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VERSE: Dt18-03d

=========================== Dt18-03d ============================

SUCCINCT SUMMARY
----------------
An advanced Rashi method is the use of symbolism to explain
Biblical chapters. The general guidelines for symbolic
interpretation are compactly presented in my essay GENESIS
ONE SPEAKS ABOUT THE CREATION OF PROPHECY NOT THE CREATION
OF THE WORLD which may be found at URL
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/gen-1.htm We call this the Rashi
method of SYMBOLISM / symbolism.

As pointed out in the above essay, Rav Hirsch emphasized
that one cannot whimsically apply symbolic methods. Rather
the Biblical text must demand or require the use of symbolism.

EXAMPLE Dt18-03d SYMBOLISM OF PRIESTLY GIFTS FROM ANIMALS
---------------------------------------------------------
The Biblical text at Dt18-03d states
----------------------------------------------------
The priests have the following rights on
(certain) animals offered
- the arm
- the cheeks
- the belly
----------------------------------------------------

The symbolic nature of offering procedures in general
and of priestly gifts in particular has been established
elsewhere (See the above essay).

Rashi ingeniously connects the three items mentioned
in Dt18-03d to the contents of Nu24-06:08 which deals
with a public sex offence of tribal leader. The verses
state
-------------------------------------------
- Leaders were crying; Pinchas saw
- Pinchas took a spear
- Pinchas stabbed both in the belly
-------------------------------------------

Notice the use of BELLY in both verses. It would
seem logical that whenever someone offers an animal
they should symbolically affirm the role of the priesthood
to stand up against sexual sin.

The following symbolic associations seem to apply
-----------------------------------------------------
Nu24-06:08              Dt18-03d
-----------------------------------------------------
Belly                   Belly
Spear                   Arm
Cry/see-astonished      Cheek (JAWS DROP=Astonished)
-----------------------------------------------------

The last association seems weakest. The English metaphor
HIS JAWS DROPPED comes to mind to indicate astonishment.
Thus while the other leaders were so shocked they couldnt
do anything, Pinchas overcame his shock and stopped
the sin.


LIST975q summarizes this argument and presents other
details (The association of CHEEK and ASTONISHMENT is
my own; Rashi offers another)
====================================================================
ITEM                     DETAIL
======================== ===========================================
RASHI RULE CLASS:        SYMBOLISM
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS      SYMBOLISM
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE #29
SEE BELOW                LIST975q
List of associations of  Nu24-06:08 and Dt18-03(Priestly gifts)
====================================================================

========================= LIST975q ============================
List of associations of  Nu24-06:08 and Dt18-03(Priestly gifts)===============================================================
Nu24-06:08              Dt18-03d
======================= =======================================
Belly                   Belly
Spear                   Arm*1
Cry/see-astonished      Cheek (JAWS DROP=astonished*2)

NOTES
-----
*1 SPEARS are thrown with the ARM

*2 The text in Nu24-06:08 states that
   - the leaders were CRYING
   - but Pinchas SAW and stopped
   We might describe this as a state of astonishment and shock.
   The English phrase HIS JAWS DROP indicates an association
   between CHEEKS and ASTONISHMENT.

   The above association is my own. Rashi actually associates
   CHEEKS and PRAYER. PRAYER is not mentioned in Nu24-06:08
   but is mentioned in P106-30--PINCHAS PRAYED AND THE
   PLAGUE was stopped.

   Finally we note that both the above associations are weak
   - CHEEK--ASTONISHMENT
   - CHEEK--PRAYER

   Perhaps therefore there is no clear symbolic association.

   Rashi actually says
   ----------------------------
   Those who seek symbolic meaning interpret this chapter...
   ----------------------------

   By citing an authority Rashi leaves open the door to
   reject this association as the opinion of one person.

   In defense of Rashi (and myself)note that BELLY is
   mentioned in both verses which suggests that an
   association is warranted.
===============================================================
---------------------------------------------------
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Volume 27 Number 6


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