explanation by means of similar passages (the point of contact not necessarily verbal). Already in these middoth, there can be seen exemplified the two most characteristic hermeneutical techniques of Judaism: comparison and combination of texts, and an emphasis on single words in isolation. In reaction to the exegetical innovations introduced by R. Akiba,1 R. Ishmael b. Elisha is associated with the compilation of thirteen middoth which are closely related to those of Hillel. The only real addition