Overview
The Hebrew term "lakum" (???) appears in Old Testament legal texts to designate foreigners or non-Israelites. These laws often set different standards for Israelites versus foreigners in matters of debt, slavery, and religious practice, reflecting the unique covenant status of God's chosen people.
Key Scriptures
"You may charge a foreigner interest, but you may not charge your brother interest" (Deuteronomy 23:20, ESV). "If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you" (Deuteronomy 15:12, NASB). "The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself" (Leviticus 19:34, NKJV).
Application
While Old Testament distinctions between Israelites and foreigners reflected covenant privileges, the gospel removes such barriers—in Christ all are invited into God's family through faith, transcending ethnic and national boundaries.