6. RASHI METHOD: STYLE Rashi examines how rules of style influences inferences between general and detail statements in paragraphs. Example: Every solo example stated by the Bible must be broadly generalized; Theme-Detail: A general principle followed by an example is interpreted restrictively---the general theme statement only applies in the case of the example; Theme-Detail-Theme: A Theme-Detail-Theme unit is interpreted as a paragraph. Consequently the details of the paragraph are generalized so that they are seen as illustrative of the theme. This examples applies to Rashis Dt28-06a URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w34n11.htm Brief Summary: Only now that Sihon is attacking you do you fully appreciate God's gifts in the context of your vulnerability.

Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a Theme-Development-Theme form. In other words a broad general idea is stated first followed by the development of this broad general theme in specific details. The paragraph-like unit is then closed with a repetition of the broad theme. The Theme-Detail-Theme form creates a unified paragraph. The detailed section of this paragraph is therefore seen as an extension of the general theme sentences. Today's example illustrates this as shown immediately below.

Verses Dt29-03:06 discussing the lack of full appreciation of God's many gifts is written in a theme-detail-theme form as shown below:
• General: Yet the Lord has not given you a heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, until this day.
• Detail: And I have led you forty years in the wilderness;
• Detail: your clothes are not worn old upon you, and
• Detail:your shoe is not worn old upon your foot.
• Detail:You have not eaten bread,
• Detail:neither have you drunk wine or strong drink; that you might know that I am the Lord your God.
• General: And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us to battle, and we defeated them;

The Rabbi Ishmael guidelines interpret the theme-development-theme format as describing a unified paragraph with the development clauses developing the theme sentence. The overall paragraph therefore states It is only now that you are attacked by Sihon that you fully appreciate the 40 years of favors - provision of clothing, shoes, and food - that God has bestowed upon you. Until now you took these favors for granted; but now, after the military attack and salvation by God, you understand them in the context of your vulnerability.