2017 JAMB CRS PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The name Manasseh means “God has made me forget his hardship and his father’s house” (Genesis 41:51). Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh to signify his intention to forget the suffering he endured in Egypt and his separation from his family. This reflects his hope for a fresh start and divine favor in his new circumstances. The other options misinterpret the meaning of the name.

The people approached Rehoboam to ask for lighter burdens, reflecting their desire for relief from the heavy taxation and labor imposed by Solomon. This was a critical moment to test Rehoboam’s wisdom and leadership. The correct option highlights that the people wanted some relief from their harsh conditions. Other options do not accurately represent the primary reason for the request.

Nathan’s confrontation with David using a parable led David to recognize his wrongdoing regarding Bathsheba and Uriah. This pivotal moment prompted David to confess his sins and seek God’s forgiveness, demonstrating his repentance and humility. The other options do not align with David’s immediate response to Nathan’s rebuke.

Saul’s disobedience to God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites resulted in God rejecting him as king. Specifically, Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock, which demonstrated his lack of obedience and faith. This act directly led to the loss of his kingship. The other options do not accurately reflect the immediate consequences of his disobedience.

Moses reassured the Israelites during their escape from Egypt when they were being pursued by the Egyptian army. Standing before the Red Sea, Moses conveyed God’s promise that God would fight on their behalf, leading to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the Israelites’ safe passage. This statement emphasized God’s protection and power.

God prophesied to Solomon that due to his disobedience, the kingdom would be torn away and given to his son, leading to the division of the united kingdom of Israel. This prophecy was fulfilled when Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, took over, resulting in the split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The other options do not align with the prophecy.

It appears there is a mix-up in the question. In the Bible, Abner was killed by Joab, not Job. However, interpreting the intended meaning, the most appropriate answer is that Abner came to deceive David, leading to his demise. The other options do not accurately reflect the biblical narrative.

Abraham laughed in disbelief upon hearing that Sarah, who was advanced in age and had been barren, would bear a child. This reaction reflects human doubt in the face of a divine promise, highlighting the miraculous nature of Sarah’s conception despite her and Abraham’s old age. The other options do not fully capture the reason for Abraham’s laughter.

According to the Genesis creation narrative, God initially created the heavens and the earth. This foundational act set the stage for the subsequent creation events, including light, animals, and humans. The other options represent later stages of creation but do not capture the initial act.

Moses fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, fearing that his action would lead to his death if discovered by Pharaoh. In Midian, Moses found refuge, married Zipporah, and began a new life away from Egypt, which eventually led to his calling to lead the Israelites out of bondage. The other options do not accurately reflect his reasons for fleeing.

God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites as an act of judgment for their opposition to Israel during the Exodus from Egypt. Saul’s partial obedience—spared King Agag and the best livestock—was a direct reason for God rejecting him as king. The other options do not accurately represent the divine command or its purpose.

In Genesis, God granted man the authority to name all the creatures, symbolizing dominion and responsibility over creation. This act signifies man’s unique role and stewardship. The other options refer to tasks or permissions not directly mentioned in the creation account.

On Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and various laws for the Israelites. Among these instructions was the consecration of the people, setting them apart as a holy nation dedicated to God’s service. This involved establishing religious practices and moral guidelines. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary instructions given to Moses at Sinai.

This declaration reflects the unwavering faith and trust that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had in God, even when faced with the threat of death in the fiery furnace. Their confidence in God’s ability to save them demonstrates their strong belief and steadfastness, characterizing them as men of faith. The other options do not accurately describe their attitude.

Ezekiel’s description emphasizes the Israelites’ persistent disobedience and refusal to follow God’s commands. Their obstinate nature led to numerous judgments and consequences, highlighting their need for repentance and transformation. The other options do not fully capture the essence of their stubbornness as described by Ezekiel.

This passage illustrates God’s provision and sovereignty, teaching Jonah a lesson about compassion and mercy. The plant provided Jonah shade, only to be removed later, emphasizing that God’s mercy extends even to those whom Jonah might resent. This interaction underscores the transient nature of Jonah’s assignment and God’s overarching authority.

