Torah Study Questions
Pekudei - Accounts
Sh'mot (Exodus) 38:21 - 40:38
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 38

What is the meaning of the name of this parsha and from where is it derived?  What does the repetition in v. 21 indicate as revealed by the writer of the epistle to the Messianic Hebrews and the Zohar?  To what does the Mishkan give testimony?  What does the timeliness of completing the project tell us about the capability of our Father and his people?  Who was in charge of the Levi'im?  How many total talents of gold and silver were used in the construction of the Mishkan?

What parallels do you find between the construction of the Mishkan and its furnishings and the comments of Rav Sha'ul to the Corinthian believers about who they were and their lives being lived according to the Torah?  What parallels are there between the gateway to the courtyard, the laver, and the altar and the life and death of Y'shua HaMashiach?  What do they teach us about our life in him?  Describe the symbolism of the shulchan and the showbread as revealed in Y'shua.  Describe the symbolism of the menorah and Y'shua.  What message does the golden incense mizbe'ach have for Torah observant believers?  Relate the message of the writer of the book to the Messianic Hebrews found in chapter 9:23-28, chapter 4:14-16 plus Mattityahu 27:51 to the earthly Mishkan and the service of the Kohen HaGadol.  Briefly summarize 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 and describe its significance to the Torah observant believer and Jewish persons today.

Chapter 39

By way of review of the construction of the vestments of the Kohanim, list each of the items described in verses one to 31.  What is the significance of v. 32?  Upon completion, what did the people do with the Mishkan?  Put yourself in the place of Moshe and describe the significance of the statements recorded in verses 42 and 43.  Describe the emotions that you would have experienced if you had been in his place.  How would you have felt as one of the skilled craftsmen or women who had contributed to this monumental project?

Chapter 40

In a sentence, what was the next instruction of YHVH?  What was his instruction regarding Aharon and his sons?  What were the purposes and the primary objective of these instructions?  How did Moshe respond? 

When was the Mishkan erected?  What happened when Moshe completed his work?  Why could Moshe not enter the Mishkan?  What signaled to Bnei Yisrael that it was the time to embark on their journeys?  What were the two manifestations of this symbol by day and by night?  What were their significance?

What is a mikveh?  How was it used?  For what purposes?  What type of cleanliness was achieved thereby?  What was the role of the mikvot located to the south of the Temple Mount in the life of the people?  What part did the mikvot play in the book of Acts? 


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.