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#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2007, 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 Nu21-20a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/ex20-22d.htm
      Brief Summary: Place a COPPER [snake colored] COPPERHEAD on a RAISED pole [raise in prayer against snake plague].

Already, in rule #8, Databases we have showed that the Bible uses puns to reaffirm Biblical commandments. The table below summarizes several unexpected puns reinforcing serious commandments.

Verse Hebrew Root Meaning 1 Meaning 2 Text of Verse Pun Interpretation
Gn06-14a Gimel-Pay-Resh Lava Lava Wood Lava-type rough appearance Make thee an ark of Lava wood; with rooms shalt thou make the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. Remind your generation that of the flood of molten Lava that will punish them if they don't repent.
Ex20-23a Ayin-Lamed-Hey Steps Fantasies thought that come up in your mind Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto Mine altar, that thy nakedness be not uncovered thereon. You should not have fantasies while serving on my altar in the Temple
Ex17-11a Ayin-Lamed-Hey to raise to pray To raise to God ones feelings in prayer And it came to pass, when Moses Raised his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. When Moses [and the Jews] prayed the war went their way; when they didn't pray they were losing.
Nu21-09a Nun-Cheth-Shin Snake Copper color as in copper-head, snakes are colored copper And Moses made a copper snake, and set it upon the pole; and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked unto the serpent of brass, he lived. The copper color on a raised pole symbolized praying against the attack of snakes.

Sermonic Points: Many people consider puns childish and silly. The Bible however considered them useful. Puns are a powerful way of reinforcing and getting across a point.


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