Parsha Lech Lecha -- B'reshit
(Genesis) 12:1 - 17:27
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 is the setting and environment?
3. Who are the primary actors in the parsha? What
roles do they play? What is the significance of each?
Identify any secondary actors. 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:
1. Chapter 12:1-9. What are the three places from
which YHVH called Avram and what are the three
rewards promised? In what three ways did Avram
benefit from his obedience? What essential lesson do
we learn about the relationship between obedience
and blessing? Upon arrival in the land of promise, what
further promise did YHVH make to Avram and what was
his response? What is the significance of the
location of the second altar and what Avram did
there? What lessons may we learn from the actions of
Avram and what does the commentary by the writers
of the Brit Chadashah teach us?
2. Chapter 12:10-20. When Avram left the land of
promise, where did he go and why? What did he ask
of his wife, Sarai, and why? What were the results
initially, at the intermediate stage, and in the end? Who
benefitted and who was hurt? What lessons may be
learned from this episode?
3. Chapter 13. To what location did Avram return
and what did he do there? What significance do we
derive from this second visit to this location? Why
could Lot and Avram not dwell together and how did
Avram avoid conflict? What did Lot choose, why did
he make this choice and what were the
consequences? What further promises does YHVH make
to Avram? What is Avram's response? What
lessons are reinforced in this chapter?
4. Chapter 14. Briefly describe the events of the
first 17 verses. Who greeted Avram and in what two
capacities? Whom did he represent - the Hebrew name
and it's meaning? What is significant about the
name of this person and these roles? What did he
present to Avram and what is the significance? What
did Avram present to him and why? On whose behalf
was it received? What further characteristics of
YHVH do we learn from this chapter?
5. Chapter 15:1-7. In view of the previous promises
of YHVH, what was Avram’s primary concern and
what was YHVH's answer? What was Avram's response?
YHVH's? For what purpose did YHVH bring
Avram to this place? What lesson is reinforced by
these verses? How do the Brit Chadashah writers
enhance this lesson? Distinguish between acceptance
of the sovereignty of YHVH as El Elyon and passive
fatalism.
6. Chapter 15:8-21. For what does Avram ask YHVH?
What instructions does YHVH give Avram?
As a result of his obedience, what happens to
Avram? What statements does YHVH make to Avram
about the future? What further covenant promise
does he make and how is it confirmed? Compare the
extent of the land promised in the previous
chapters with the extent promised here.
7. Chapter 16. Who was frustrated at the lack of a
child? Who proposed a solution and what was it?
Who acted upon the proposal and what were the
results? What actions were taken to alleviate the
situation? What was the response of YHVH and what
were his promises? What was the response of the
promisee and what were the results? What do you
believe the essential lesson of this episode is? Based
upon this chapter, what are your responses to the
following statements? G-d may seem slow but he is
never late. G-d has everything under control. Faith
by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
(Ya’akov (James) 2:17)
8. Chapter 17:1-8. How many years passed before
Avram heard from YHVH again and what did he hear
initially? What was his response? What further
promises did YHVH make as additions to his covenant?
How did this affect Avram’s name and what is the
significance?
9. Chapter 17:9-14, 23-27. What was the first
instruction of YHVH to Avraham? What further instruction
did he give as a sign of the covenant between them?
On what day was this to be done for newborns and
why? What would happen to one who did not bear this
sign and why? What was the response of
Avraham, when did he do it, and to whom did it
apply? Distinguish between obedience and legalism in
relationship to the Torah and the loving Father and
his people.
10. Chapter 17:15-22. What blessings did YHVH have
for the wife of Avraham? What were his
responses to these promises? YHVH's? Compare the
names and the futures promised for the two sons
of Avraham. How have they been fulfilled?
Closing Questions: For Personal Introspection
Why do you believe G-d 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 group 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.