In the biblical context, the term "strangers" often refers to non-Israelites or foreigners residing among the Israelites. The observance of the Sabbath, a day of rest on the seventh day of the week, is a significant commandment given by God to the people of Israel. However, the requirement to observe the Sabbath was not limited to the Israelites alone; it extended to the strangers dwelling among them.

The commandment to observe the Sabbath is first introduced in the Ten Commandments, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. Exodus 20:10 states, "but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates." This passage clearly includes the "foreigner within your gates," indicating that strangers residing with the Israelites were also required to rest on the Sabbath.

The inclusion of strangers in the observance of the Sabbath underscores the universal nature of God's commandments and the inclusive community that God intended for His people. In Exodus 23:12 , the command is reiterated: "For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant and the foreigner may be refreshed." Here, the purpose of the Sabbath rest is emphasized as a time for refreshment, not only for the Israelites but also for the foreigners among them.

The Book of Deuteronomy also reinforces this command. Deuteronomy 5:14 states, "but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do." This passage highlights the equality of rest for all members of the community, including strangers.

The requirement for strangers to observe the Sabbath reflects the broader biblical principle of hospitality and justice for foreigners. Leviticus 19:34 instructs, "You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." This commandment to love and treat foreigners with respect and equality is consistent with the inclusion of strangers in the Sabbath observance.

In summary, the biblical mandate for strangers to observe the Sabbath day is a testament to the inclusive and equitable nature of God's laws. It serves as a reminder of the shared humanity and dignity of all people, regardless of their origin, and underscores the importance of rest and refreshment for everyone within the community.Exodus 20:10
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD your God: in it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger that is within your gates:
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 23:12
Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest: that your ox and your ass may rest, and the son of your handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.
Nave's Topical Index

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... us see how Rabbinism taught Israel to observe its Sabbath ... the whole system was, and
how it required no small ... portions at table, but not with strangers, for this ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... assistance which most pastors receive from strangers will furnish as ... Observe the
principles by which it is developed and ... We are required to turn away our feet ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm

B. The Second Period. Chs. 5:1 to 6:11
... They were not strangers to Jesus nor had they been ... that the man might bring the
offerings required by the ... Jesus to require his disciples to observe the fasts ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the second period chs.htm

Acts i. 12
... the city became a burial-place of strangers, of soldiers ... Observe, for instance, how
this appears in these words ... and of the miracles; the thing required was, the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iii acts i 12.htm

"Who is My Neighbor?"
... he had gone through all that was required of him. ... You observe there are twelve things
mentioned in the narrative ... would not be laid in the strangers' field, but ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter viii who is my.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do ... heart." And in illustration of the
duty required of them ... and in him shall they glory." Strangers brought into ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

The Gospel of John
... Finally, we may observe here, that when the Pharisees ... The Law required two "witnesses"
at least; but none ... they follow, and the voice of strangers they heed not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of john.htm

True Christianity Defended
... denied him, and listened to the voice of strangers! ... but may see that repentance is
required as necessary ... Observe his conversation; not an hour only, but day by ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 134 true christianity defended.htm

Acts XIII
... the people when they dwelt as strangers in the ... upon the two speeches will observe
that the ... to see corruption." It furnished, therefore, the required proof that ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... he taught, did not object to oaths whenever the occasion required them; and ... Wherefore
the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

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