What was Sepharad?

Sepharad (סְפָרַד, Səp̄āraḏ) is a geographic term mentioned only once in the Bible, in Obadiah 1:20, where it refers to a place of exile for certain Jewish captives. While its precise identification remains uncertain, Sepharad has come to be associated historically and traditionally with Spain, particularly in Jewish literature and heritage. The reference in Obadiah connects it to the Jewish diaspora and God‘s future restoration of His people.

“The company of Israelites exiled in this land of Canaan will possess the land as far as Zarephath; the exiles from Jerusalem who are in Sepharad will possess the towns of the Negev.”
— Obadiah 1:20 (NIV)

The name Sepharad is believed by many scholars to be of foreign origin, possibly relating to a western land known in ancient times. Over centuries, Jewish tradition has widely interpreted Sepharad to refer to the Iberian Peninsula, and especially to Spain, giving rise to the term Sephardic Jews—those of Spanish and Portuguese descent.

Biblical References and Context

Obadiah 1:20

The only biblical mention of Sepharad appears in the prophetic oracle of Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament. Obadiah’s prophecy is a judgment against Edom, the descendants of Esau, for their violence against Judah during times of calamity. Verse 20 speaks of the return of exiles, including those from Sepharad, as part of God‘s promised restoration.

Cross-References

• Isaiah 11:12 – God will gather the dispersed of Judah “from the four quarters of the earth.”

• Jeremiah 30:3 – God will bring back His people from captivity and restore them.

• Ezekiel 36:24 – The Lord will gather His people from all countries.

• Luke 21:24 – Jesus speaks of the dispersion of the Jews “to all nations.”

• Romans 11:26 – “And in this way all Israel will be saved.”

These passages echo the hope of return and restoration for the people of Israel, scattered throughout the nations, including far-off lands like Sepharad.

Historical Background

While the exact location of ancient Sepharad is debated, early Jewish tradition, especially the Targum Jonathan, interprets Sepharad as Spain. By the time of the Middle Ages, Sepharad became firmly identified with the Iberian Peninsula.

The Jews of Spain—later known as Sephardic Jews—developed a rich culture and heritage. They were eventually expelled during the Spanish Inquisition in 1492, fulfilling in another sense the theme of exile and longing for return that echoes throughout Scripture.

Though the Obadiah passage refers to a specific group of exiles during Old Testament times, the inclusion of Sepharad in God’s promises pointed to the global reach of God’s redemptive plan for His covenant people.

Theological Significance

God’s Sovereignty Over the Nations

The reference to Sepharad reveals that God is aware of and active even in the most distant places. No exile is too far for Him to see or restore. The inclusion of such a far-off land in Obadiah’s prophecy demonstrates that God’s covenantal faithfulness transcends geography and time.

The Restoration of Israel

Sepharad represents those Jews who were scattered far from the land of Israel, yet still included in the promise of return and restoration. This highlights the unifying nature of God’s redemptive work—He gathers His people from the ends of the earth.

The Global Scope of Redemption

Though Obadiah is written to Judah, the inclusion of distant lands like Sepharad foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s plan through Christ. In Christ, both Jew and Gentile are reconciled and gathered into the family of God.

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:28

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Sepharad’s mention in Obadiah, while geographically vague, becomes a symbol of distant exile and future hope. Jesus, as the greater fulfillment of the promise, comes not only to restore Israel but to extend salvation to all nations, including those “in Sepharad.”

Jesus is the true and final Gatherer of God’s people (John 11:52). The call to gather exiles from Sepharad finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who brings peace and reconciliation even to those far off (Ephesians 2:13-18).

Moreover, the experience of exile and the longing for restoration points to the broader spiritual reality of human estrangement from God—and the gospel’s promise of a permanent return to God’s presence through Jesus.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Exile and Return

• From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture traces the theme of exile due to sin and restoration through God’s grace.

2. God’s Global Redemptive Plan

• The Bible anticipates the gathering of God’s people from every tribe and nation (Revelation 7:9).

3. Faithfulness of God

• Even when His people are scattered, God remembers them and promises restoration. This reveals His covenantal faithfulness.

4. Mission to the Nations

• Sepharad reminds us that no people group is beyond the reach of God’s salvation. This undergirds the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The mention of Sepharad challenges modern believers to remember the global reach of God’s promises. No one is too far gone, too far lost, or too far scattered to be restored by the grace of God.

Believers are also reminded of their mission to the nations. Just as God includes the exiles of Sepharad in His redemptive plan, we are to proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Additionally, Sepharad speaks to those who feel displaced, forgotten, or exiled in life. God sees them, knows their suffering, and has promised that in Christ, they are brought near (Ephesians 2:13).

Reflection Questions

1. How does the mention of Sepharad deepen your understanding of God’s global redemptive plan?

2. In what ways do you see God‘s faithfulness reflected in His promise to gather His people from all nations?

3. Do you ever feel spiritually exiled or distant from God? How does the gospel offer restoration?

4. How can you participate in God‘s mission to gather people from “Sepharad”—those far off and unreached?

5. What does it mean to trust that no distance can separate us from God‘s promises in Christ?

Conclusion:
Sepharad, though obscure in geography, stands as a beacon of hope for those far from home—physically, spiritually, or emotionally. Its solitary appearance in Scripture serves as a reminder that God’s eyes are on the distant places and that His promises are for all who belong to Him, wherever they may be scattered. Through Jesus, the ultimate Gatherer, even those in “Sepharad” are brought home.