‘Ask a Woman’: Childbearing and Ezra's Transformation in 4 Ezra *

Abstract

This article argues that the imagery of childbearing serves as a narrative motif in 4 Ezra. Language of fertility and birth appears regularly in Ezra's theodicy and his quest for knowledge. The angel uses childbearing metaphors to instruct Ezra about the coming transition of the ages: the signs of the end of the old age are dysfunctional birth and labor pains, while the fruitful new age will give birth according to a predetermined schedule. These numerous references to fecundity convey the theme of Ezra's movement toward understanding, leading him toward the pivotal moment when an actual childbearing woman appears before him. By joining in her lament for a precious son, Ezra shares the divine perspective of love, proving himself worthy of receiving esoteric wisdom.