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#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2011, 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 examples applies to Rashis Dt15-20a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w34n8.htm
      Brief Summary: Firstborn animals are gifts to the priest. Hence we translate ONE EATS THE FIRSTBORN IN JERUSALEM.

    The table below presents two contradictory verses. Both verses talk about the eating of firstborn. The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says firstborn animals are priestly gifts while the other verse says you (the Israelite) should eat the firstborn. Which is it? Are firstborn animals gifts to the priest or do they belong to the Israelite. Rashi simply resolves this using the broad-literal. method: The future conjugation typically refers to future activity: If we translated this verse using the future it would read. You should eat the firstborn in Jerusalem. However the future conjugation can also refer to habitual present activity: If we translate the verse using the habitual present it reads: One eats the firstborn in Jerusalem. Because of the fact that these are priestly gifts we translate the verse as the habitual present.

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
The first born animals are priestly gifts Nu18-08:15 And the Lord spoke to Aaron, Behold, I also have given you ... to you have I given them by an ordinance forever. ... Every thing that opens the womb in all flesh, .... whether it is of men or beasts, shall be yours; .....
One eats the firstborn before God Dt15-19:20 All the firstling males that come of your herd and of your flock you shall sanctify to the Lord your God; ... One eats it [the firstborn] before the Lord your God year by year in the place which the Lord shall choose, you and your household.
Resolution: Broad-Literal The future conjugation typically refers to future activity: If we translated this verse using the future it would read. You should eat the firstborn in Jerusalem. However the future conjugation can also refer to habitual present activity: If we translate the verse using the habitual present it reads: One eats the firstborn in Jerusalem. Because of the fact that these are priestly gifts we translate the verse as the habitual present

Advanced Rashi: Rashi makes a futher contradiction resolution based on whether the firstborn animal was blemished or not. An unblemished animal must be eaten by the Priest and the resolution of the contradiction - you shall eat it in Jerusalem - is to translate the verse as a habitual present - one eats it in Jerusalem. The rules governing blemished firstborn are also brought down by Rashi. This would require bringing in other verses dealing with blemished amimals which we will do in future years.


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