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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 Nu10-29a
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/nu10-29a.htm
    Brief Summary: The word FATHER can refer to FATHER or GRANDFATHER.

    Note the contradiction in the following verses both describing Moses' wife's (Tziporah's) family:
  • Verse Ex02-18 describing Tziporah's sisters returning from the well where they were harassed by the shepards, states And when they came to Reuel their father, he said: 'How is it that ye are come so soon to-day?'
  • Verse Nu10-29 discussing Moses' request, to his father-in-law, to accompany the Jews on their journey to Israel states ######

We see the contradiction. Which is it? Was Reuel the father of Moses' wife, Tzipporah, or was Reuel the grand-father of Moses' wife, Tzipporah?

Rashi resolves this using the broad-literal method of resolution: The word father can equally mean father or grand-father. Hence, Reuel was the grandfather of Moses wife, Tzipporah. The narrative in Ex02-18 states that Tzipporah and her sisters came to Reuel their grandfather who suggested that a descent man who saved them from harassment should be trusted to go out with (Grandfathers typically give such advice). 


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