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#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2007, 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 example applies to Rashis Nu15-34a
    URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/nu15-34a.htm
    Brief Summary: Ex31-14 states GENERAL DEATH penalty. Nu15-34a states SPECIFIC METHOD, STONING.

    Note the contradiction in the following verses both discussing the penalty for descecrating the Sabbath:
  • Verse Ex31-14 states Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore, for it is holy unto you; every one that profaneth it shall surely be put to death; for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
  • Verse Nu15-32:34 states And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks upon the sabbath day. And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. And they put him in ward, because it had not been declared what should be done to him.

We see the contradiction. Which is it? Were they not told about the punishment for descecrating the Sabbath? Or, were they in fact told that there was a death penalty?

    Rashi resolves this using the broad-literal method of resolution. First we cite the next two verses Nu15-35:36, which states And HaShem said unto Moses: 'The man shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp.' And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died, as HaShem commanded Moses. Hence the Rashi comment:
  • Ex31-14 states the general punishment of death.
  • Nu15-32:36 states the specific form of death penalty, by stoning. 


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