Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the treatment and burial of strangers—those who were not native Israelites—reflected the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel. The concept of separate burial places for strangers is rooted in the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation, which permeates the Old Testament.Biblical Context The Israelites were commanded to be a distinct people, set apart for God. This separation extended to various aspects of life, including dietary laws, worship practices, and social interactions. The burial of strangers in separate places can be seen as an extension of this principle of separation. In the Old Testament, the land of Israel was considered holy, and the burial of the dead was a significant act that carried religious and cultural implications. The burial sites themselves were often seen as sacred spaces. As such, the burial of non-Israelites in separate places may have been a way to maintain the sanctity of these sites. Scriptural References While the Bible does not explicitly mandate separate burial places for strangers, there are passages that imply a distinction between Israelites and non-Israelites in matters of death and burial. For example, in Ezekiel 44:9, the prophet declares, "No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh may enter My sanctuary—not even a foreigner who lives among the Israelites." This verse underscores the broader theme of separation between the Israelites and foreigners in religious contexts. Additionally, in 2 Kings 23:6, King Josiah is described as removing the bones of the dead from foreign burial sites to cleanse the land: "He brought the Asherah pole from the house of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem, and there he burned it, ground it to powder, and threw its dust on the graves of the common people." This act of purifying the land by removing foreign elements further illustrates the importance of maintaining holiness in burial practices. Cultural and Historical Considerations In ancient Near Eastern cultures, burial practices were deeply intertwined with religious beliefs. The Israelites, like their neighbors, believed that proper burial was essential for honoring the dead and ensuring their peaceful rest. The separation of burial sites for strangers may have been influenced by these cultural norms, as well as by the desire to preserve the religious purity of the community. The practice of burying strangers separately also reflects the social dynamics of the time. Strangers, or sojourners, were often seen as outsiders, and their integration into Israelite society was limited. While the Israelites were commanded to treat strangers with kindness and justice (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:34), there remained a clear distinction between the native-born and the foreigner. Theological Implications Theologically, the burial of strangers in separate places can be viewed as a reflection of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Israelites were chosen to be a holy nation, and their burial practices were one of many ways they expressed their unique identity and commitment to God's laws. In the New Testament, the theme of separation is transformed through the work of Christ, who breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14). While the early church grappled with issues of inclusion and identity, the message of the gospel ultimately emphasized unity and reconciliation among all people. In summary, the practice of burying strangers in separate burial places in biblical times was influenced by cultural, religious, and social factors. It served as a means of maintaining the holiness of the Israelite community while reflecting the broader biblical theme of separation and distinction. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:7And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Nave's Topical Index Library The Persecution under Nero in which Paul and Peter were Honored at ... On the Words, Crucified and Buried. To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The City of Benares. The Political Constitution of Egypt Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Acts of Sharbil, who was a Priest of Idols, and was Converted to ... Resources What is alienation? What does it mean that we are alienated from God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome peer pressure? | GotQuestions.org Is it a sin to watch pornography with my spouse? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strangers in Israel were Frequently Employed in Public Works Strangers in Israel: Admitted to Worship in the Outer Court of the Temple Strangers in Israel: All Foreigners Sojourning in Israel Were Counted As Strangers in Israel: Chiefly Consisted of Captives Taken in War Strangers in Israel: Chiefly Consisted of Foreign Servants Strangers in Israel: Chiefly Consisted of Persons Who Came Into Israel for the Sake of Religious Strangers in Israel: Chiefly Consisted of Persons Who Sought Employment Among the Jews Strangers in Israel: Chiefly Consisted of The Remnant of the Mixed Multitude Who Came out of Egypt Strangers in Israel: Chiefly Consisted of The Remnant of the Nations of the Land Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Allowed to Eat What Died of Itself Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Might offer Their Burnt-Offerings on the Altar of God Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Might Purchase Hebrew Servants Subject to Release Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Not to be Chosen As Kings in Israel Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Not to be Vexed or Oppressed Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Not to Blaspheme God Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Not to Eat Blood Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Not to Eat the Passover While Uncircumcised Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Not to Practise Idolatrous Rites Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Not to Work on the Sabbath Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Subject to the Civil Law Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: The Jews Might Purchase and Have Them As Slaves Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: The Jews Might Take Usury From Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: To be Loved Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: To be Relieved in Distress Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: To Enjoy the Benefit of the Cities of Refuge Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: To Have Justice Done to Them in all Disputes Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: To Have the Gleaning of the Harvest Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: To Have the Law Read to Them Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: To Participate in the Rejoicings of the People Strangers in Israel: Motives Urged on the Jews for Being Kind To Strangers in Israel: The Jews Condemned for Oppressing Strangers in Israel: Under the Care and Protection of God Strangers in Israel: Very Numerous in Solomon's Reign Strangers were Buried in Separate Burial Places Strangers: Abhorrence of, Forbidden Strangers: Could offer Oblations Strangers: Kindness to the Poor of, Required Strangers: Marriage With, Forbidden Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Authorized Bondservice of Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Forbid Their Being Made Kings Over Israel Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Injustice To Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Oppression of Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Sale To, of the Meat of Animals That had Died Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Their Approaching the Tabernacle Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Their Blaspheming Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Their Eating Blood Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Their Eating the Passover Meal Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Their Eating Things offered in Sacrifice Strangers: Mosaic Law Relating to Usury of Strangers: Required to Observe the Sabbath Day Related Terms |