Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a example form. In other words an example of a law is stated rather than the full general rule. The reader's task is to generalize the example. The idea that all Biblical laws should be perceived as examples (unless otherwise indicated) is explicitly stated by Rashi (Pesachim 6.). This is a rule of style since the rule requires that a text be perceived as an example rather than interpreted literally. The Rabbi Ishmael style rules govern the interpretation of style.

Todays example shows a generalization from two verses.

Verse Lv24-11e discussing the act of blasphemy committed in the desert states and the name of his mother was Shlomith, the daughter of Divri, from the tribe of Dan. Verse Ex31-06 discussing the craftmanship of Bezalel, the Temple architect, states and with him Ahaliav....from the tribe of Dan. The Rabbi Ishmael example rule requires generalization of these passages. In this case we simply generalize from blasphemers and Temple architects to all people with distinguishing deeds: any person with a distinguishing deed - whether good or bad - brings reflection - whether honor or disgrace - to his tribe.