RASHBAM (1085–1174)  , Jewish scholar, so called from the initials of his full name, RABBI SAMUEL BEN MEIR, was a leading member of the French school of Biblical exegesis . ' He was a grandson of Rashi (q.v.), but differed in his method of interpretation . He wrote commentaries on the Pentateuch and some other parts of the Scriptures . Rashbam adopts a natural (as distinct from a homiletical and traditional) method; thus (in agreement with the modern school) Rashbam (on Gen. i . 5) maintained that the day began at dawn and not from the previous sunset (as later Jewish custom assumed) . Another famous interpretation was Rashbam's view that the much disputed phrase in Gen. xlix. ro must be rendered " Until he cometh to ShiIoh," and refers to the division of the kingdom of Judah after Solomon's death . Rashbam's notes on the Bible are remarkable for brevity, but when he comments on the Talmud—he wrote explanations on several tracts—he is equally noted for prolixity . (I .