acts. Paul's answer emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. He did not tell the jailer to do any good works or religious rituals to earn his salvation. Instead, he pointed him to Jesus as the only way to be saved. The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift of God's grace, and it is received through faith in Jesus Christ. By trusting in Jesus and what He has done for us on the cross, we can have our sins forgiven and be reconciled to God. Paul's answer to the jailer is a clear and concise expression of this central message of the Christian faith.

The only commanded which has a promise attached to it concerns

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The commandment that has a promise attached to it is to "Honor your father and your mother" which concerns respecting parents. The promise is that you may live long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. This is found in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16.

'What portion have we in David? we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel!.. This declaration marked the end of

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The declaration "What portion have we in David? we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel!" marked the end of the united kingdom in Israel. The united kingdom was formed under the leadership of King Saul, who was succeeded by King David. David's reign was marked by military conquests and the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. However, after David's death, his son Solomon became king and began to oppress the people with heavy taxes and forced labor. This led to a division within the kingdom, with the northern tribes of Israel rebelling against Solomon's son Rehoboam. The declaration in question was made by the rebel leader Jeroboam, who rejected the authority of the Davidic dynasty and called for the northern tribes to secede from the kingdom. This marked the beginning of a period of division and conflict in Israel, with the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah existing as separate entities. Overall, the declaration signaled the end of the united kingdom and the beginning of a new era in Israel's history.

When Paul and Barnabas healed a cripple at Lystra, the people named them

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When Paul and Barnabas healed a cripple at Lystra in the book of Acts in the New Testament, the people who witnessed the miracle named them Zeus and Hermes. According to the account, the people of Lystra believed that Paul and Barnabas were gods in human form and attempted to offer sacrifices to them. They called Paul "Zeus" and Barnabas "Hermes" because they believed that Paul was the chief god of their pantheon and that Barnabas was his messenger. However, Paul and Barnabas quickly corrected them, explaining that they were only human beings and that it was through the power of God that they were able to perform the healing. This incident demonstrated the cultural context in which the miracle took place and highlighted the challenge that early Christian missionaries faced in communicating their message to people of different cultures and beliefs.

'Get behind me, Satan!, for you are not on the side of God, but of man'. The reason for this sharp rebuke was that the addressee

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The reason for this sharp rebuke was that the addressee wanted to dissuade Jesus from dying on the cross. The statement 'Get behind me, Satan!' was directed at Peter, who had just rebuked Jesus for saying that he would have to suffer and die. Peter wanted Jesus to avoid the suffering and death on the cross, but Jesus knew that it was necessary for the salvation of humanity. Jesus recognized that Peter's advice was not from God, but from his own human understanding, which is why he rebuked him so sharply.

Jesus heard a voice saying: 'Thou art my beloved Son, with thee I am well pleased'. Jesus heard this voice during His

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Jesus heard the voice saying, "Thou art my beloved Son, with thee I am well pleased" during His baptism. According to the Christian tradition, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. As Jesus emerged from the water, the voice of God was heard, affirming His identity as the Son of God and expressing pleasure in Him. This event is seen as a significant moment in the life of Jesus, as it marks the beginning of His public ministry and the start of His mission to spread the message of God's love and redemption. It is also a key moment in the Christian faith, as it establishes Jesus' divine nature and His special relationship with God.

When John sent his disciples to ask Jesus 'Are you the one who is to come..? 'Jesus' immediate reaction was to

During the voyage to Rome, some people thought that Paul was a god because

Which of the following instructions was given only to the seventy and not to the twelve when Jesus sent his disciples on mission?

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The instruction given only to the seventy and not to the twelve when Jesus sent his disciples on a mission is to "Salute no one on the road." This means that the seventy were instructed not to greet anyone they meet on their journey to their mission. This is mentioned in Luke 10:4-5, where Jesus instructs them: "Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and salute no one on the road."