This question likely refers to a moment of distress, possibly relating to King David’s emotional turmoil after his sin with Bathsheba and the ensuing consequences. His grief and repentance led him to lose appetite, reflecting his inner sorrow and repentance. The other options do not directly relate to the immediate cause of his distress in this context.

Isaiah emphasizes that true holiness is expressed through righteous actions, such as doing justice and avoiding evil. He calls for ethical behavior and moral integrity as evidence of genuine worship and devotion to God. Observing rituals without righteousness is insufficient. The other options focus on external practices rather than the ethical imperatives Isaiah highlights.

King Josiah implemented significant religious reforms to rid Judah of idolatry and restore proper worship of Yahweh. One of his key actions was defiling Topheth in the valley of the sons of Hinnom, which was associated with the worship of pagan gods like Molech. This act was part of his efforts to centralize worship in Jerusalem and eliminate foreign religious practices.

Hosea’s teachings focus on God’s unwavering love and mercy towards His people despite their unfaithfulness. He uses the metaphor of marriage to illustrate the relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing that God desires genuine love and loyalty over mere ritualistic sacrifices. This highlights the importance of heartfelt devotion and steadfast love in the relationship with God.

Naaman initially resisted Elisha’s instructions to wash in the Jordan River seven times, showing his pride and reluctance to follow simple directives. His eventual compliance after being persuaded reflects his stubbornness and pride, traits that nearly hindered his healing but ultimately led to his faith in God. The other options do not accurately describe his initial reaction.

Daniel’s exceptional qualities, such as his ability to interpret dreams, unwavering faith in God, and refusal to compromise his beliefs (e.g., not worshiping the golden calf), set him apart from his peers. His integrity and dedication earned him high esteem and favor in the Babylonian court, leading to his distinguished position. The other options do not fully capture the reasons for his distinction.

As Elijah fled from Queen Jezebel, God miraculously provided for him by sending ravens to bring him bread and meat while he stayed by the brook Cherith. This divine provision sustained Elijah during his time of hiding, demonstrating God’s care and faithfulness. The other options do not accurately reflect the biblical account of how Elijah was fed during this period.

Barnabas was chosen by the Holy Spirit to accompany Saul (later known as Paul) on his missionary journeys. As a supportive and encouraging figure, Barnabas played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity and in mentoring Paul during his missions. The other options do not correspond to the biblical account of Saul’s companion.

Jesus emphasized that genuine discipleship involves loving one another, which reflects the core of His teachings. This love goes beyond mere rule-following or ritualistic practices, embodying the selfless and sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated. The other options, while important, are secondary to the central command of love in defining a true disciple.

The Hellenists, who were Greek-speaking Jews, felt that their widows were being neglected in the distribution of aid within the early Church. They brought this issue to the apostles, prompting a discussion on how to fairly support all members of the community. This complaint highlighted the need for inclusivity and equitable support within the church.

After witnessing the Transfiguration, where Jesus was revealed in His divine glory alongside Moses and Elijah, Peter, James, and John were instructed by Jesus to keep the event confidential until after His resurrection. This directive was meant to prevent premature declarations of Jesus as the Messiah and to ensure that His true mission was fully understood only after His resurrection.

In this metaphor, Jesus refers to the branches as individuals or groups within the spiritual community, particularly the Jews. Pruning symbolizes the necessary discipline and correction to foster spiritual growth and productivity. This analogy emphasizes the importance of refinement and the removal of unproductive elements to ensure healthy development.

According to John, eternal life is attained through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by faith and acceptance of His sacrifice. This relationship transcends mere rituals or adherence to laws, focusing on the transformative power of belief and spiritual connection.

Upon entering the temple, Jesus demonstrated His authority by driving out the money changers and those selling goods, condemning the commercial activities that had turned the holy place into a marketplace. This act emphasized the need for reverence and purity in worship, aligning with His mission to restore true religious practices.

In response to the Devil’s temptation to prove His divinity by throwing Himself from the temple pinnacle, Jesus quoted Scripture: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” This reply emphasized reliance on God’s word and rejection of testing or demanding miraculous signs to prove His faith.

