Exodus 22:21 You shall neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. The spirit of the Hebrew law was broader than race, or country, or kindred. Among the ancients generally a foreigner had no rights in any country but his own. In some languages the very word "stranger" was synonymous with enemy. Against these race hatreds Moses set up this command. Not only were foreigners to be tolerated; they were to receive the fullest protection (see Leviticus 24:22). (H. M. Field, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. |
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