Topical Encyclopedia
In the ancient Israelite community, the term "strangers" referred to non-Israelites who lived among the Israelites. These individuals, often called "sojourners" or "foreigners," were subject to specific laws and regulations that governed their conduct and participation in religious practices. One significant regulation concerned the observance of the Passover, a pivotal event in Israelite religious life commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
The Passover was a sacred feast instituted by God, and its observance was strictly regulated. According to the Mosaic Law, only those who were circumcised could partake in the Passover meal. This requirement is explicitly stated in the Book of Exodus: "But if a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the LORD, all his males must be circumcised, and then he may come near to celebrate it; he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it" (
Exodus 12:48).
Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants, marking the Israelites as God's chosen people. It was a physical symbol of their unique relationship with God and their commitment to His laws. For a stranger or foreigner to participate in the Passover, they had to fully integrate into the covenant community, which included undergoing circumcision. This requirement underscored the sanctity of the Passover and the importance of covenantal identity.
The law concerning the participation of strangers in the Passover reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding peoples. By requiring circumcision, the law ensured that those who partook in the Passover were not only physically present but also spiritually aligned with the covenantal promises and obligations.
While the law was clear in its stipulation, it also demonstrated an openness to inclusion. Strangers who were willing to embrace the covenant through circumcision were welcomed to participate fully in the religious life of Israel. This provision highlights the potential for integration and acceptance within the community of faith, provided that the covenantal requirements were met.
In summary, the law that prohibited uncircumcised strangers from eating the Passover was rooted in the theological significance of circumcision as a covenantal sign. It emphasized the importance of holiness, identity, and commitment to God's covenant, while also allowing for the inclusion of those willing to fully embrace the faith and practices of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 12:43,44And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
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Resources
Summary of the Book of 3 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it says not to touch God's anointed? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure” (Genesis 15:16)? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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