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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 Nu26-11a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/nu26-11a.htm
      Brief Summary: 1st: The earth swallowed up all Korach's followers; 2nd: Korach's sons repented and were saved.

The table below presents presents two contradictory verses. Both verses speak about what happened to those who participated in the Korach rebellion The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says Korach and all his followers were swallowed up by the earth while the other verse says Korach's sons did not die. Which is it? Did Korach's sons die in the earthquake or were they saved?

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
Korach's followers died in an earthquake Nu16-32:33 And the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. So they, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit; and the earth closed upon them, and they perished from among the assembly.
Korach's sons did not die. Nu26-11 Notwithstanding the sons of Korah died not.
Resolution: 2 Stages
  1. Korach's sons did fall into the earthquake
  2. But repented on the way down and were miraculously saved.

      Rashi resolves this contradiction using the 2 Stages method.
    1. Korach's sons did fall into the earthquake
    2. But repented on the way down and were miraculously saved.
    Rashi, in typical fashion, gives an exaggerated explanation of this resolution: At the time of the earthquake, they fell into a cleft beneath the earth so they didn't get consumed by the fires below.

By using the table structure with underlines we are able to participate and empathize with Rashi in construction of the Rashi comment.


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