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#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2007, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#
    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 Ex20-19c
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/ex21-03c.htm

    Note the contradiction in the following verses.
  • Verse Ex20-19 discussing the revelation states And HaShem said unto Moses: Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel: Ye yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. ;
  • Verse Ex19-20 also discussing the revelation states And HaShem came down upon mount Sinai, to the top of the mount; and HaShem called Moses to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.

    We see the contradiction hinted at by the underlined words. Which is it: Did God speak from heaven or from the mountain top?

      This contradiction is a classic case of the contradiction rule since it is resolved not by logic but rather by an explicit verse. Verse Dt04-36 states
      • Out of heaven He made thee to hear His voice, that He might instruct thee; and upon
      • earth He made thee to see His great fire; and thou didst hear His words out of the midst of the fire.
      Thus the contradiction is resolved thru two aspects of God
      • His voice resides and comes from Heaven
      • His fire is earthly in nature

    Sermonic points: Of course voice and fire are symbolic. The simple interpretation is that Fire symbolizes how God burns us if we deviate from the right path in order to correct our behavior; voice symbolizes the law as an academic intellectual doctrine. The verse emphasizes that if we want we can accept God's law academically and not need suffering. But if, as many of us do, we elect to learn from experience, then we do experience God's burning guidance.


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