Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, "strangeness" often refers to that which is foreign, unfamiliar, or not in accordance with the established norms and practices of the Israelite community or the early Christian church. This concept can be seen in various aspects, including foreign gods, practices, and even people who were not part of the covenant community.Foreign Gods and Idolatry The Bible frequently warns against the worship of foreign gods, which are often described as "strange" or "foreign." In Deuteronomy 32:16 , it is written, "They provoked His jealousy with foreign gods; they enraged Him with abominations." Here, the strangeness of these gods is associated with their ability to lead the Israelites away from the worship of Yahweh, the one true God. The strangeness of these gods is not merely in their foreign origin but in their opposition to the covenant relationship between God and His people. Strange Practices The Israelites were also cautioned against adopting the strange practices of the surrounding nations. Leviticus 18:3 instructs, "You must not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not walk in their customs." The strangeness of these practices is highlighted by their incompatibility with the holiness and distinctiveness that God required of His people. Strangers and Aliens While the Bible often warns against strange gods and practices, it also provides guidance on how to treat strangers or foreigners living among the Israelites. In Exodus 22:21 , the Israelites are commanded, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." The presence of strangers in the community was to be met with compassion and justice, reflecting God's care for all people. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of strangeness takes on a new dimension with the inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian church. Ephesians 2:19 states, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household." Here, the strangeness of the Gentiles is overcome through the reconciling work of Christ, who breaks down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile. Spiritual Strangeness The New Testament also speaks to the idea of spiritual strangeness, where believers are called to live in a way that is distinct from the world. In 1 Peter 2:11 , Peter writes, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." Christians are to live as strangers in the world, maintaining their distinct identity as followers of Christ. Conclusion The concept of strangeness in the Bible encompasses a range of ideas, from the dangers of foreign gods and practices to the inclusion of strangers within the community of faith. It challenges believers to maintain their distinctiveness while also extending grace and hospitality to those who are different. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The state or quality of being strange (in any sense of the adjective).Library That Deity Should be Born in Our Nature, Ought not Reasonably to ... John ix. 6, 7 Matt. I. 1 Natural Science and Theological Science. Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise These Words Speaketh Solomon, the Son of David the King and ... Bunsen's Biblical Researches. Introduction Prayerlessness in the Pulpit The Eccentricity of Religion Thesaurus Strangeness (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Strangeness (1 Occurrence). Job 31:3 Is not calamity to the perverse? And strangeness to workers of iniquity? (YLT). ... /s/strangeness.htm - 6k Strangely (3 Occurrences) Perverse (55 Occurrences) Virgin (62 Occurrences) Birth (357 Occurrences) Stranger (152 Occurrences) Resources Why is apocalyptic literature so strange? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the spiritual significance to a déjà vu experience? | GotQuestions.org Strangeness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Strangeness (1 Occurrence)Job 31:3 Subtopics Related Terms |