Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7530 foreigners

7530 foreigners

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

Genesis 19:30-38

The relation of Israel and Edom

Genesis 25:21-34

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.