Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a example form.
In other words an example of a law is stated rather than the full
general rule. The reader's task is to generalize the example.
The idea that all Biblical laws should be perceived as examples (unless
otherwise indicated) is explicitly stated by Rashi (Pesachim 6.).
This is a rule of style since the rule requires that a text be perceived
as an example rather than interpreted literally. The Rabbi Ishmael style
rules govern the interpretation of style.
Todays example shows a generalization from two verses.
Verse
Lv24-11e
discussing
the act of blasphemy committed in the desert
states
and the name of his mother was Shlomith, the daughter of Divri, from the tribe of Dan.
Verse
Ex31-06
discussing
the craftmanship of Bezalel, the Temple architect,
states
and with him Ahaliav....from the tribe of Dan.
The Rabbi Ishmael example rule requires generalization
of these passages. In this case we simply generalize
from
blasphemers and Temple architects
to
all people with distinguishing deeds:
any person with a distinguishing deed - whether good or bad -
brings reflection - whether honor or disgrace - to his tribe.
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