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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 Dt01-25b
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/dt01-25b.htm
      Brief Summary: The MINORITY report said 'Israel is GOOD'; MAJORITY report said 'Israel is BAD.'

The table below presents presents two contradictory verses. Both verses speak about the report of the spies. The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says that the spies reported that the land of Israel was good while the other verse says that the spies reported that the land of Israel was bad. Which is it? Did the spies say the land was good or bad?

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
Spie's report: The land of Israel is bad. Nu13-32 And they spread an bad report of the land which they had spied out unto the children of Israel, saying: 'The land, through which we have passed to spy it out, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature.
Spie's report: The land of Israel is good. Dt01-25b And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us back word, and said: 'Good is the land which HaShem our G-d giveth unto us.'
Resolution: 2 Aspects
  • The majority of spies reported the land was bad.
  • The minority of spies (Kaleb and Joshua) reported the land was good.

      Rashi resolves this contradiction using the 2 aspects method.
    • The majority of spies reported the land was bad.
    • The minority of spies (Kaleb and Joshua) reported the land was good.

By using the table structure with underlines we are able to participate and empathize with Rashi in construction of the Rashi comment.


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