No single commentary on the Mishnah was received so universally, since its publication, as that of Rabbi Obadiah di Bertinoro. From the Venice edition of 1549 on, it was re-printed with almost all subsequent editions of the Mishnah. In this sense, the Commentary parallels those of Rashi on Torah and Talmud. The question arises, why? What caused it to be accorded so pre-eminent a position? What are its inherent qualities, and how is it to be evaluated and compared to the commentary of Maimonides which preceded it, and that of Yom-Tov Lipman Heller which followed? In general one may ask: what is it place in the whole content of Mishnaic commentaries and literature: where does it stand from a Halakic, historic and linguistic viewpoint?