Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7500 Jews and Gentiles » 7530 foreigners Foreigners played a major role in the life of Israel. They surrounded her, and lived within her borders. In order to fulfil her mission as the bearer of God's law, Israel had to distinguish herself from foreign nations and individuals, especially with regard to their religious beliefs. A clear distinction is made between foreign nations and foreign individuals, who are to be allowed to live freely among Israelites within the land. The origins of foreign nations Genesis 9:19 See also Genesis 11:1-9 The foreign nations of Ammon and Moab The relation of Israel and Edom Israel's relationship with foreign nations Israel's captivity in Egypt Exodus 6:6 See also Amos 1:3,6,9,11,13; Isaiah 10:24-25 God's judgment on Assyria; Isaiah 47:6 the fall of Babylon prophesied; Ezekiel 25:3,8,12,15; Ezekiel 26:2; Nahum 1:14 Nineveh's destruction foretold Foreign nations as a threat to Israel Deuteronomy 7:1-4 See also Genesis 9:25; Genesis 15:16 “Amorites” and “Canaanites” are both terms used to describe generically the races expelled by Israel from the land of promise, a fate brought on themselves by flagrant sin; Leviticus 18:25; Leviticus 20:23; Deuteronomy 18:12 The need for Israel to keep separate from foreign nations Leviticus 20:26 See also Numbers 23:9; Deuteronomy 7:4; Joshua 23:7; Judges 2:2; 1 Kings 11:1-2; Kings 16:31; Ezra 4:3; Ezra 6:21; Ezra 9:12; Ezra 10:11; Nehemiah 10:30; Nehemiah 13:3 Foreign religious beliefs and practices were seen as a constant threat to faith in the LORD. The command that Israel keep apart from foreign nations partly reflects a concern that Israel might adopt religious beliefs which compromise her commitment to the LORD. Foreign nations are described as uncircumcised Isaiah 52:1 Circumcision was a sign of being within God's covenant. But some foreigners were also circumcised (Jer 9:25-26). See also Genesis 34:14; Exodus 12:48; Judges 14:3; Judges 15:18; 1 Samuel 14:6; Samuel 17:26; 2 Samuel 1:20; Ezekiel 28:10; Ezekiel 32:26 Israel's relation with foreigners within her boundaries Foreigners are to be treated graciously Leviticus 19:34 See also Leviticus 19:10; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 10:19; Deuteronomy 14:29; Deuteronomy 24:19-21; Deuteronomy 26:12-13 Foreigners must not be oppressed Leviticus 19:33 See also Exodus 22:21; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 24:14,17; Deuteronomy 27:19; Psalm 146:9; Jeremiah 7:6; Jeremiah 22:3; Zechariah 7:10 Foreigners have a positive role to play in Israel The rights of foreigners within Israel Foreigners are to share in Sabbath-rest See also Exodus 20:10 pp Deuteronomy 5:14; Exodus 23:12 Foreigners are to receive a fair trial Foreigners are to participate in festivals and ceremonies Deuteronomy 16:11,14; Deuteronomy 26:11; Deuteronomy 29:10-11; Deuteronomy 31:12; 2 Chronicles 30:25 Ultimately inheritance rights were envisaged for foreigners The obligations of foreigners are similar to those of native Israelites Numbers 9:14 See also Exodus 12:19,48-49; Leviticus 16:29; Leviticus 17:8,12-13,15; Leviticus 18:26; Leviticus 20:2; Leviticus 22:18; Leviticus 24:16 The penalties for blasphemy apply to Israelite and foreigner alike; Leviticus 24:22; Numbers 15:14-16 The rules on the presentation of offerings are to be the same for both the Israelites and the foreigner; Numbers 19:10; Numbers 35:15; Ezekiel 14:7 Occasional distinctions made for foreigners Leviticus 25:47-48; Deuteronomy 14:21; Deuteronomy 28:43 See also
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