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VERSE: Lv05-21a

======================== Lv05-21a ==============================

SUCCINCT SUMMARY
----------------
One of Rashis 5 main goals is the explanation of meaning
the same way a dictionary presents meaning. One method of
explaining meaning was to present a UNIFIED MEANING to a
root with varied meanings.

EXAMPLE Lv05-21a M-A-L
----------------------
We can gather all verses with the Hebrew root M-A-L which
can refer to DESCECRATION of a marriage (adultery)
or DESCECRATION of the God-Man relationship (Idolatry,
intermarriage).

Hence if we find ONE example to the contrary -- Lv05-21a which
speaks about a person who denies money owed -- it is very
reasonable to interpret M-A-L in this verse as applying to
the FALSE OATH-Which is a violation of the God-man relationship-
which the person takes to deny this money.
================================================================
ITEM                     DETAIL
======================== =======================================
RASHI RULE CLASS:        WORD MEANINGS
RASHI SUBRULE CLASS      UNIFIED MEANINGS
RASHI WORKBOOK PRINCIPLE #7
SEE BELOW                LIST862x
List of meanings of root M-A-L=Violation of a deep relationship
================================================================

======================== LIST862x =============================
List of meanings of root M-A-L=Violation of a deep relationship
===============================================================
VERSE      TO WHOM     NATURE OF SIN
========== =========== ========================================
Lv05-15:16 God         Temple matters
Nu31-16    God         Intermarriage-idolatry*1
Jo07-01    God         Violation of oath
Ez20-27:29 God         Idolatry - Bamah (Private altars)
Ezra9-1:4  God         Intermarriage
---------  ----------  ----------------------------------
Nu05-12    Man-woman   Descecrate her marriage(Adultery)*2
---------  ----------  ----------------------------------
Lv05-21a   Man-man     Denial of moneys owed -- oath*3

NOTES
-----
*1 Nu31-16 cross references Nu25-01:09 which clearly mentions
   both these sins (e.g. Nu25-02)

*2 It would appear from this Husband-wife example(adultery)
   that M-A-L refers to a violation of any DEEP PERSONAL
   RELATIONSHIP (Such as acts of adultery to man, or
   idolatry/intermarriage to God)

*3 This verse is the ONLY example where M-A-L does not seem
   to refer to VIOLATION of the GOD-MAN relationship or to
   violation of ther marital relationship.For Lv05-21a
   speaks about a person who denies money owed, It is therefore
   reasonable to interpret M-A-L in this verse as apptlying to
   a FALSE OATH (Which is a violation of the God-man
   relationship)*10 *11

------------------------- LONGER FOOTNOTES -------------------

*10 Rashi citing the Midrash brings additional support: Other
    monetary crimes (such as armed robbery, torts, etc) can
    involve witnesses and evidence. However the monetary
    crimes spoken about in this verse -- keeping lost articles,
    witholding wages.... -- are crimes withOUT wintesses
    and evidence. Hence the false oath is a violation of
    the God-man relationship.

*11 I mention in passing a brilliant Tanakh lecture by
    Rabbi Reinman (The author of the book 1 PEOPLE TWO WORLDS,
    containing a dialog with a Reform Rabbi).

    Rabbi Reinman spoke about the assertion of Radak that
    RECHAVAM worshipped idols. Radak derives this from
    use of the word M-A-L in 2C12-01:05.

    Rabbi Reinman cited various Talmudic passages showing that
    Naamah, Rechavams wife was righteous. Rabbi Rineman
    then cited 2C12-13:14 to interpret MAL as not
    preparing their hearts properly.

    However the Radak has a strong case AS SHOWN BY
    THE ABOVE LIST. Based on 2C12 which mentions
    RECHAVAM REIGNED OVER JERUSALEM THE CITY WHICH
    GOD CHOSE TO DWELL IN, I would take a midway
    position between RADAK and the TALMUD.

    I would suggest that the Jewish sin was restoration
    of the private altars (There is precedent for this
    in the above list). Hence we immediately see

    -Restoration of the private altars is a TEMPLE
    violation and would hence justify the term M-A-L

    -If all Naamah did was make sure that the Jews
    did not worship idols but instead worshipped
    private altars then she was indeed Righteous

    -Radak would be justified in classifying
    RESTORATION OF PRIVATE ALTARS with IDOLATRY
    since the sins are similar (But certainly
    not identical in severity).

    At any rate Rabbi Reinman encouraged detailed
    study of Tanakh with Talmud and Rishonim which
    of course is warmly welcomed. What we have
    added on this email group is advocation of
    use of lists.
===============================================================
---------------------------------------------------
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Volume 21 Number 11


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