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      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 Nu08-24b
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1416.htm
      Brief Summary: a) Levites apprentice TO LEARN at 25 b) Levites apprentice TO SERVE at 30

The table below presents two contradictory verses. Both verses talk about the Levites performing service in the Temple. The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says they start to service at 25 while the other verse says they start to service at 30. Which is it? Did they start at 25 or 30? Rashi simply resolves this using the 2 aspects method: a) They start learning Temple service at 25; b) They start actual Temple services at 30.

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
They start actual Temple service at 30 Nu04-03 From 30 years old and upward even until fifty years old, all who enter into the army, to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.
The Levites start learning Temple service at 25 Nu08-24b This is that which pertaineth unto the Levites: from 25 years old and upward they shall go in to perform the service in the work of the tent of meeting;
Resolution: 2 Aspects
  • a) They start learning Temple service at 25;
  • b) They start actual Temple services at 30. 


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