Strangers were Buried in Separate Burial Places
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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.
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Matthew 27:7
And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
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The Persecution under Nero in which Paul and Peter were Honored at ...
... as the book fell into the hands of strangers the tradition ... Paul's remains are said
to have been buried in the ... the other hand if Peter and Paul were martyred in ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxv the persecution under nero.htm

On the Words, Crucified and Buried.
... we seek to know clearly where He has been buried. ... place being ploughed and sown by
strangers, and adds ... for both public and private buildings were taken from ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xiii on the words.htm

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... and your letters flatter the ears of strangers only. ... and yet it is impossible to
keep separate what was ... very bodies with which we died and were buried, why do ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... of his divinity was as fully acknowledged by strangers as it ... to by the kings of those
times were sanctioned, as ... year of his reign.* He was buried, probably, at ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... went to Bethel, to sacrifice to the Lord, he buried under this ... Sabbath was approaching,
and because of the many strangers in the town, who were in urgent ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... town, which were of considerable extent, are half buried under the ... a mile or two,
would be as great strangers to each other as if they were separated by ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The City of Benares.
... by the departing monks, are found buried near Sarnath ... was superstition the only motive
which allured strangers to that ... and the sabres of Oude were mingled with ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... feudal lords; there were, however, many strangers among them ... ruined palaces: "The
gods [kings] who were of yore ... tombs, mummies and manes, all buried alike in ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... and the great Adam whom the Hebrews suppose (from the book of Joshua the son of
Nun) to be buried there ... Yet, as though she were leaving strangers to go ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Acts of Sharbil, who was a Priest of Idols, and was Converted to ...
... thou thyself about a man dead and buried, [3162] for ... saw it, they turned and besought
the strangers to remain ... when the bones of the apostles were returned to ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents acts of.htm

Resources
What is alienation? What does it mean that we are alienated from God? | GotQuestions.org

How can I overcome peer pressure? | GotQuestions.org

Is it a sin to watch pornography with my spouse? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Strangers

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: Love of, Enjoined

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: Oppression of

Strangers: Required to Observe the Sabbath Day

Related Terms

Foreigner (99 Occurrences)

Sojourner (81 Occurrences)

Temporary (13 Occurrences)

Resident (6 Occurrences)

Blemishes (3 Occurrences)

Clan (96 Occurrences)

Alien's (1 Occurrence)

Sarai (13 Occurrences)

Sells (14 Occurrences)

Strange-speaking (1 Occurrence)

Sarah (38 Occurrences)

Prophet (315 Occurrences)

Stranger (152 Occurrences)

Grown (77 Occurrences)

Member (20 Occurrences)

Alien (102 Occurrences)

Strangers (95 Occurrences)

Rich (140 Occurrences)

Becomes (138 Occurrences)

Monthly (11 Occurrences)

Beside (326 Occurrences)

Poor (276 Occurrences)

Sodomite (1 Occurrence)

Strangers in Israel: Very Numerous in Solomon's Reign
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