Topical Bible: Strangers in Israel were Frequently Employed in Public Works

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Topical Encyclopedia

In ancient Israel, the presence and employment of foreigners, often referred to as "strangers" or "sojourners," were integral to the nation's economic and social structure. The term "stranger" in the biblical context typically refers to non-Israelites residing temporarily or permanently within the borders of Israel. These individuals were often employed in various public works, contributing significantly to the infrastructure and development of the nation.

Biblical Context and References

The employment of strangers in public works is evident in several passages throughout the Old Testament. One of the most notable examples is during the reign of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 5:13-14 , it is recorded that Solomon conscripted laborers for the construction of the Temple: "Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of thirty thousand men from all Israel. He sent them to Lebanon in shifts of ten thousand per month, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor."

While the text specifies "all Israel," it is understood that the labor force included a significant number of non-Israelites, as indicated in 2 Chronicles 2:17-18 : "Solomon numbered all the foreigners in the land of Israel, following the census his father David had conducted, and there were found to be 153,600 in all. He made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors."

Role and Treatment of Strangers

The employment of strangers in public works was not merely a matter of economic necessity but also reflected the broader social and religious ethos of Israel. The Mosaic Law provided specific instructions regarding the treatment of strangers, emphasizing justice and compassion. Leviticus 19:33-34 commands, "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 directive underscores the expectation that strangers, while employed in laborious tasks, were to be treated with dignity and fairness. The Israelites were reminded of their own history as foreigners in Egypt, fostering a sense of empathy and moral responsibility towards non-Israelites.

Economic and Social Implications

The employment of strangers in public works had significant economic and social implications for Israel. Economically, it allowed for the completion of large-scale projects, such as the construction of the Temple and other public buildings, which required a substantial labor force. The inclusion of foreigners in these projects suggests a pragmatic approach to labor needs, utilizing the available workforce to achieve national goals.

Socially, the integration of strangers into the workforce contributed to a diverse and multicultural society. While this presented challenges, it also provided opportunities for cultural exchange and the spread of Israel's religious and ethical values. The presence of strangers in Israel served as a constant reminder of the nation's calling to be a light to the nations, exemplifying God's justice and mercy.

Conclusion

The employment of strangers in public works in ancient Israel reflects a complex interplay of economic necessity, social integration, and religious obligation. Through the lens of biblical law and narrative, it is evident that while strangers were often engaged in laborious tasks, they were also to be treated with fairness and compassion, embodying the broader principles of justice and love that underpin the biblical worldview.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 22:2
And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew worked stones to build the house of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 2:18
And he set three score and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... law would have fallen into oblivion in Israel. ... the secret""for contributions, which
were privately applied ... brought up children, lodged strangers, washed the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... perfect hatred, not as Englishmen, not as strangers, but as ... the blood of their fellow
subjects who were for the ... Israel in the days of the judges, and Judah in ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... Christ, are aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the ... 67] And
the accomplishment was, "And the children of Israel that were present at ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
... or at least hoped for, by those who were under the ... Nor did He address them as strangers
to the covenant ... its prophecies He accomplished, alike for Israel and the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 18 brief outline of.htm

The Formation and Order of the Primitive Church.
... a mixed multitude of natives and strangers were collected, to ... and he calls upon the
house of Israel, who had ... his death; but how often they were thus employed ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture iii the formation and.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... the young Child; then we are shown strangers from a far ... Him as their Messiah, and
what were the consequences of this, namely, the setting aside of Israel by God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm

The Gospel of John
... Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel" (1:49 ... Law required two "witnesses" at least;
but none were left ... Voice they follow, and the voice of strangers they heed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of john.htm

The People among whom we Labour (Continued).
... of policy and diplomacy if successful against strangers." The lauded ... even answer
the question, if you were to ask ... minds than David and the hymnists of Israel? ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xxix the people among.htm

True Christianity Defended
... thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: Therefore thou ... denied him, and listened
to the voice of strangers! ... suspect nothing less than that we were pouring out ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 134 true christianity defended.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ...
... and half a dozen folks about you, strangers perhaps, and ... ardently affectionate as
a mother in Israel,' few of ... Such were the means employed, and such were the ...
/.../chapter 5 from the close.htm