Torah Study Questions

Chukat - Statute

Bamidbar (Numbers) 19: 1 - 22:1

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 19

What animal did YHVH instruct Moshe and Aharon to take for a special purpose and what three characteristics must it have? To whom was the animal to be given, where was it to be taken, and what was to be done with it there? Who did what with the blood? What was done with the carcass and what ingredients were added? In what state did the Kohen find himself and what did he have to do as a result? Who else became contaminated and what did he have to do? Who gathered the ashes of the burned cow and what was done with it? What was the purpose for the ashes that were gathered and preserved? What became of the person who gathered the ashes and what did he do as a result? According to the Sages, into what parts were the ashes divided and where were they placed and for what purposes?

What significant paradox arises from the instructions regarding the red cow? What is the underlying message of this paradox? In what two ways was Yeshua's sacrifice foreshadowed by the instructions of the red cow? Who were the beneficiaries of these instructions and for how long were the instructions to apply? For how long was one who touched a human corpse contaminated? With what was he purified and on what days? What were the consequences for one who touched a human corpse and was not purified as instructed?

What was the result of a human dying in a tent? What four things, when contacted in the open field, caused one to be contaminated and for how long? With what were the ashes of the red cow mixed and how were these applied to the contaminated persons, places or things? Who sprinkled the water of purification and when? What was then required of the person who had been contaminated? What was required of the one who sprinkled the water on another person or one who touched the water of purification? What happened to any person or thing that touched one who was contaminated?

Chapter 20

Where do the events of this chapter take place? How long was the time gap between the previous chapter and this one? Where had Bnei Yisrael been for these years? Who are these people whose lives and journeys are recorded in the remainder of Bamidbar? Who died and where was she buried? Miryam and she was buried at Kadesh.

What precipitated the quarrel and who was the quarrel with? What did they say against Moshe? How did Moshe and Aharon respond? Why did YHVH not threaten to kill all these people as he had done before? What instruction did YHVH give Moshe and Aharon? What staff did Moshe take as he was instructed? How do you know that it was this staff? For what purpose was the staff of Aharon placed in the Mishkan? What does Moshe call the people to indicate that this staff has a specific purpose now? What did Moshe ask these rebellious people? What did Moshe not do and did he do with what result? Was YHVH pleased or displeased and why? What did YHVH say to Moshe and Aharon? What was the real punishment for Moshe and Aharon; in what capacity were they punished and why? What does the brother of Yeshua teach those in leadership about their responsibility?

What was the true identity of the rock from which they drank? According to Rav Sha'ul, in addition to the Sh'khinah, who was present with Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness? Why did Bnei Yisrael never lack for water or food in the wilderness? In light of the revelation by Rav Sha'ul of the identity of the Rock, what was significant about Moshe and Aharon's actions? Compare the water flowing from the Rock in the wilderness to that which Yeshua offered the woman at the well in Shomron(Yochanan 4:7-14). What has been given as warnings to those who are living at the end of the age? What is the key lesson they will teach us? What will be the benefit of learning the lessons from the wilderness?

To whom did Moshe send emissaries and what was their request? Who were the people of Edom? What was his response in word and deed? Where did Bnei Yisrael journey to next? What message did YHVH give to Moshe and Aharon? What was Moshe instructed to do with Aharon? What did Moshe do with what result? How do the Sages teach that Aharon died and what does it mean? How did the people respond?

Chapter 21

Who challenged Bnei Israel and how? How did Bnei Yisrael respond with what result? From where and by what route did Bnei Yisrael travel and for what reason? What happened to the people on this journey? What was their complaint this time? How did YHVH respond? What did the people say to Moshe and what did he do in response? What instruction did YHVH give to Moshe? From what material did Moshe make the serpent and what was the result? What three references does Yochanan to make to the lifting up of Yeshua that are parallel to this event? Compare the lifting up of the copper serpent and the lifting up of Yeshua on the tree.

What book is referred to and where is it today? What ingredient of life and its source are extolled in this passage quoted from the Book of the Wars of YHVH and in the song that follows?

Who would not permit Bnei Yisrael to pass through his border and how did he prevent them? What did Bnei Yisrael do? What king next came against Bnei Yisrael and with whom for what purpose? What did YHVH say to Moshe?

Chapter 22

Where did Bnei Yisrael camp at the completion of their journeys in this parsha?

Closing Questions:

What were G-d's purposes and objectives in preserving this portion of the Scriptures to this day? What benefit do these Scriptures 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 group study?

For personal introspection -- 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 ask the Ruach HaKodesh to implant these words of our Father like seeds, to nurture their growth in your heart, and to enable you to respond fully as they do.