Torah Study Questions

Parsha Bo - Come, Go

Sh'mot (Exo) 10:1 - 13:16

Mark R. Ensign, Adot Adonai, Amarillo, Texas

Introductory questions -- Brief answers, not for extended discussion:

1. At what point in history does this parsha unfold?

2. Where does this parsha take place geographically? What are the setting and environment?

3. Who are the primary actors in the parsha and what role or roles does each play? What is the significance of each role? Who are the secondary actors and what roles do they play? What is the significance of their roles?

4. What is the overall theme of this parsha? What are the subdivisions, if any?

Parsha Specific Questions -- for extended discussion:

Chapter 10

How had YHVH prepared Pharaoh for their next meeting? What were the four purposes of this? For the next plague, what specific demand was made on Pharaoh and what would be the result if he refused? How extensive would this plague be? What advice was given to Pharaoh by his servants and who did they acknowledge in the process? What did Pharaoh tell Moshe and Aharon when they returned and what question did he ask? How did they respond and why? What instruction did Pharaoh give them as he sent them out? What was the result? Was any portion of Egypt excluded? When Pharaoh summoned Moshe and Aharon, what statement did he make and what requests? Was he sincere? What did YHVH do as a result?

What was the ninth plague and how long did it last? Who was excluded and in what locations? How did Pharaoh respond and with what limitation? What was Moshe's answer and why? With what comment did Pharaoh send them out and how did Moshe respond? Did they leave immediately? Why or why not?

Chapter 11

What instructions did YHVH give to Moshe regarding the tenth plague? What were the people of Bnei Yisrael instructed to do and what was the result? What was the status of Moshe and how extensive was it? What did Moshe forecast and to whom? How extensive would this final plague be? Who would be excluded? What would be the primary purpose of the plague? What did Moshe tell Pharaoh would be the outcome? What was the status of Pharaoh's heart? What did he not do and why?

Chapter 12

What are the names given to the first month of the biblical calendar? List the specific instructions YHVH gave to Moshe to teach Bnei Yisrael regarding the Korban Pesach. Who did YHVH tell Moshe would pass through the land and strike the firstborn? What was the purpose? What would identify those who were excluded? What Hebrew letter is identified with this sign and what is the significance? What instructions did YHVH give Moshe regarding the future celebration of Korban Pesach and for how long would it be observed? What other period of remembrance is associated with that and why? What is the spiritual significance of the removal of the leaven and not eating it for seven days? What was to be told to the descendants of Bnei Yisrael each year at the observance of Korban Pesach? What was the response of Bnei Yisrael to the instructions Moshe gave them? Place yourself in the position of a member of Bnei Yisrael hearing these instructions for the first time. Describe your response physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

Describe the tenth plague and its extent? Why did Pharaoh arise at midnight and what did he do and say? What was the response of the Egyptians and why? How did Bnei Yisrael respond? What did they take with them, why, and with what result? How many men left and what was the total number of people leaving Egypt?

List the additional instructions that YHVH gave to Moshe and Aharon for the Korban Pesach. What physical attribute was every male required to have before participating? Why? Distinguish between those people who were qualified to participate and those who were not?

Chapter 13

What remembrance did Moshe instruct Bnei Yisrael to observe as they were leaving? When were they to begin the observance and in what month? Which of the two mitzvot generally associated with the Exodus is specifically described here and how does it will relate to their leaving? What additional physical sign did YHVH give them as a reminder? How is this observed today?

Who was required to be sanctified to YHVH? What was Bnei Yisrael required to do with them and when would this begin? Which of the firstborn were not to be killed, why, and what prevented their death? What was the explanation to be given to the children? Relate this instruction of YHVH to the tenth plague and explain the significance.

If you have participated in the celebration of Korban Pesach and Chag HaMatzot, describe and discuss the spiritual significance of your observance as well as its impact upon your life and relationship to YHVH and Y'shua. Please share your thoughts with your family and your study group. Have you made plans to celebrate and observe these two mitzvot this year? Have you determined what the appropriate days are for these observances? Will you be obedient to the loving instructions of your heavenly Father in regard to this eternal remembrance?

Closing Questions: For Personal Introspection

Why do you believe our loving Father provided us with this particular portion of his words? What was his purpose and objective in preserving this portion of the Scriptures to this day? What benefit do they have for Torah observant believers today?

What other insights has the Ruach HaKodesh given you in your study of this portion that you would like to share with the group?

What questions from this portion have you had that have not been answered by the study?

What impact do you think the study of the words from your Father in this portion will have on your life? How do you plan to implement his instructions in this parsha in your life?

Silently pray for the Ruach HaKodesh to implant his words like seeds, to nurture their growth in your heart, and to enable you to respond fully as they do.