In the biblical context, the term "strangers" refers to non-Israelites residing within the boundaries of Israel. The Mosaic Law contains specific instructions regarding the treatment of these individuals, emphasizing justice, compassion, and equality. The laws concerning strangers reflect the broader ethical and moral framework that God established for His people, underscoring the importance of kindness and fairness.

Biblical Mandate Against Oppression

The Israelites were explicitly commanded not to vex or oppress strangers. This directive is rooted in the collective memory of Israel's own experience as strangers in Egypt. In Exodus 22:21 , the Lord commands, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." This commandment serves as a reminder of the empathy and understanding that should be extended to those who are not native-born.

Equality Before the Law

The Mosaic Law ensured that strangers were to be treated with the same legal rights as native Israelites. 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 passage highlights the principle of equality and the call to love the stranger, reflecting the character of God as just and merciful.

Provision and Protection

The law also provided for the material needs of strangers. 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 provision underscores the responsibility of the Israelites to care for the vulnerable, including strangers, ensuring they have access to basic necessities.

Judicial Fairness

Strangers were entitled to fair treatment in judicial matters. Deuteronomy 24:17 instructs, "Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security." This commandment reinforces the importance of impartiality and justice, ensuring that strangers receive the same legal protections as Israelites.

Spiritual Inclusion

The spiritual life of Israel was also open to strangers. They were allowed to participate in religious observances and were encouraged to worship the God of Israel. Numbers 15:15-16 states, "The assembly is to have the same statute for both you and the foreign resident; it is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD. The same law and the same ordinance will apply both to you and to the foreigner residing with you."

Conclusion

The laws concerning strangers in Israel reflect a divine mandate for justice, compassion, and inclusion. By commanding the Israelites to treat strangers with kindness and fairness, God established a standard of conduct that transcends cultural and national boundaries, emphasizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.Exodus 22:21
You shall neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 23:9
Also you shall not oppress a stranger: for you know the heart of a stranger, seeing you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 19:33
And if a stranger sojourn with you in your land, you shall not vex him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
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Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
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Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
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An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
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part ii
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