Gideon was also called Jerubbaal because he

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Gideon was also called Jerubbaal because he pulled down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it. According to the book of Judges in the Old Testament, Gideon was a judge and military leader who was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. When Gideon was called upon to lead the Israelites, he destroyed the altar of Baal that his father had built and cut down the Asherah pole beside it, which were objects of idol worship. As a result of his action, the people of the town called him Jerubbaal, which means "Let Baal contend against him." This name change signified Gideon's rejection of Baal worship and his commitment to following the one true God.

From the parable of the friend at midnight we learn that

'Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man shall attack you to harm you; for I have many people in this city'. The city referred to was

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The city referred to in the given passage is Corinth. These words were spoken to the apostle Paul by the Lord in a vision, as recorded in the Bible in the book of Acts. Paul was on a missionary journey, preaching the gospel and establishing churches in various cities throughout the Mediterranean region. When he arrived in Corinth, he faced opposition and persecution from both Jews and Gentiles. However, the Lord spoke to him and encouraged him not to be afraid and to continue to preach boldly, assuring him that he would be protected and that many people in Corinth would come to believe in the gospel. This message gave Paul the strength and confidence he needed to carry on with his mission, and he remained in Corinth for a year and a half, establishing a thriving church in the city.

According to Herod, Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead because He

'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us...?. this expresses the regret of

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The statement "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us...?" expresses the regret of Cleopas and one other disciple on the road to Emmaus. This statement was made by the two disciples who encountered the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus after His crucifixion. They had been discussing the events surrounding Jesus' death when He appeared to them, but they did not recognize Him at first. Jesus walked and talked with them, explaining the Scriptures and revealing how He fulfilled the prophecies about the Messiah. As they reached their destination and sat down to eat together, Jesus broke bread and their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. It was at this point that they made the statement, expressing their regret that they had not recognized Jesus earlier, even though they had felt their hearts burning within them as He talked to them on the road. Overall, this statement highlights the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the importance of recognizing Him when He appears to us.

God appeared to Jacob in a dream and Jacob made a vow to

One of the objectives, according to Mark, for which Jesus appointed the twelve, was for them to

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REF____Mark 3:14-15

'All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all'. This messianic prophecy was made by

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The messianic prophecy, "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all," was made by the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah is one of the major prophets of the Old Testament and is known for his prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. This specific prophecy is often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who was believed to have taken on the sins of humanity through his death and resurrection.

The Egyptian magicians were able to reproduce the first three miracles done by Moses and Aaron, but the fourth which they were unable to perform was the plague of

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The Egyptian magicians were able to reproduce the first three miracles done by Moses and Aaron, but the fourth which they were unable to perform was the plague of 'gnats from the dust'.

The vision of 'dry bones' teaches that

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The vision of "dry bones" in Ezekiel 37 teaches that exiled Israel will be restored. In the vision, Ezekiel sees a valley filled with dry bones, which represents the exiled Israelites who have lost hope and are as good as dead. God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and as he does, they come to life and become a great army. This vision symbolizes the restoration of Israel, as God promises to bring the people back from exile and restore them to their land.

One of the reasons why Sennacherib could not enter Jerusalem and conquer it as he did to Samaria was that

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According to the Bible, one of the reasons why Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, could not conquer Jerusalem as he did to Samaria was that thousands of his soldiers miraculously died overnight. The story is recounted in the book of 2 Kings and the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. According to the account, Sennacherib sent his army to besiege Jerusalem, but during the night, an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 soldiers in the Assyrian camp. As a result, Sennacherib was forced to withdraw his army and return to his own country. This miraculous event was seen as a divine intervention on behalf of Jerusalem and the people of Judah. Therefore, the reason why Sennacherib could not conquer Jerusalem was due to a supernatural event that occurred in the Assyrian camp.

'Seek good, and not evil that you may live, and so the Lord, the God of host, will be with you, as you have said...' Which prophet gave this advice?

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This advice was given by the prophet Amos in the Old Testament of the Bible. Amos was a prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah who was called by God to prophesy to the northern kingdom of Israel. His message was one of social justice and a warning of impending judgment for Israel's sins of oppression, idolatry, and injustice. In the quoted passage, Amos advises the people to seek goodness and righteousness rather than evil, in order to live and prosper. He emphasizes that if they follow this path, God will be with them as he promised. This message of seeking righteousness and turning away from evil is a recurring theme in Amos' prophetic message.

