Guiding Questions: Genesis 15

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. Genesis 15:1 describes what mode of Divine communication with Abram? Has it happened before? Has text told the reader?
  2. What is a “magen” – a shield or a sovereign (or both)?
  3. Has Abram dialogued with Divinity before (Genesis 15:2) and now, what is his sole observation?
  4. What is the Divine response (Genesis 15:4 – 6) and what is Abram’s reaction?
  5. What is tzedakah in this context? (Genesis 15:6)
  6. In Genesis 15:7–11 what do these preparations imply? (Why does Abram chase away the birds – what do they symbolize in some other Near Eastern cultures?)
  7. In Genesis 15:12, what is Abram’s condition when the future revelation is shared with him – and is the nation specified in the revelation?
  8. How does Genesis 15:16 explain the delayed inheritance of the land?
  9. What does the fiery furnace symbolize? And, why a symbol?
  10. In sum, this vignette describes a covenant between whom and whom?

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  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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