Topical Bible: Strangers in Israel: All Foreigners Sojourning in Israel Were Counted As

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "strangers" refers to foreigners or non-Israelites who lived among the Israelites. The Hebrew word often used is "ger," which denotes a sojourner or temporary resident. The treatment and status of these strangers are addressed in various passages throughout the Old Testament, reflecting the social, legal, and religious dynamics of ancient Israel.

Legal Status and Rights

Strangers in Israel were afforded certain protections and rights under the Mosaic Law. They were expected to adhere to the laws of the land, and in return, they were granted a degree of legal protection. Leviticus 19:33-34 states, "When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. 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 command underscores the principle of empathy and justice, reminding the Israelites of their own history as strangers in Egypt.

Religious Observance

Strangers were also included in certain religious observances, provided they adhered to the covenantal requirements. For instance, Exodus 12:48-49 specifies, "If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the Passover to the LORD, all the males in his household must be circumcised; then he may partake, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you." This inclusion in the Passover, contingent upon circumcision, highlights the potential for integration into the religious life of Israel.

Social and Economic Considerations

Economically, strangers were often in vulnerable positions, lacking the familial and tribal support systems that native Israelites had. The law provided for their sustenance through gleaning rights, as seen in Leviticus 23:22 : "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This provision ensured that the basic needs of the less fortunate, including foreigners, were met.

Judicial Equality

The judicial system in Israel was designed to be impartial, extending fairness to both natives and strangers. Deuteronomy 1:16 commands, "And at that time I charged your judges: 'Hear the disputes between your brothers, and judge fairly between a man and his brother or a foreign resident.'" This directive emphasizes the importance of justice and equality before the law, regardless of one's origin.

Moral and Ethical Treatment

The ethical treatment of strangers is a recurring theme, with the Israelites being reminded of their own experiences as foreigners. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 declares, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." This passage highlights God's concern for the marginalized and calls His people to emulate His compassion.

Prophetic Vision

The prophets also spoke to the inclusion of foreigners in the community of God's people. Isaiah 56:6-7 envisions a future where foreigners who join themselves to the LORD are welcomed: "And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants, all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it, and who hold fast to My covenant—I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations."

In summary, the biblical treatment of strangers in Israel reflects a balance of legal obligation, religious inclusion, and ethical responsibility, rooted in the memory of Israel's own history as a people once foreign and oppressed.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 12:49
One law shall be to him that is home born, and to the stranger that sojournes among you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... set up idolatry in the land of Israel, they sent ... "Now therefore ye are no more strangers
and foreigners ... being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... of Amon, and subsequently that of Mut, were enlarged by ... resolved to put an end once
for all to the ... not prevented the subjugation of Damascus, Israel, Tyre, the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm