Sepharad
“Possibly 'end of wandering' or 'separated'”
Summary
A place of Jewish exile mentioned in Obadiah's prophecy, from which captives would return to possess the cities of the Negev.
☩Biblical Reference
Sepharad appears only once in Scripture, in Obadiah's prophecy of restoration: 'The captives of Jerusalem who are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the South.' The prophecy envisions exiled Jews returning from this distant place to reclaim their inheritance in the Negev region.
☩Uncertain Location
The location of Sepharad has been debated for centuries. The Targum identifies it with Spain, which is why Spanish Jews are called 'Sephardim.' Others connect it with Sardis in Asia Minor or with Saparda mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions, possibly located east of Assyria or in northern Asia Minor. The Septuagint rendered it as 'Ephratha,' while the Vulgate has 'Bosporus,' indicating early uncertainty about the site.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sepharad," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Sepharad," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).