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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 Lv06-19b Lv06-22b
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/lv06-19b.htm
    Brief Summary: All priests MAY eat sin offering PROVIDED they COULD have offered it.

    Note the contradiction in the following verse discussing who eats a sin offering:
  • Verse Lv06-19a states The priest offering it for cleansing sin shall eat it; in a holy place shall it be eaten, in the court of the tent of meeting.
  • But verse Lv06-22b states Every male priest may eat thereof; it is most holy.

We see the contradiction, indicated by the underlined words. Which is it? Is the sin-offering eaten by any male priest or is it only eaten by the priest offering it.?

    Rashi resolves this contradiction using the broad-literal meaning method. Any male priest who could have offered the sin offering may eat it. Here Rashi interprets
  • Every male priests literally to mean any male priests
  • The priest offering it broadly to mean the priest who could offer it

Sermonic points: Although the Bible frequently emphasizes the values of individuality, here the Bible emphasizes team work: It is the priestly team, not an individual, who offers the sin-offering. It just so happens on any particular day that some particular priest is offering the sin offering. But the whole unit gets to eat it because the priests function as a team.


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