Torah Study Questions

Metzora - Infected One

Vayikra (Leviticus) 14:1 - 15:33

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 14

What was the first step in the process of the purification of the metzora and where did it occur? If there was a determination that the tzara'at had been healed, what items were used in the process of purification? How was each one used? What type of water was used and what is its significance? After being purified, what did the metzora do with his clothing and himself? After entering the camp, where did he live and for how long? After the expiration of that period, what did the metzora do to his clothing and himself to complete the purification? What items were brought to the Mishkan for offering to YHVH? What four types of offerings did these constitute? What parallels are there between the purification of the metzora and the dedication and sanctification of the Kohen HaGadol? If the metzora was too poor to bring all of these sacrifices, what could he substitute to complete the purification process?

Geographically, where were the instructions regarding tzara'at of houses to apply? If one suspected that there was tzara'at in the house, to whom would he go? What was the first step in the process of inspection? If tzara'at is suspected by the inspector, what would be the next step in the process and for how long? If tzara'at had spread after this time, what would the Kohen instruct was to be done? What if this did not cure the problem? What was done with the debris? In what condition would one be who entered the house while it was quarantined? What about one who reclined or ate in the house? If the replacement of stones and plastering cured the problem, what items were used in the purification process? How was each one used?

What did Y'shua teach the woman at the well at Shechem about living water? How does a sinner come into contact with this living water, according to Rav Sha'ul? What is the result? How does this relate to our understanding of the significance of the Torah instructions about tamei and tahor? What is significant about the process of restoration of the metzora to the community and how does it relate to our cleansing from sin and walking in right relationship with Y'shua?

When Y'shua cleansed the man who came to him with tzara'at, where did he send him and what did he tell him to do? What lesson can we you learn about gratitude from the metzora who was cleansed by Y'shua? In relationship to identifying Y'shua as Mashiach, what is the significance of his cleansing of the metzorot, those afflicted with tzara'at? What was Y'shua's answer to Yochanan's inquiry about who Y'shua was? Why were these things important to Yochanan and how did they enable him to identify Y'shua as Mashiach? What were the prophesied signs regarding HaMashiach given by Yeshayahu? How many of these did Y'shua fulfill?

Chapter 15

Why was a man who had a discharge from his sexual organ tamei? What distinction was made between these discharges and why was it significant? For a non-seminal discharge, what or who would also be tamei as a result of contact and for how long? For those who became tamei from contact, what was required to become tahor? For the man with the non-seminal discharge, how long was he tamei? At the end of that period, what did he do for purification? What items were brought to the Mishkan and what two types of offerings did they constitute? For a man with a seminal discharge, how long was he tamei? What or who would also be tamei as result of contact with the semen and for how long? How would all of them become tahor?

Why was a woman who had a discharge from her sexual organ tamei? What distinction is made between these discharges and why is it significant? For the normal menstrual flow, how long is she in a period of separation and tamei? What or who would also be tamei as a result of contact and for how long? For those who became tamei from contact, what was required to become tahor? In what condition was a man who had sexual relations with a woman who was tamei from menstruating and for how long was he tamei? Although not expressly mentioned, what would the menstruating woman do at the end of her period of separation to become tahor? What about the man who was tamei from sexual relations with her?

For a woman with a discharge other than the normal menstrual flow, how long would she be tamei? How long would she have to wait before becoming tahor? In addition to her immersion, what did she do to complete the purification process? What types of offerings did these constitute?

What involvement did Y'shua have with the zavah woman? How long had she suffered with this condition? What impact would it have had on her life and those around her? How did she come into contact with the source of her healing? What was Y'shua's response? Did her impurity defile his purity? Why or why not? What other example of Y'shua's contact with the impure illustrates this point?

What was the eternal purpose of the Torah instructions of YHVH regarding those who were tamei and how to become tahor? In what condition does our Father expect us to approach him? How does Y'shua describe those who are not in that condition but would seek to approach him based upon their legalistic practice?

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.