In the ancient Israelite community, the presence of "strangers" or "foreigners" was a recognized and regulated aspect of societal life. The Hebrew term often used for strangers is "ger," which refers to non-Israelites residing within the boundaries of Israel. The Mosaic Law provided specific guidelines on how these individuals were to be treated and how they were to conduct themselves, particularly concerning religious practices.

One of the primary concerns regarding strangers in Israel was the prohibition against participating in idolatrous rites. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart for the worship of Yahweh, the one true God. This distinctiveness was to be maintained by both native-born Israelites and the foreigners living among them.

Prohibition of Idolatry

The prohibition against idolatry is a central tenet of the Mosaic Law, and it extended to all who resided in Israel, including strangers. In Leviticus 20:2, the Lord commands Moses, "Tell the Israelites, ‘Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The members of the community must stone him.’" This severe penalty underscores the seriousness with which idolatrous practices were viewed, particularly those involving child sacrifice, which were abominable to God.

Furthermore, in Leviticus 17:8-9, the law stipulates, "Say to them: ‘Any Israelite or any foreigner residing among them who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice and does not bring it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to the LORD must be cut off from his people.’" This command ensures that all sacrificial practices were centralized and conducted in accordance with the worship of Yahweh, thereby preventing the infiltration of pagan rituals.

Integration into Israelite Worship

The inclusion of strangers in the religious life of Israel was not merely prohibitive but also integrative. Strangers were invited to participate in the worship of Yahweh, provided they adhered to the same laws and statutes as the Israelites. In Numbers 15:14-16, it is written, "And if a foreigner resides with you or someone else is among you and wants to offer a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do exactly as you do. The assembly is to have the same statute for both you and the foreigner residing with you; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD."

This passage highlights the inclusive nature of Israelite worship, allowing foreigners to partake in the sacrificial system, provided they renounced idolatry and embraced the worship of Yahweh. The law was clear that there was to be one law for both the native-born and the stranger, emphasizing equality and unity in the worship of God.

Moral and Ethical Conduct

The moral and ethical conduct expected of strangers was also addressed in the law. In Leviticus 18:26, the Israelites are instructed, "But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who resides among you." This command reinforces the expectation that all inhabitants of Israel, regardless of origin, were to uphold the moral standards set forth by God.

The laws concerning strangers and idolatry reflect the broader theological theme of Israel as a covenant community, called to reflect the holiness and righteousness of God. By prohibiting idolatrous practices and integrating foreigners into the worship of Yahweh, the law sought to maintain the purity and distinctiveness of Israel as a people dedicated to the service of the one true God.Leviticus 20:2
Again, you shall say to the children of Israel, Whoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that gives any of his seed to Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

part ii
... How long shall I, the child of God, be flesh, notwithstanding that I was born in
holy baptism, "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of ...
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