In the biblical context, the terms "foreigners" and "strangers" refer to individuals who are not native to the land of Israel or who do not belong to the Israelite community. These terms are often used interchangeably in the Scriptures to describe people who live among the Israelites but are not part of the covenant community by birth.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous references to foreigners and strangers, often emphasizing the Israelites' responsibility to treat them with justice and compassion. In the Law of Moses, specific instructions are given regarding the treatment of foreigners. Leviticus 19:33-34 states, "When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."

This command reflects the broader principle of empathy and justice, reminding the Israelites of their own history as foreigners in Egypt. The law also provided for the inclusion of foreigners in religious observances, as seen in Exodus 12:48-49 , which allows foreigners to partake in the Passover if they are circumcised: "If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in his household must be circumcised, and then he may partake as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. The same law shall apply to both the native and the foreigner who resides among you."

The inclusion of foreigners in the community is further illustrated by the account of Ruth, a Moabite woman who becomes part of the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ. Her account highlights the potential for foreigners to be integrated into the people of God through faith and loyalty.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of foreigners and strangers takes on a spiritual dimension. The early Christian community, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, is described as a new people of God, transcending ethnic and national boundaries. Ephesians 2:19 declares, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household."

This passage emphasizes the unity and equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. The apostle Peter also addresses the idea of Christians as "foreigners and exiles" in the world, urging them to live holy lives (1 Peter 2:11): "Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul."

Theological Implications

The biblical treatment of foreigners and strangers underscores the themes of hospitality, justice, and the universality of God's love. The consistent call to treat foreigners with kindness and fairness reflects God's character and His concern for all humanity. The integration of foreigners into the covenant community foreshadows the New Testament revelation of the Gospel's reach to all nations.

Throughout Scripture, the presence of foreigners among God's people serves as a reminder of the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, where faith, rather than ethnicity, determines one's place in the community of believers. This theological perspective encourages believers to extend grace and hospitality to all, recognizing that they too were once strangers to God's promises.