#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 2000 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*
  -----------------------------------------------------------
  |      Rashi is Simple Version 2.0                         |
  |      (C) Dr Hendel, Summer 2000                          |
  |       http://www.RashiYomi.Com                           |
  | PERMISSION to reprint WITH this header if NOT for profit |
  ------------------------------------------------------------


VERSE: Ex25-11a


HOW THE ARK WAS MADE
====================
The ark was made by
---making 3 arks--a gold, wood and gold ark
---the gold ark was placed >INSIDE< the wood ark
---and then this wood-gold ark was placed inside an OUTER gold ark
In this way the middle wood ark was surrounded INSIDE & OUTSIDE
with gold.


DERIVATION USING RABBI ISHMAELS RULE OF CONTRADICTORY VERSES
============================================================
This is best understood using our series on >CONTRADICTORY
VERSES< which are resolved in one of 5 ways. See
http://www.RashiYomi.Com/ri-14.htm for a list of
examples.


-----------------------------------------------------------------
Ex25-11 Make an ark of wood...cover it inside & outside with gold
Dt10-01 Make an ark of wood...           ------1--------
-----------------------------------------------------------------

NOTES
-----
*1 Thus one verse emphasizes that the ark was >WOODEN< while
   the other verse emphasizes that it was >WOOD OVERLAYED WITH
   >GOLD<


Rashi resolves this contradiction, using a method of resolution
which looks at the 2 verses as describing 2 separate >COMPONENTS<
of a process.

In other words, the finished ark must clearly have both
--a wooden component (Dt10-01)
--gold overlays

By making 3 arks we simultaneously achieved that
--the middle wood ark was surrounded by gold arks
--the wood ark retained its individuality as a wooden ark



OTHER APPROACHS OF CONSTRUCTION
===============================
If the ark had instead been made by overlaying a wood ark
(inside and outside) with gold then the wooden component
of the ark would not be separate from the gold components
but rather intermingled with them. By making 3 arks we
allow the wooden ark to be a separate component and yet be
overlayed with gold.


COMMENTS
========
(1) RESPONSE TO SIFSAY CHACHAMIM
    ============================
    I believe that the above approach using Rabbi Ishmaels
    methods of resolving contradictory verses satisfactoraly
    answers the questions for a source for this construction
    method, a question raised by the Sifsay chachamim


(2) SYMBOLIC MEANING OF THE 3 PART ARK
    ==================================
    Rav Hirsch suggests that
    -- >WOOD< symbolizes the capacity for growth (trees grow)
    -- >GOLD< symbolizes strength and steadfastness

    Thus the ark symbolizes that a persons learning should rest
    on a solid foundation of steadfast principles (GOLD) but
    should nevertheless grow and respond continuously to
    changing world conditions (WOOD)

    Equivalantly the ark symbolizes that a persons life should
    be governed by immutable prophecy (symbolized by Gold which
    resembles the color the fire visions of prophecy).Within this
    prophetic structure a person should retain his/her
    individuality and grow in his/her personal physical life
    (symbolized by wood which represents the plant word of
    reproduction and eating).


RASHI RULE USED: RabbiIshmael
---------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The following additional references may be too wordy
However they frequently contain additional information & lists
The hyperlinks only work on the main website

Volume 9 Number 10


#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# (C) Dr Hendel, 2000 *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*