Overview
Throughout the Old Testament, God established laws protecting strangers (foreigners) dwelling in Israel, requiring they be treated fairly and granted certain religious privileges. God Himself identified with their condition (Deuteronomy 10:18), and His people were reminded they had been strangers in Egypt. The New Testament reveals Christ's work removed barriers between Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling God's inclusive purpose.
Key Scriptures
"Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the LORD loved Israel forever, he has made you king, that you may execute justice and righteousness." (1 Kings 8:41-43, ESV). "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the barrier of enmity" (Ephesians 2:14, ESV). "One law and one rule shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you" (Exodus 12:49, ESV).
Application
Believers should actively extend God's love and the gospel to foreigners and immigrants, recognizing that Christ's sacrifice welcomes all nations into God's family.
✦ Scripture References 40 references
✦ Topical Scripture Breakdown 70 verses
Admitted to worship in the outer court of the temple
All foreigners sojourning in Israel were counted as
Allowed to eat what died of itself
Captives taken in war
Foreign servants
Might offer their burnt-offerings on the altar of God
Might purchase Hebrew servants subject to release
Motives urged on the Jews for being kind to
Not to be chosen as kings in Israel
Not to be vexed or oppressed
Not to blaspheme God
Not to eat blood
Not to eat the passover while uncircumcised
Not to practise idolatrous rites
Not to work on the Sabbath
Persons who came into Israel for the sake of religious privileges
Persons who sought employment among the Jews
Subject to the civil law
The Jews condemned for oppressing
The Jews might purchase and have them as slaves
The Jews might take usury from
The remnant of the mixed multitude who came out of Egypt
The remnant of the nations of the land
To be loved
To be relieved in distress
To enjoy the benefit of the cities of refuge
To have justice done to them in all disputes
To have the gleaning of the harvest
To have the law read to them
To participate in the rejoicings of the people
Under the care and protection of God
Very numerous in Solomon's reign
Were frequently employed in public works