In Exodus 17 and Numbers 20, similar incidents of lack of water for the congregation are recorded. A significant difference however, is that in Exodus 17, Moses is commanded to

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In Exodus 17, when the congregation complained of thirst, God commanded Moses to strike the rock with his staff, and water gushed out for the people to drink. In Numbers 20, a similar incident occurs, but this time God commands Moses to speak to the rock. However, instead of speaking to the rock, Moses strikes it twice with his staff. This disobedience leads to God punishing Moses by not allowing him to enter the promised land. Therefore, the correct answer is that in Exodus 17, Moses is commanded to strike the rock.

Paul was accused of apparently being a preacher of foreign divinities in Athens because he preached Jesus and the

'And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him'. Jesus was led into the wilderness by

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Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1, verse 12. After his baptism by John the Baptist, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan for forty days. The wilderness is often seen as a place of testing and purification, and the number forty has symbolic significance in the Bible, representing a period of trial or testing. During this time, Jesus was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.

Joseph saw his sale by his brothers as God's plan to enable him

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Joseph saw his sale by his brothers as God's plan to enable him to preserve life. Joseph's brothers had sold him into slavery out of jealousy and resentment, but Joseph did not become bitter or seek revenge. Instead, he trusted that God had a purpose for his life and that even the evil actions of his brothers could be used for good. While in Egypt, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and advised him to prepare for a coming famine. Because of Joseph's wisdom and foresight, Egypt was able to survive the famine and even become prosperous. In this way, Joseph was able to save the lives of many people, including his own family who eventually came to Egypt seeking food. Therefore, Joseph's interpretation of his sale as part of God's plan to enable him to preserve life shows his faith in God's sovereignty and his willingness to trust in God's ultimate purpose for his life.

When the Chaldean army captured king Zedekiah, they

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When the Chaldean army captured king Zedekiah, they "bound him in fetters" which means they tied his hands and feet with chains, making him their prisoner. (Option C)

'The the LORD God said, it is not good that the man should be alone;.... Which of the following did He make fit for him?

'I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith'. This statement was made during the healing of the

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The statement, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith" was made during the healing of the centurion's servant. The centurion had asked Jesus to heal his servant, but also acknowledged Jesus's authority and power, saying that Jesus only needed to say the word for his servant to be healed. Jesus was amazed by the centurion's faith and declared that he had not found such faith even in Israel, indicating that the centurion's faith was exceptional.

The possibility of crossing the Red Sea was seen by Israel as

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The possibility of crossing the Red Sea was seen by Israel as God's active presence in their midst. When the Israelites were fleeing from Egypt, they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the approaching Egyptian army. However, God miraculously opened a path through the sea for the Israelites to cross safely, while at the same time drowning the pursuing Egyptians. This event was seen by the Israelites as a clear manifestation of God's active presence in their midst, and a powerful demonstration of His protection and care for His people.

To whom was the birth of Jesus announced with a sign?

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The birth of Jesus was announced to the shepherds with a sign. According to the Gospel of Luke in the Bible, an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flock at night and told them the good news of Jesus' birth. The angel also gave them a sign to identify the baby, saying they would find him wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. The shepherds then went to Bethlehem and found Jesus, just as the angel had told them.

The two Hebrew midwives instructed by Pharaoh to kill the Hebrew male babies at birth were

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The two Hebrew midwives instructed by Pharaoh to kill the Hebrew male babies at birth were Shiphrah and Puah. According to the Book of Exodus, they disobeyed Pharaoh's order and allowed the male babies to live.

'My little finger is thicker than my father's lions' means that comparison with his father, Rehoboam will

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The statement "My little finger is thicker than my father's lions" was made by Rehoboam, who succeeded his father Solomon as king of Israel. He was faced with a request from his people to ease the heavy burden that Solomon had placed on them, and he consulted with his advisors on how to respond. The statement means that he was more powerful and his reign would be harsher than that of his father. Therefore, the answer is "be harsher".

