Torah Study Questions

Shoftim - Judges

Devarim (Deuteronomy) 16:18 - 21:9

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

What were to be established in every city in Eretz Yisrael and what two types of officials were to be appointed to each one? What was the job of these officials? What three things were these officials not to do? What were these officials and all of Bnei Yisrael to pursue and for what purpose? What is the difference between justice and righteousness? In the last verses of this chapter, what two things were prohibited?

Chapter 17

What type of offering was described as an abomination to YHVH? What type of offering does YHVH desire according to Rav Sha'ul's epistle to the Romans (12:1-2)? According to Rav Sha'ul, what is the holy Temple in which the Ruach HaKodesh resides? What transforms our imperfect life into one without blemish as seen by YHVH? What was to be done with the man or woman who worshiped and served the gods of others? On whose testimony was such an idolator to be put to death? Who were to cast the first stones in the execution of the idolator and why? Who else were to participate in the execution and for what purpose?

If the local court could not reach a proper judgment, what was to be done? What was to be the response of the parties? What was to be done to the one who would act with willfulness against this final judgment and why? What was this court of final jurisdiction in Yerushalayim called, what did it consist of and what was it patterned after? How did Y'shua teach respect for those who sit in the seat of Moshe? How do the instructions of Y'shua to the talmidim in Mattityahu 18:15-20 relate to these instructions of Torah? What events recorded in Acts 15 provide a good example of the authority Y'shua left for his talmidim to make decisions under the guidance of the Ruach HaKodesh?

What did Moshe prophesy the people would want to have after they possessed and settled Eretz Yisrael and why? Who did Moshe say was to make this choice and what qualification must he have? What two things could he not have too many of? After taking his position, what was he to write for himself and what was he to do with it? Why was he instructed to do this? When Bnei Yisrael passed over the Yarden River to take possession of Eretz Yisrael, in their desire for a king, what did they effectively reject? Even though rejected as their King, what motivated YHVH and what was his response?

Chapter 18

Who did not have an inheritance with Bnei Yisrael? What was the inheritance of the Levi'im, tribe of Levi? What was given to the Kohanim to support them? What idolatrous practices of the nations occupying Eretz Yisrael were detailed as abominations to YHVH and what are their parallels to practices today?

What word is used in v. 13 regarding our relationship with YHVH and what is its significance in our lives?

What does Moshe prophesy and what instructions does he give to Bnei Yisrael about a future prophet? What did YHVH tell Moshe he would do regarding this prophet? Who was this prophet that was prophesied to come and how is it confirmed? How was Y'shua HaMashiach a prophet like Moshe and what more did he do and will he do?

Chapter 19

What six cities were to be set aside and for what purpose? What was not to be shed in Eretz Yisrael and what would be the consequences if it was? How is this instruction related to the death of Y'shua HaMashiach? How did the people indicate they would accept the consequence of the shedding of Y'shua's innocent blood? How has this statement been used by Christians through the centuries against the Jewish people? What is wrong with the Christian logic in this justification?

What was to be done to a man, motivated by hatred, who killed another human? What was Bnei Yisrael not to do and why? Why was a testimony from single witness not to be accepted in the trial of any man to determine his fate? What was to be done with a suspected false witness? What purposes were served by this instruction? Bnei Yisrael would destroy the evil from their midst and those who remained would harken to the instructions of Abba and fear and not do such an evil thing.

Chapter 20

Why were Bnei Yisrael to have no fear when they went into battle, even against a more numerous enemy? What was the Kohen to speak to the people preparing for war? What soldiers were exempt from army service? Why were these exempt?

Before Bnei Yisrael waged war against the City, what did they have to do? If they did not accept the peace offer, what was Bnei Yisrael to do? For the cities outside of Eretz Yisrael, who was to be killed and what was to be taken as booty? For the cities inside Eretz Yisrael, who was to be killed and why? During any long siege against the City, what was Bnei Yisrael not to do and why?

Chapter 21

When a corpse was found outside of a town and it was not known who killed this person, who took responsibility for the innocent blood being shed? How did they do this? Then what would the elders do and say? In what way is this instruction observed today in Eretz Yisrael? What important lesson about responsibility does this instruction teach?

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.