Torah Study Questions

Ha'azinu - Give Ear

Devarim (Deut.) 32:1 - 52

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:

From the previous parsha, vs. 16 to 19, describe the purpose or purposes of the Song of Moshe recorded in this parsha.

To whom did Moshe speak the words of this song?

What are the 4 time frames which are significant to fully understand this parsha?

V. 1 -- According to the Scriptures, how many witnesses are required to confirm a thing?

Who are the witnesses to the Song of Moshe?

What is the connection between these witnesses and the beginning of the Torah in B'reshit?

Why does Moshe call upon these witnesses?

V. 2 -- Discuss the significance of the analogy Moshe makes between his teaching in the song and rain and dew.

Are there other Scriptural references to these analogies that parallel this verse or increase your understanding?

If so, what are they?

Vs. 3 - 4 -- What is the connection between the name of YHVH and the Rock?

What other references are there to the Rock in this Song of Moshe?

Are there other Scriptural references to the Rock that help you to understand this analogy?

Who is the Rock?

Discuss the Messianic significance of the Rock and the comments by the writers of the Brit Chadashah.

Vs. 5 - 6 -- What is the significance of Moshe's words describing Bnei Yisrael in relationship to Adonai?

What was the intended relationship between them and how is it described by these words?

What do you believe is the state of the relationship currently between Adonai and (1) the Jewish people, (2) Bnei Yisrael today (the Houses of Judah and Ephraim), (3) the church, and (4) Torah observant believers?

Vs. 7 -- What is the significance of history to those who desire a real and lasting relationship with Adonai?

As we don't have fathers or elders who can relate history to us, how can we learn our history?

What response do you have to this statement, "Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are destined to repeat them"?

How have you learned in the past?

Have you repeated any lessons?

How will you learn in the future?

Vs. 8 - 15 -- Why did Adonai separate Bnei Yisrael from the other nations and count them as his inheritance?

Today, who is included in his inheritance?

What is their purpose?

Discuss the analogies or metaphors that Moshe uses to describe the love of Adonai for his people.

Vs. 16 - 25 -- Describe and discuss the various responses of Bnei Yisrael to the loving blessings of Adonai in the land of promise.

What are the responses that Adonai promises to them?

What evidence from history shows the fulfillment of these promises of Adonai?

Vs. 26 - 35 -- What role did lack of counsel and discernment play in the defeat and scattering of Bnei Yisrael?

What is the significance of the mention of the Rock?

Did it move or did Bnei Yisrael?

Discuss these questions in the context of today's times and events, both as to believers and unbelievers, individually and as nations.

Vs. 36 - 43 -- When Adonai completes his judgment of his people, describe his response on their behalf.

How will he treat the enemies of Bnei Yisrael?

Has this prophecy been fully or partially fulfilled?

What evidence is there of such fulfillment, if any?

What further fulfillment do you expect?

Also discuss these questions in the context of today's events and nations.

Vs. 44 - 47 -- What was Moshe's final instruction to Bnei Yisrael?

What would be the benefits of following this instruction?

How can we individually follow this instruction?

Vs. 48 - 52 -- What was Adonai's final instruction to Moshe?

What had Moshe done that caused Adonai to forbid him from entering the land of promise?

What had Moshe failed to do?

What should Moshe have done in that incident to fulfill what Abba desired?

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.