Strangers in Israel: Laws Respecting: Not to Eat the Passover While Uncircumcised
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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 12:43,44
And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
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Resources
Summary of the Book of 3 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean when it says not to touch God's anointed? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that “the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure” (Genesis 15:16)? | 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: Laws Respecting: Not to Eat Blood
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