Ethnicity and the expulsion of womenin Ezra 9‑10 A covenant perspective for Africa

Abstract

The expulsion of women in Ezra 9-10 has been viewed in a variety of ways by different biblical scholars. This author discusses ethnicity as one of the motivating factors for the expulsion of these women on the part of Ezra and his associates. Apparently, the text appeals to the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants as the basis for this outrageous expulsion. But a close reading of the covenants reveals that the decision to expel the women was informed by an ethnic consciousness. This produced an exclusive understanding of the two covenants. The paper therefore suggests an inclusive interpretation of the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants for ethnic harmony in Africa.