The Historical Role of Leviticus 25 in Naturalizing Anti-Black Racism

Leviticus 25:39–46 describes a two-tier model of slavery that distinguishes Israelites from foreign slaves. It requires be indentured only temporarily while foreigners can enslaved as chattel (permanent property). This resembles the distinction between White slaves and Black in American colonies. However, biblical influence on these early modern practices has been obscured by rarity citations Lev. sixteenth- seventeenth-century sources about slavery. article reviews history ancient Middle Eastern antiquity through seventeenth century to show unique degree which institutions resembled model. then exposes widespread knowledge 25 political economic debates. Demonstrating this awareness shows with high probability colonial cultures presupposed naturalize justify their different treatment