Torah Study Questions

Vayelech - And he went

Devarim (Deu.) 31:1 - 31:30

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 31

To whom did Moshe speak all the words of this parsha? How old was Moshe when he spoke to Bnei Yisrael? If you divided the life of Moshe into three parts, how long would each part be and how would you summarize each part? What limitation has been placed upon him, by whom and why?

Who did Moshe say would cross before Bnei Yisrael? What would YHVH do for Bnei Yisrael after they crossed the Yarden River? Imagine that you were one of the multitude of Bnei Yisrael hearing Moshe speak these words. What thoughts and emotions crossed your mind and fill your spirit when you first heard that Moshe would not cross the Jordan River with you? Describe what reactions you had to his statements that G-d and Yehoshua (Joshua) would cross before you and why you might react that way.

What specific instructions and encouragement did Moshe gave Bnei Yisrael and why? What specific instructions and encouragement did Moshe give to Yehoshua and why? Compare and contrast v. 6 (spoken to all of Bnei Yisrael) with vs. 7 and 8 (spoken to Yehoshua). Describe any differences. Why do you think there are differences?

Read Yehoshua (Joshua) 1:1-9. Compare the first eight verses of the parsha with the Yehoshua passage noting any differences. Why do you think there are differences? What can we learn from these differences?

Do you believe that Moshe wrote the remainder of the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy) at this time? If not, when do you thing he did finish writing it? Do you believe Moshe wrote the end of the book or someone else? If Moshe did, how did he do it? If someone else, who wrote it?

Why did Moshe deliver the Torah scroll to the Kohanim? From the construction of v. 9, do you believe that Moshe gave copies to others? If so, what would be the purpose of doing so? How does your understanding change after reading vs. 24 to 26?

What is the purpose of the instructions in vs. 10 - 13? Describe how the benefits to be received might be different for each of these four age groups: (1) the elders; (2) the parents; (3) the teenagers; and (4) the young children. Read Nehemiah 8:1-18. Describe what further insights you gain from this example of obedience.

Read vs. 14-15. Put yourself in the place of Moshe. After hearing YHVH speak to you, how would you have felt and responded?

Read vs. 16-19. Put yourself in the place of Yehoshua. After hearing YHVH speak these words to Moshe, how would you like to assume the responsibility for leading Bnei Yisrael? Would it be harder to be strong and courageous or easier? Why? How do you think YHVH felt as he revealed the future to his two leaders? How do you think Moshe felt after hearing these words?

Read vs. 20-23. Looking from the perspective of YHVH, describe his purposes for this song of Moshe (the next chapter) and why he instructed the people to be taught it? Looking from the perspective of Bnei Yisrael, both at that time and in the future, what benefit would this song have?

Read vs. 24-30. Put yourself in the position of a leader of Bnei Yisrael hearing these words from Moshe. Describe the attitude(s) that you think Moshe displayed here. What emotions and motivations likely filled the spirit of Moshe and prompted him to speak these words? Describe your response to his words; the emotions you felt and the sense of motivation that you had, positive or negative.

From your knowledge of subsequent events, what fulfillment has there been of the words of YHVH to and through Moshe in the history of Bnei Yisrael? Looking at the present, what conditions or events do you see that may be fulfillment of these words? Looking forward and taking into consideration your understanding of Biblical prophecy, what fulfillment of these words would you anticipate to unfold? Do you expect to see these in your lifetime? Why or why not?

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.