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#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2008, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#
      10. RASHI METHOD: SYMBOLISM
      BRIEF EXPLANATION: Rashi provides symbolic interpretations of words, verses, and chapters. Rashi can symbolically interpret either
      • (10a) entire Biblical chapters such as the gifts of the princes, Nu-07
      • (10b) individual items, verses and words
      The rules governing symbolism and symbolic interpretation are presented in detail on my website.
      This examples applies to Rashis Gn41-02a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n6.htm
      Brief Summary: Joseph specialized in NUMBER symbolism: a) 3 baskets=3 days; b) 3 branches=3 days; c) 7 good cows=7 good years d) 7 bad cows = 7 bad years.

    Verse Gn41-02a describing Pharoh's dream states And, behold, there came up out of the river seven cows, well-favoured and fat-fleshed; and they fed in the reed-grass.

      Rashi paraphrased points out how Joseph's interpretation of dreams carries a thread of numerical symbolism. Here are some examples:
    • Butler's dream (Gn40-12): 12. And Joseph said to him, This is the interpretation of it; The three branches are three days;
    • Baker's drea (Gn40-18): And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation; The three baskets are three days;
    • Pharoh's cow dream (Gn41-02): And, behold, there came up from the river seven cows sleek and fat; and they fed in the reed grass. Rashi: The seven sleek fat cows are seven good years.
    • Pharoh's cow dream (Gn41-03): And, behold, seven other cows came up after them from the river, gaunt and thin; and stood by the other cows upon the brink of the river. Rashi: The seven gaunt thin cows are sever bad years.

    Sermonic points: There is a subtlety here we may overlook. Egypt is associated with slavery and carefully defined social strata. But here we see the very democratic idea of judging a person / worker by knowledge skills and abilities. Joseph had expertise in number symbolism and got a typical 'American-type' job promotion, from prisoner to Vice President, because of his expertise.


#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2008, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#