In the Hebrew Bible, the treatment of strangers living among the Israelites is a topic addressed with considerable depth. The term "stranger" (Hebrew: "ger") refers to a resident alien or foreigner who lives among the Israelites. This article explores how the Bible differentiates between integrated strangers and distinct strangers, examining the laws that apply to each group and the underlying principles of inclusion and distinctiveness.
Equal Treatment of Strangers
Several biblical passages emphasize the principle of equal treatment for strangers who live among the Israelites and adopt their practices:
1. Exodus 12:48-49
- "And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you."
- This passage indicates that if a stranger is willing to undergo circumcision and observe the Passover, they are to be treated as native-born Israelites, implying full inclusion in the religious community.
2. Numbers 15:14-16
- "And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD; as ye do, so he shall do. One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you."
- This emphasizes that strangers who live among the Israelites and participate in their religious practices are subject to the same laws and ordinances as native-born Israelites.
3. Ezekiel 47:22-23
- "And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord GOD."
- This passage suggests that strangers living among the Israelites are to be given land inheritance and be considered as native-born, further indicating their full inclusion in the community.
Distinctions in Certain Laws
Despite the call for equal treatment, some laws do distinguish between Israelites and strangers:
1. Dietary Laws
- Deuteronomy 14:21 "Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger that is in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk."
- This verse creates a distinction in dietary practices. Israelites are prohibited from eating animals that died naturally or were torn by beasts. However, they are allowed to give or sell such animals to strangers living among them or aliens. This indicates a difference in ceremonial laws or standards of holiness applied to Israelites compared to strangers.
2. Slavery
- Leviticus 25:45-46 "Moreover, you may buy the children of the strangers who dwell among you, and their families who are with you, which they beget in your land; and they shall become your property. And you may take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them as a possession; they shall be your permanent slaves. But regarding your brothers, the children of Israel, you shall not rule over one another with rigor."
- These verses indicate that while Israelites are commanded to love the stranger, there were distinct social and economic structures that allowed for the enslavement of non-Israelites living among them, setting apart the treatment of Israelite brothers from that of strangers. This applies to distinct strangers who do not fully integrate into Israelite society.
Understanding the Differences
To understand the full picture, it is essential to recognize that the term "stranger" (ger) can encompass various types of non-Israelites living within Israelite society, including those who have fully integrated into the community and those who remain distinct.
1. Integrated Strangers
- Strangers who fully integrate into the Israelite community by adopting its religious practices (e.g., circumcision, Passover observance) and cultural norms can be treated as native-born Israelites, enjoying similar rights and responsibilities. They are considered citizens in this context.
2. Distinct Strangers
- Strangers who do not fully integrate (e.g., not undergoing circumcision) may still live among the Israelites and benefit from certain protections and rights but remain distinct in some legal and social aspects. These are the strangers who can be taken as slaves, as indicated in Leviticus 25:45-46.
Conclusion
While the Bible encourages treating strangers ("gerim") kindly and as part of the community, some laws maintain distinctions between Israelites and strangers. Those who adopt Israelite practices are fully included as citizens, while distinct strangers remain somewhat different in their legal and social standing. Understanding these distinctions helps harmonize the seemingly contradictory passages and reflects the complex social and religious dynamics of ancient Israel.
I never knew there were distinction between strangers, probably not understood by many who study. Very interesting indeed, still trying to absorb this. Thank you
I am still not getting my notifications Yacoba. I’ve not received a notification in Facebook either. I hate missing the Lives. Anything else I can change?
Good morning brother Tayu. I've read the article and its interesting. Are you saying that some strangers were able to live in God's land among the Israelites, not follow the laws or requirements of the covenant, and still receive some form of protection and rights?