Torah Study Questions
Korach
Bamidbar (Numbers) 16:1 - 18:32
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 16

From which of the three sons of Levi did Korach descend and what responsibilities did this group have in the Mishkan?  From what tribe did Dathan and Aviram descend and what responsibilities did they have in the Mishkan?  What were the character and experience of those who joined them?  Who did they gather together against?  Why and what pretext did they use?  How did Moshe respond?  What test did he put before Korach and the assembled leaders?  What did Moshe say was their ultimate objective?  In doing so, who were they really opposing?  How did Dathan and Aviram respond to the call of Moshe and what excuse and complaint did they offer?  What was the response of Moshe?

The next morning, how many men took their fire pan and incense before YHVH and where did they assemble?  Who appeared and what was said to Moshe and Aharon?  How did they respond?  What further warning did YHVH give to Moshe?  To whom and how did Moshe pass on this warning with what response?  What test did Moshe establish for YHVH regarding Dathan and Aviram.  What were the alternatives that would be determined by the test?  How did YHVH respond to the test with what result?  What happened to the others who opposed YHVH?

What two characteristics of YHVH were demonstrated by his fulfillment of the tests?  What did he confirm about Moshe and Aharon?  What was restored to Bnei Yisrael?  What emotion precipitated this incident?  Did the sons of Korach die?  Why or why not?

Chapter 17 (16:36-50 in English Bible)

Why were the fire pans of the rebels now holy?  What was done with them and what purpose did they serve?  What prohibition did they symbolize?  What complaint arose the next morning?  Where did the complainers gather and what appeared?  What did YHVH say to Moshe?  How did he and Aharon respond?  What did Moshe instruct Aharon to do and why?  What did Aharon do and with what result?  Why did Moshe have Aharon put fire and incense in the fire pan and go among the people to halt the plague?  How many died from this plague?  What lessons can Messianic Torah observant believers learn from this episode that will be applicable during the tribulation?  Where will we find safety in those times?


(Chapter 17 in English Bible)

What test did YHVH instruct Moshe to conduct and for what purposes?  How did the leaders of the tribes of Bnei Yisrael respond?  By the next day, whose staff had changed and in what ways?  What question was settled once and for all?  What did YHVH instruct Moshe to do with the staff of Aharon?  What fears remained among Bnei Yisrael?


Chapter 18

What instructions did YHVH give to Aharon to alleviate these fears?  Who bore the responsibility for the Mishkan and service in it before YHVH?  Who were to assist them?  What limitations were placed upon these assistants?  If they discharged their responsibilities, what would be prevented?  What would happen to the stranger (non-Levi'im) who approached the holy things?

As a reward for fulfilling their responsibilities, what did YHVH give to the Kohanim?  For what reasons?  Where were the Kohanim to eat the portions of offerings given to them?  What was to be done with the firstborn of the clean animals?  What part did the Kohanim receive?  What was done with the firstborn of man and of unclean animals?  How was this instruction fulfilled in the life of Y'shua?  How is the covenant between YHVH and the Kohanim described?  What similarities are there between the substance referenced and this covenant?  What system was established for the benefit of the Levi'im in exchange for their service?  What were the Levi'im prevented from having in Eretz Yisrael?  From what the Levi'im received, what was given and to whom?  What was the purpose for the recipients?


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.