#*#*#*#*# (C) 2001, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President #*#*#*#*#
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| Rashi is Simple Version 2.0 |
| (C) RashiYomi Inc., Dr Hendel President |
| http://www.RashiYomi.Com |
| PERMISSION to reprint WITH this header if NOT for profit |
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VERSE: Nu02-02a
RASHIS COVERED: Nu02-02a
=========== ONLY ONE VERSE IN BIBLE says SYMBOLIC FLAG ==========
The word FLAG occurs 14 times in the Bible(in its noun form)
However these 14 occurences are spread over only 4 chapters
In only one of these occurences do we have the phrase
THE FLAG THAT IS A SYMBOL.
This contrast suggests that the phrase SYMBOL-FLAG was
not just a coincidence but rather intended to denote
something extra--a nuance beyond the ordinary meaning of
flag.
Rashi explains that the TRIBE FLAGS didnt
just have made-up patterns for the tribe. Rather the
TRIBE FLAGS intrinsically reminded people of that Tribe.
As a simple example it is well known that Zevulun was
a master of ships (cf Gn49-13). So if the flag of Zevulun
had pictures of ships or the sea then Zevuluns flag would
ALSO be a SYMBOL of Zevulun. This is the simple meaning
of FLAGS THAT ARE SYMBOLS.
Rashi suggests that every flag resembled the stone on
the breast-plate of the High Priest which corresponded
to that tribe (cf Ex28-17:20).
From our point of view the important point to emphasize
is that Rashi learned this from a comparison of verses
with the word FLAG
4 Verses from the 4 chapters with FLAG are presented below
Notice how only one verse has the phrase WITH SYMBOLS
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VERSE TEXT OF VERSE
======= ========================================================
Nu02-02 Jews shall encamp, each person by his flag WITH SYMBOLS
Nu01-52 Jews shall encamp, each person by his flag
Nu10-14 And the flag of the Judah camp journeyed first
Song2:4 My lovers flag is beloved to me
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RASHI RULE COVERED: DOUBLE PARSHAS
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Volume 10 Number 8
#*#*#*#*# (C) 2001, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President #*#*#*#*#
Volume 10 Number 8