1. RASHI METHOD: REFERENCES BRIEF EXPLANATION: Commentary on a verse is provided thru a cross-reference to another verse. The cross references can either provide (1a) further details, (1b) confirm citations, or (1c) clarify word meaning. This examples applies to Rashis Nu21-27b URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1223.htm Brief Summary: Therefore the RIDDLE MAKERS say (Nu21-27) refers to non-prophets like Bilam who spoke in riddles (Nu23-07)

Verse Nu21-27b discussing the defeat of Moab states Wherefore the riddle-speakers say: Come ye to Heshbon! let the city of Sihon be built and established! Rashi notes that the underlined words, riddle-speakers references verses Nu23-07 discussing Bilam's prophecies on the Jews. Hence the Rashi comment The phrase riddle-speakers in Nu21-27b references non-prophets like Bilam who, in preparation/hope for prophecy, would practice speaking in riddles. Nu23-07 explicitly refers to Bilam's riddle style (his riddle.)

Text of Target Verse Nu21-27b	Text of Reference Verse Nu23-07
Wherefore the riddle-speakers say: Come ye to Heshbon! let the city of Sihon be built and established! .	And he lifted his riddle [style], and said, Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, from the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, defy Israel.
Rashi comments: The phrase riddle-speakers in Nu21-27b references non-prophets like Bilam who, in preparation/hope for prophecy, would practice speaking in riddles. Nu23-07 explicitly refers to Bilam's riddle style (his riddle.)

Advanced Rashi: To fully appreciate this Rashi we must recall that although Bilam had some prophetic visions he was not called a prophet but rather an interpreter Nu22-05. Apparently he hoped to become a permanant prophet. Towards that end he practiced speaking in riddles since most prophets communicate their prophecies in riddle-like phrases (cf Nu12-06.) So when the Nu21-27 speaks about the statements of the riddle-makers Rashi correctly identifies this with a school of non-prophets like Bilam who (incorrectly) thought that practicing riddles would prepare them for prophecy. In other words, Rashi's statement that Riddle-makers refers to Bilam is really a pejorative insult.