Torah Study Questions
Tetzaveh - You Shall Command
Sh'mot (Exodus) 27:20 - 30:10
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?  Identify any 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 27

What was Bnei Yisrael to use to fuel the Menorah?  Where was the Menorah located?  How long was it to burn before YHVH?  What is the symbolism of the Menorah and the light it emitted?  How are we to kindle the Menorah in our lives and for what purpose?  What did Y'shua say about this?  How are we like the olive being turned into oil?  What does Rav Sha'ul teach about this process?  And how does he encourage us to live in this world of darkness?

Chapter 28

How many men were chosen by YHVH to minister unto him and who were they?  What was the purpose of the vestments made for the Kohen HaGadol, Aharon?  What were the six items that comprised the vestments for the Kohen HaGadol?  From what materials were they to be made?  Where did these materials come from?

What held the Ephod in place?  What was attached to these straps?  What was engraved on these?  What did the engravings represent and why were they attached to the Ephod?  What were the shape and dimensions (in inches) of the Breastplate?  What was mounted on the Breastplate?  What was engraved on each of these?  Where and how was this worn?  What was the purpose of the breastplate and the stones engraved with names?  What was placed into the breastplate and where were these located on the anatomy of Aharon?  What parallels are there between these garments and the service of the Kohen HaGadol and Y'shua HaMashiach and the role he plays before Abba.

From what was the Robe constructed?  What was on its hem and from what materials were they made?  What purpose did they serve?  What two items comprised the head covering of the Kohen HaGadol and from what materials were they made?  How was the head-plate inscribed?  What was the purpose of the head-plate?  When would the Kohen HaGadol wear it?  What were the last two vestments listed and from what were they made?

What were the three items that made up the vestments of the sons of Aharon, the Kohanim (Priests)?  What was the purpose of these garments?  What other garment was worn by the Kohen HaGadol and Kohanim and what was its purpose?

Chapter 29

Generally speaking, what was the purpose of the inauguration ritual described in this chapter?  What items were to be offered unto YHVH in the process?  What was done to Aharon and his sons at the entrance to the Mishkan?  What was done to Aharon as the Kohen HaGadol?  With what and where was he first anointed?  How were the Kohanim dressed? 

What did Aharon and his sons do to each of the animals that were offered unto YHVH?  Into what three parts was the slaughtered bull divided and how were each of these parts offered to YHVH?  What was the purpose of this offering?  How was the first ram offered to YHVH?  What was the purpose of this offering?  Into what parts was the second ram divided?  How was the blood used to sanctify Aharon and his sons?  What two items were sprinkled on Aharon and his vestments and on his sons and their vestments and for what purpose?  What portion of the second ram was used next?  What did Aharon and his sons do with it?  How was it disposed of and for what purpose was it offered?  What final portion of the ram was used next?  What was it to be for Aharon and his sons and for how long?  How was this portion disposed of and what happened to any leftovers?

To whom did the holy vestments of Aharon belong?  For how long did the inauguration of the new Kohen HaGadol and his sons last?  What was offered every day during that period and what was purified thereby?  Which of the following statements is correct?  1) The altar is made holy by what is sacrificed on it.  2) The altar sanctifies whatever touches it.  Why?

What did YHVH request be offered to him and how frequently?  What additional items were combined for this offering?  What was the purpose of these offerings?  What did YHVH say he would do when they were offered?  What would happen to Bnei Yisrael as a result?  What was the purpose for the instructions to sanctify the Mishkan, the altar, Aharon, and his sons?  What did YHVH say he would do following this sanctification process?  What would Bnei Yisrael know as a result? 

Why is the observance of the Tamid offering significant in the end times?  What parallels did you find between the Mishnah's account of the sacrifice of the Tamid offering and the Bible's account of the sacrifice of Y'shua? 

Chapter 30

What item is described in the first ten verses of this chapter?  What were its dimensions in inches?  What was it constructed from and covered with?  How was it to be carried?  Where was it to be placed?  What was to be done on it and how frequently?  Why was this to be done?  What specific prohibition did YHVH make regarding it?  What additional purpose did it serve and how frequently?  What is the symbolism of what occurred on it each day?


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 g