- Moshe asked Hashem if he could "go over" (into the land) and see the good land that is beyond the Jordan. (1)According to Moshe, whose fault was it that Hashem refused? (2) Did Hashem leave the matter open for negotiation?
Moshe: "The Lord was wroth with me for your sakes"; and it was not open for discussion. Hashem: "Let it suffice thee; speak no more to me of this matter."
- Hashem made a concession to Moshe in this regard. What was it?
That Moshe would be allowed to see the land.
- Moshe beseeched B'nai Yisrael to listen to Hashem's statutes and ordinances and to follow them. Would there be a reward if they did so? What was it?
That they may live (thrive and multiply) and go in and possess the land which Hashem gave them.
- What did Moshe say would happen if B'nai Yisrael built graven images and were evil in their ways?
That they would soon perish from off the land and would be destroyed. Those left would be scattered among the nations and would be a decided minority. They would soon assimilate and become just like the people around them.
- After the people would be scattered all over the world and lose their connection to Hashem, was there any chance of returning? At what time?
Yes; at the end of time with the coming of the Mashiach.
- Why are we commanded to form no likeness of Hashem?
We only heard Hashem's voice; we saw no form. Thus we cannot recreate a likeness as it would be a desecration.
- What risk did Moshe tell the B'nai Yisrael they faced after they were settled in the good land?
That they would take on the ways of the people living there; that they would marry outside the Jewish people; that they would become as the nations.
- When Moshe discusses the covenant Hashem made with B'nai Yisrael, he says that it was not made only with their fathers, but with them as well. What does that message portend for us as Jews today? Is the covenant with us? If you think so, why?
(Answer open ended)
- There is a reference in this week’s parsha to the "Iron Furnace". To what does this refer?
Egypt
- For those who serve other gods, Hashem said He would remember until what generation? And for those who obeyed Him, to what generation?
He would remember sins until the 3rd and 4th greneration, and bestow mercy to the 1000th generation for good deeds.
- How many nations were cast out so that Israel could possess the Land? Three groups (tribes or descendants) were allowed to remain. Who were they?
7; the descendants of Lot, the descendants of Esau, and the first Amorite tribe with whom they came in contact.
- Moshe tells the people that they were chosen by Hashem, even though they were one of the smaller nations. Why were they chosen?
Because He loved them, because He had made an oath to their fathers, and because He redeemed them from slavery.
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