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    6. RASHI METHOD: STYLE
    Rashi examines how rules of style influences inferences between general and detail statements in paragraphs.
    • Example: Every solo example stated by the Bible must be broadly generalized;
    • Theme-Detail: A general principle followed by an example is interpreted restrictively---the general theme statement only applies in the case of the example;
    • Theme-Detail-Theme: A Theme-Detail-Theme unit is interpreted as a paragraph. Consequently the details of the paragraph are generalized so that they are seen as illustrative of the theme.
    This examples applies to Rashis Nu03-06a
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/nu08-06a.htm
    Brief Summary: Levites will help Aaron BY SERVING the temple, not by bringing offerings.

Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a Theme-Development form. In other words a broad general idea is stated first followed by the development of this broad general theme in specific details. The Theme-Detail form creates a unified paragraph and consequently the law only applies to the enumerated details but not to other cases. Today's example illustrates this as shown below.

Verse Nu03-06a is written in a General-Detail form: Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him. Notice the word that which indicates the transition in the general-detail form. The Rabbi Ishmael style rules require that such a sentence be interpreted restrictively. Levites help the priests only by serving and ministering to them (e.g. by singing songs of praise during the Temple service); but not e.g. by offering sacrifices. Rashi derives this restrictive interpretation from the Detail clause - that they may minister unto him - which restricts the general clause Bring the tribe of Levi near and set them before Aaron the priest. Without this restrictive clause I would have interpreted the verse to mean that the Levites generally help the priests in all matters including offerings.


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