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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 examples applies to Rashis Gn37-28a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1318.htm
      Brief Summary: a) The brothers wanted to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites b) But they then sold him to the Midianites who just passed by c) And the Midianites sold him to the Ishmaelites.

The table below presents two contradictory verses. Both verses speak about the sale of Joseph. The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says let us sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites....they sold him to the Ishmaelites while the other verse states And Midianite merchants passed by and they sold Joseph to them. We see the contradiction---was Joseph sold to the Ishmaelites or Midianites. Rashi simply resolves this using the 2 Stages method: (a) The brothers intended to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites. (b) But then Midianite merchants passed by and they pulled Joseph out of the pit [and sold him to the Midianites.] And then (c) the Midianites sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites.

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
Lets sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites Gn37-27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brothers were content.
Joseph was sold to the Midianites Gn37-28 Then there passed by Midianites merchants; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out from the pit [and the brothers sold Joseph to the Midianites], and [the Midianites] sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver; and they brought Joseph to Egypt.
Resolution: 2 Aspects
  • (a) The brothers intended to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites.
  • (b) But then Midianite merchants passed by and they pulled Joseph out of the pit [and sold him to the Midianites.]
  • And then (c) the Midianites sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites.

Advanced Rashi: Rashi explains the point in the multiple sales. This teaches that Joseph was sold many times. I would add It also shows Joseph's helplessness. Even if they sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites, they couldn't assure he would remain with them. Joseph, once he became a slave, was an object with a value. Anyone passing by with a better money offer could buy him out. Finally we could add It shows the greatness of the miracle. No one person or act caused Joseph to end up in Egypt. Rather he ended up in Egypt after multiple sales as an act of God. 


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