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      7. RASHI METHOD: FORMATTING
      BRIEF EXPLANATION:Inferences from Biblical formatting: --bold,italics, and paragraph structure.
      • Use of repetition to indicate formatting effects: bold,italics,...;
      • use of repeated keywords to indicate a bullet effect;
      • rules governing use and interpretation of climactic sequence;
      • rules governing paragraph development and discourse
      This example applies to Rashis Gn15-12a Gn16-12b Gn16-12c Gn16-12d
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1312.htm
      Brief Summary: Ishmael is a) wild b) with a hand everywhere (even if it doesn't belong to him) c) all hands on him (in hatred) but d) dwelling everywhere (overcoming the hatred)

The climax principle asserts that a sequence of similar phrases should be interpreted climactically even if the words and grammatical constructs used do not directly suggest this. That is the fact of the sequence justifies reading into the Biblical text a climactic interpretation even if no other textual source justifies it. For this reason we consider the climax method a distinct and separate method.

    Verse Gn12-16 discussing Ishmael is written in a climactic manner as shown. For convenience we have inserted the Rashi comments clarifying the nature of the climax in brackets
  • He will be a wild person [ dwelling in deserts and hunting ]
  • his hands everywhere [ Even if it doesn't belong to him ]
  • and all hands on him [ in hatred ]
  • and he will dwell against all his brethern. [ Despite the hatred and theft he will be a great, mighty, numerous nation. ]

Advanced Rashi: The verse is not necessarily perjorative on Ishmael. Let us not forget that his name means God hears prayer. The verse has applicability to the modern setting both to the hostile Arabs, such as terrorists and to the friendly Arabs. The key characteristics of both are a)a hunting type approach, b) over-permeation in all places, and despite c) animosity to their over-encroachment d) they have (Divinely promised) numerosity. The characteristics mentioned in this verse can be used to facilitate understanding of both friendly and hostile Arabs. As is our custom on this list we abstain from detailed or modern political applications and focus on pure Biblical interpretation. 


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