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      5. RASHI METHOD: CONTRADICTION
      BRIEF EXPLANATION:Rashi resolves contradictory verses using 3 methods.
      • (5a) Resolution using two aspects of the same event
      • (5b) Resolution using two stages of the same process
      • (5c) Resolution using broad-literal interpretation.
      This example applies to Rashis Gn50-16b
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gn50-16b.htm
      Brief Summary: Jacob cursed Shimon for Joseph's (attempted murder) but brother's lied and said Jacob wanted him to forgive.

The table below presents presents two contradictory verses. Both verselets speak about Jacob's attitude on the sale of Joseph into slavery and the attempt to murder him. The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says Simeon and Levi are brothers; instruments of cruelty are their swords. O my soul, do not come into their council; to their assembly, let my honor not be united; for in their anger they slew a man, and in their wanton will they lamed an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel; I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. while the other verselet states ###### ' Which is it? Did Jacob wanted the brother's who initiated the attempted murder and sale of Joseph to be cursed? Or did he want them to be forgiven? Rashi simply resolves this using the broad-literal method: The curse of Shimon and Levi for what they did to Joseph is true. The request for forgiveness is a lie. Joseph's brothers lied in order to bring peace among them.

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
Jacob cursed Shimon and Levi for selling Joseph into slavery and for attempting to kill him. Gn40-05:07 Simeon and Levi are brothers; instruments of cruelty are their swords. O my soul, do not come into their council; to their assembly, let my honor not be united; for in their anger they slew a man, and in their wanton will they lamed an ox. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel; I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
Jacob requested forgiveness for Joseph's sin. Gn50-16:17 ######
Resolution: Broad-literal The curse of Shimon and Levi for what they did to Joseph is true. The request for forgiveness is a lie. Joseph's brothers lied in order to bring peace among them.

Sermonic points: Perhaps this is the most famous of all Rashi sermonic points: This sermonic point is actually brought down in Jewish law books: It is obligatory to lie in order to bring about peace.


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