Sephar'ad is a location mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Obadiah. The reference to Sephar'ad is found in Obadiah 1:20, which states: "And the exiles of this host of the sons of Israel who are among the Canaanites as far as Zarephath, and the exiles of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad, will possess the cities of the Negev." (Berean Standard Bible)

Biblical Context

The book of Obadiah is a prophetic text that addresses the judgment of Edom and the restoration of Israel. Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament, is a single chapter that focuses on the consequences of Edom's actions against Judah. The mention of Sephar'ad occurs in the context of the return of the exiles and the expansion of Israel's territory. The passage suggests that the Jewish exiles in Sephar'ad will eventually return and reclaim their land.

Historical and Geographical Considerations

The exact location of Sephar'ad has been a subject of debate among scholars and historians. Various theories have been proposed, but there is no definitive identification. Some suggest that Sephar'ad could be a location in the region of Asia Minor, possibly Sardis, due to phonetic similarities. Others propose locations in the Iberian Peninsula, associating Sephar'ad with the later Jewish name for Spain. However, these identifications remain speculative.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In Jewish tradition, Sephar'ad has taken on a broader cultural significance. Over time, the term "Sephardic" has come to refer to Jews of Spanish and Portuguese descent, as well as those from the broader Mediterranean region. This cultural identity emerged after the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, when many Sephardic Jews settled in various parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Sephar'ad in Obadiah underscores the theme of divine justice and restoration. The prophecy assures the return of the Jewish exiles and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. It highlights the hope of redemption and the re-establishment of Israel's inheritance, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant.

Conclusion

While the precise historical and geographical details of Sephar'ad remain uncertain, its mention in the book of Obadiah carries significant theological and cultural weight. It serves as a testament to the enduring hope of restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.Sephar'ad (1 Occurrence)

Obadiah 1:20
And the removed of this force of the sons of Israel, That 'is with' the Canaanites unto Zarephat, And the removed of Jerusalem that 'is' with the Sepharad, Possess the cities of the south.
(See RSV)

Sephar'ad (1 Occurrence)
Sephar'ad. Sepharad, Sephar'ad. Sepharvaim . Multi-Version Concordance
Sephar'ad (1 Occurrence). Obadiah 1:20 And the removed of ...
/s/sephar'ad.htm - 6k

Sepharad (1 Occurrence)

/s/sepharad.htm - 8k

Sepharvaim (6 Occurrences)

/s/sepharvaim.htm - 12k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus