Ibn Ezra: Arami Oved Avi (Ki Tavo)
“Arami oved avi”, a curious and somewhat confusing phrase. Who is the Aramean? Who is the father? And what does oved really mean?
“Arami oved avi”, a curious and somewhat confusing phrase. Who is the Aramean? Who is the father? And what does oved really mean?
Ibn Ezra comments “Righteousness is like a building. However, unrighteousness is like a ruin. Its wall collapses in a moment.”
“Justice, justice you shall pursue…” Why the repetition? Avraham Ibn Ezra gives us three possible understandings.
One god. A tithe (literally meaning a tenth). “Round” numbers. Ibn Ezra lets us in on the secret of sacred numbers.
Moses calls God “a devouring fire”. What aspect of devouring or of fire are we supposed to relate to God’s action here? Ibn Ezra clarifies.