Torah Study Questions

Nitzavim - You Are Standing

Devarim (Deut.) 29:9 - 30:20

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 29

Note: Verse numbers in the English Bible are one more than those in the Artscroll Chumash (Torah) cited here.

Who is included in the words "all of you" who were standing before YHVH? For what purpose were they standing before YHVH? What will be the purpose and result of this covenant and oaths? In doing this, what is YHVH fulfilling? Who is included within the group spoken of as "whoever is not here with us today"?

What is the point of verses 15 through 18? What does it mean to walk as one's heart sees fit? What does YHVH have in store for one who says that he is going to walk as his heart sees fit? Is this an individual promise or a corporate promise?

What will be the condition of Eretz Yisrael (the Land) as a result of the judgment YHVH has imposed because they have returned to idolatry? What questions will the nations (goyim) ask when they see Eretz Yisrael in this condition? What will be the correct and full answers to these questions? What seems to be predicted by the Hebrew words "Eretz Achaeret" translated to "another land" in v. 27? What is the significance of the statement in the Mishnah regarding this verse?

What is the meaning of v. 28 as it pertains to individuals, Bnei Yisrael, and other nations?

Chapter 30

List all the things that must happen before YHVH's promise will be fulfilled - bringing Bnei Yisrael back from captivity. List all of the ways in which YHVH will respond if these conditions are met? .

What characteristics or attributes of YHVH are revealed in verses 1 through 6 and why?

According to v. 8, what will Bnei Yisrael do?

In what three ways did YHVH say he would make Bnei Yisrael abundant? If you could choose only one of the three, which would you choose and why? List the conditions that are restated for receiving these blessings.

What is the point of verses 11 through 14? Why has G-d made the Torah so accessible? In your life, just how accessible is the Torah, the loving instructions of your Father? What can you do to improve its accessibility?

What are the alternatives that Moshe placed before Bnei Yisrael to choose that day? Expand upon the literal words of each alternative and describe things that fall under these categories. List the specific instructions Moshe gave to Bnei Yisrael. What will be the results of following the specific instructions? List the evidence of those who are not following these instructions and the things they will do. What will become of those who do not follow these instructions? What choice does Moshe instruct Bnei Yisrael to make with what results? Who is the source of life and length of days for Bnei Yisrael in Eretz Yisrael and why?

What is the Hebrew word for repentance? What do the first ten verses of this chapter teach us about the nature of teshuvah? What foundational relationship must exist between those who are described in this process of teshuvah?

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.