Dictionary of Bible Themes 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. Genesis 9:19The origins of foreign nations See also Genesis 11:1-9Genesis 19:30-38 The foreign nations of Ammon and Moab Genesis 25:21-34The relation of Israel and Edom Exodus 6:6Israel's relationship with foreign nations See also Israel's captivity in Egypt Amos 1:3,6,9,11,13Isaiah 10:24-25 Isaiah 47:6 God's judgment on Assyria Ezekiel 25:3,8,12,15; 26:2Nahum 1:14 the fall of Babylon prophesied Deuteronomy 7:1-4Nineveh's destruction foretold See also Foreign nations as a threat to Israel Genesis 9:25; 15:16Leviticus 18:25; 20:23 Deuteronomy 18:12 "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 20:26See also The need for Israel to keep separate from foreign nations Numbers 23:9Deuteronomy 7:4 Joshua 23:7 Judges 2:2 1 Kings 11:1-2; 16:31 Ezra 4:3; 6:21; 9:12; 10:11 Nehemiah 10:30; 13:3 Isaiah 52:1 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 See also Genesis 34:14Circumcision was a sign of being within God's covenant. But some foreigners were also circumcised (Jer 9:25-26). Exodus 12:48Judges 14:3; 15:18 1 Samuel 14:6; 17:26 2 Samuel 1:20 Ezekiel 28:10; 32:26 Leviticus 19:34 Israel's relation with foreigners within her boundaries See also Foreigners are to be treated graciously Leviticus 19:10; 23:22Deuteronomy 10:19; 14:29; 24:19-21; 26:12-13 Leviticus 19:33 See also Foreigners must not be oppressed Exodus 22:21; 23:9Deuteronomy 24:14,17; 27:19 Psalms 146:9 Jeremiah 7:6; 22:3 Zechariah 7:10 Isaiah 14:1 Foreigners have a positive role to play in Israel See also The rights of foreigners within Israel Exodus 20:10Foreigners are to share in Sabbath-rest Exodus 23:12pp Dt 5:14 Deuteronomy 1:16Foreigners are to receive a fair trial Deuteronomy 16:11,14; 26:11; 29:10-11; 31:122 Chronicles 30:25 Foreigners are to participate in festivals and ceremonies Ezekiel 47:22-23Ultimately inheritance rights were envisaged for foreigners Numbers 9:14See also The obligations of foreigners are similar to those of native Israelites Exodus 12:19,48-49Leviticus 16:29; 17:8,12-13,15; 18:26; 20:2; 22:18; 24:16 Leviticus 24:22 Numbers 15:14-16 The penalties for blasphemy apply to Israelite and foreigner alike Numbers 19:10; 35:15Ezekiel 14:7 The rules on the presentation of offerings are to be the same for both the Israelites and the foreigner Leviticus 25:47-48Deuteronomy 14:21; 28:43 Occasional distinctions made for foreigners See also 1345 covenant5359 justice 5375 law 5712 marriage, God & his people 5883 impatience 6510 salvation 7334 circumcision 7449 slavery, spiritual 7510 Gentiles 7550 Pharisees 8266 holiness 8794 persecution |
    |