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.
God hopes that the people of Israel will be reverent – does this mean they have free will? Or does God still control a great deal through laws of nature?