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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 examples applies to Rashis Dt04-23b
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w34n6.htm
      Brief Summary: Take heed ...lest you make an idol WHICH GOD COMMANDED YOU [not to do]

The table below presents two contradictory verses. Both verses talk about the making of idols. The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says idols which God commanded you while the other verse says don't make idols. Which is it? Are idols permitted or prohibited? Rashi simply resolves this using the broad-literal method: Idols are prohibited. we translate the phrase less you make idols..which God commanded you as meaning less you make idols which God commanded you about. We further interpret this phrase - As God commanded you - to indicate all the details in the prohibition of making idols such as the prohibition of making idols whether of physical objects (sun, moon) or prophetic objects (like the golden fire calf resembling the ox of Ezekiel's chariot vision). Hence we translate lest you make idols according to all the details which God commanded you.

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
Do not make idols Dt05-08
    Do not make idols or any picture
  • of that which is in heaven above, or
  • that which is in the earth beneath, or
  • that which is in the waters beneath the earth
Don't make idols as God commanded you [not to do] Dt04-23b Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God, which he made with you, and you make an idol, any picture which the Lord your God has commanded you.
Resolution: Broad-literal Idols are prohibited. we translate the phrase less you make idols..which God commanded you as meaning less you make idols which God commanded you about. We further interpret this phrase - As God commanded you - to indicate all the details in the prohibition of making idols such as the prohibition of making idols whether of physical objects (sun, moon) or prophetic objects (like the golden fire calf resembling the ox of Ezekiel's chariot vision). Hence we translate lest you make idols according to all the details which God commanded you.


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