The lawyer posed this question to Jesus with the intent to test Him and potentially trap Him in a theological dilemma. By asking about inheriting eternal life, the lawyer aimed to challenge Jesus’ teachings and discern His stance on the law, possibly to use it against Him in debates or to discredit Him.

The disciples were astonished when Jesus calmed the storm with a simple command, demonstrating His divine authority over nature. Despite being in a boat together, Jesus’ ability to control the elements showcased His power and reassured the disciples of His divine mission. This event deepened their understanding of His true identity.

Peter identified the events of Pentecost as the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, where God promised to pour out His Spirit on all people. This connection emphasized the divine orchestration of the Holy Spirit’s descent, marking a significant moment in the early Christian church and the spread of the Gospel.

This declaration of faith was made by Peter during the Transfiguration, where he recognized Jesus’ divine nature and messianic role. This moment was pivotal in affirming Jesus as the Son of God and strengthening the disciples’ belief in His mission.

The crowd mocked Jesus when He claimed that Jairus’ daughter was not dead but merely sleeping, showing skepticism and disbelief in His ability to perform miracles. This reaction highlighted the challenge Jesus faced in convincing others of His divine power and authority.

Bartimaeus demonstrated persistent faith by continuously crying out to Jesus for healing despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him. His determination and belief in Jesus’ power ultimately led to his healing, exemplifying unwavering faith and the importance of seeking divine intervention.

Jesus was accused of blasphemy by the religious leaders because He claimed authority to forgive sins, a prerogative they believed belonged only to God. This assertion challenged their understanding of divinity and threatened their religious authority, leading to intense opposition against Him.

Pilate’s wife made this statement during the trial of Jesus, warning Pilate to have compassion and avoid condemning an innocent man, based on her troubling dream. This advice was an attempt to influence Pilate’s decision, highlighting her concern and the supernatural element of her warning.

Jesus taught that forgiveness is reciprocal; those who forgive others will receive forgiveness from God. This principle underscores the importance of mercy and reconciliation in the Christian faith, fostering a community based on grace and compassion.

In this parable, Jesus explains that the tares (weeds) are sown by the enemy, symbolizing the devil or forces of evil. This distinction highlights the ongoing battle between good and evil, with the ultimate judgment separating the righteous from the wicked. The other options represent various groups, but the enemy is the correct answer.

Paul emphasizes that generosity leads to thanksgiving to God, as it reflects the giver’s faith and recognition of God’s provision. Generosity fosters a spirit of gratitude and community, aligning with Christian values of selflessness and charity.

In James’ context, “they” refers to the authorities or rulers who oppose and disrespect the Christian faith. This highlights the conflict between believers and secular or religious powers that reject or mock the sacred name and teachings of God.

Paul’s statement emphasizes the importance of integrity and self-sufficiency in his ministry. By not taking advantage of others financially, he demonstrates honesty and sets a moral example for the Thessalonians, encouraging them to work diligently and respect others’ property.

Paul teaches that loving one’s neighbor fulfills the law, as love is the foundational principle behind all commandments. This emphasis on love over legalistic adherence underscores the essence of Christian ethics, promoting harmonious and compassionate relationships.

In Romans, Paul contrasts Adam’s disobedience, which brought sin to humanity, with Jesus’ obedience, which offers righteousness to many. This highlights the redemptive work of Jesus, providing salvation and restoring the broken relationship between God and humanity.

James teaches that the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective, capable of bringing about significant change. This underscores the belief in the efficacy of sincere and faithful prayer, encouraging believers to maintain their righteousness and trust in God’s responsiveness.

The “day of the Lord” is a biblical term referring to a future time of judgment and reckoning. Described as coming unexpectedly like a thief, it emphasizes the sudden and unavoidable nature of divine judgment upon the wicked and the vindication of the righteous.

Peter encourages believers to use their freedom responsibly, avoiding actions that lead to immorality. This guidance underscores the balance between liberty and ethical conduct, promoting a life that honors God while exercising personal freedom.

Paul explains that baptism symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. It represents a spiritual cleansing and a commitment to living a new life in Christ, marking the individual as part of the Christian community.