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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 Ex07-03a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n6.htm
      Brief Summary: PHAROH himself strengthened his resolve in the first few plagues not to let the people go; GOD hardened Pharoh's emotions in the latter plagues.

The table below presents two contradictory verses. Both verses speak about Pharoh's refusal to let the Jewish people go. The underlined words highlight the contradiction. One verse says God hardened Pharoh's emotions [so he wouldn't let the people go] while the other verse states Pharoh strengthened his resolve [so he wouldn't let the people go] We see the contradiction---which is it? Did God or Pharoh stop the Jews from leaving. Rashi simply resolves this contradiction using the 2 stages method: During the 1st few plagues Pharoh strengthened his resolve not to let the people go. In the later plagues God hardened Pharoh's emotions so that he wouldn't let the people go.

Summary Verse / Source Text of verse / Source
God hardened Pharoh's emotions Ex07-03a And I [God] will harden Pharohs heart and I will multiply my miracles in Egypt
Pharoh hardend his emotions Ex08-28 .... and Pharoh hardened his own heart and did not let the Jews go blessed them
Resolution: 2 Stages During the 1st few plagues Pharoh strengthened his resolve not to let the people go. In the later plagues God hardened Pharoh's emotions so that he wouldn't let the people go.

Advanced Rashi: This Rashi is well known. We make an additional point: This Rashi is commonly interpreted as meaning During the first five plagues Pharoh hardened his own heart while in the last five plagues God hardened his heart. But this is not true! Thus in the 6th plague it says Ex09-12 God hardened Pharoh's heart while in the 7th plague it says Ex09-34 Pharoh hardened his heart. In the 8th and 9th plague however it says that God hardened Pharoh's heart (Ex10-20, Ex10-27.). So this popular approach to this Rashi is basically correct but needs some modification. I have not seen any commentaries that discuss the anomaly of Pharoh hardening his own heart during the 7th plague. 


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