The first generation of mankind was destroyed in the great flood of water because of

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The first generation of mankind was destroyed in the great flood of water because of corruption and violence. According to the Bible, God was displeased with the wickedness of humanity and decided to wipe out all living things with a flood. However, God chose to save Noah, his family, and a pair of every kind of animal, instructing Noah to build an ark. The flood waters lasted for 40 days and 40 nights, and when they receded, the earth was cleansed and a new beginning was made for humanity.

'Draw your sword and kill me, lest men say of me, '' A woman killed him''. The speaker was

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The speaker who said "Draw your sword and kill me, lest men say of me, '' A woman killed him''" was Abimelech. Abimelech was a son of Gideon and ruled as a judge in Israel. He was mortally wounded by a woman who dropped a millstone on his head, and he called out to his armor-bearer to kill him with a sword so that no one would say that he was killed by a woman.

Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom because

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Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands upon him. This is stated in the book of Deuteronomy (34:9) where Moses blesses Joshua and says, "And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses."

The central message of john the Baptist in the Jordan region was about a baptism

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The central message of John the Baptist in the Jordan region was about the baptism of repentance. John the Baptist was a prophet who lived in the wilderness and called on people to repent of their sins and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He baptized people in the Jordan River as a sign of their repentance and commitment to a new way of life. John's message was about turning away from sin and returning to God, and his baptism symbolized this process of spiritual renewal. The baptism of repentance was seen as a preparation for the baptism of the Holy Spirit that would be offered by the Messiah, who John believed was coming soon. Overall, John the Baptist's message was focused on the need for people to turn away from sin, be baptized in repentance, and prepare for the coming of the Messiah who would offer salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. What issue was raised to which this statement was a response?

'Let it be known to you then that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles will listen'. This implies that

Paul told the Athenians that they were religious because

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In Acts 17:22-23, Paul told the Athenians that they were very religious because he noticed that the city was full of idols and symbols of religious devotion. He observed that they even had an altar dedicated to an "unknown god," which indicated that they were open to acknowledging the existence of higher powers beyond the ones they knew about. Additionally, the epicurean and stoic philosophers in Athens were always discussing religious issues, which also demonstrated the people's religious inclination.

The incident which inspired King Josiah to undertake a reform was the

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The incident that inspired King Josiah to undertake a reform was the discovery of the book of the law. The book of the law was found by Hilkiah the priest while he was cleaning the temple. The book was brought to the king, and when he read it, he was deeply disturbed by its contents. The book contained the laws that God had given to Moses for the people of Israel to follow, but these laws had been forgotten and neglected over time. King Josiah realized that his people had been disobeying God's laws and were in need of repentance and reform. He immediately instituted a series of reforms, including the restoration of the temple, the reinstitution of the Passover, and the removal of idols and false gods. The discovery of the book of the law was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, and it led to a renewed commitment to following God's laws and a return to a closer relationship with Him. Therefore, the discovery of the book of the law was the incident that inspired King Josiah to undertake a reform.

And at the time of the offering of the oblation, the prophet came near and said, .... O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that thou, O Lord, art God, and that thou has turned their hearts back' what happened after this prayer ?

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After the prayer of the prophet as described in the passage, the fire of the Lord fell. This event is recorded in the Bible in the book of 1 Kings, and it tells the story of the prophet Elijah and the false prophets of Baal. The people of Israel had turned away from God and began to worship other gods. Elijah challenged the false prophets to a contest to determine who was the true God. He built an altar and placed a sacrifice on it, and the false prophets did the same. They were to call on their gods to send fire to consume the sacrifice. The false prophets prayed all day, but their god did not answer. Then Elijah called upon the Lord, and he prayed for God to show His power so that the people would know that He was the true God. Immediately after Elijah's prayer, the fire of the Lord fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the water that had been poured on it. This event was a powerful demonstration of God's power and authority, and it led the people to repent and turn back to Him.