In the biblical context, the term "foreigner" refers to individuals who are not native Israelites but reside among the people of Israel. The treatment and status of foreigners are addressed in various passages throughout the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God's concern for justice, compassion, and the inclusion of all people in His covenant community.

Old Testament Context

The Mosaic Law contains specific instructions regarding the treatment of foreigners. In Leviticus 19:33-34 , God commands the Israelites: "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 directive emphasizes empathy and equality, reminding the Israelites of their own history as foreigners in Egypt.

The law also provides for the inclusion of foreigners in religious practices. In Numbers 15:14-16 , it is stated: "And when a foreigner resides with you or someone else is among you and wants to offer a food offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, he is to do as you do. The assembly is to have the same statute for both you and the foreigner residing with you; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come. You and the foreigner shall be the same before the LORD."

Furthermore, the foreigner is included in the observance of the Sabbath and other religious festivals. Exodus 20:10 includes the foreigner in the commandment to rest on the Sabbath: "But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; on it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates."

Prophetic Writings

The prophets also speak to the treatment of foreigners, often linking it to the broader theme of justice. In Jeremiah 7:5-7 , the prophet calls for reform: "For if you really change your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another, if you no longer oppress the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the inclusion of foreigners is expanded through the ministry of Jesus Christ and the early Church. Jesus Himself ministered to non-Israelites, such as the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26) and the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). His actions demonstrated the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers.

The Apostle Paul further articulates this inclusion in Ephesians 2:19 : "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household." This passage highlights the unity of believers, regardless of their ethnic background, in the body of Christ.

Theological Implications

The consistent biblical theme regarding foreigners underscores the universality of God's love and the call for His people to reflect that love through justice and hospitality. The treatment of foreigners serves as a measure of the community's faithfulness to God's commands and their understanding of His grace. The biblical narrative encourages believers to view all people as potential members of God's covenant community, deserving of love, respect, and inclusion.