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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 Ex20-05b
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/ex20-05b.htm

    Note the contradiction in the following verses discussing God's visitation of deeds on descendants:
  • Ex20-06 states and showing mercy unto the thousands of generations of them that love Me and keep My commandments.
  • Ex34-07 states ######
  • Dt07-09 states Know therefore that HaShem thy G-d, He is G-d; the faithful G-d,
    • who keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and
    • keep His commandments to a thousand generations;

    We see the contradiction: Which is it: Does God show mercy to thousands of generations or to only one thousand generations?

      Rashi resolves this contradiction using the two aspects method: As can be seen from the above verses God rewards and shows mercy
    • To those who love him for thousands of generations
    • To those who only keep his commandments to only 1 thousand generations.

    In other words Rashi distinguishes between those who serve God out of love vs. those who serve God because He is King. To the former He shows mercy for thousands of generations while to the latter He shows mercy to only 1 thousand generations.

    Sermonic points: The sermonic point is actually mentioned in Rashi: From the resolution of this contradiction we infer the obvious fact that serving God out of love is superior to serving God out of respect for the King. 


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