“But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Context:Leviticus is a book of the Old Testament that contains laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 19 contains a collection of ethical and moral laws given by God to guide the people in their relationships with God and with one another.
The Stranger:In this verse, the term “stranger” refers to a foreigner or an alien residing in the land of Israel. These individuals were not of Israelite descent but had chosen to live among the Israelites.
The Principle of Love:The verse emphasizes the importance of treating the stranger with love and acceptance. God commands the Israelites to view the stranger as one of their own, as if they were born in Israel. This principle extends beyond mere tolerance or acceptance; it calls for genuine love and care for the well-being of the stranger.
The Reason:The reason behind this commandment is given in the latter part of the verse. The Israelites are reminded that they were once strangers in the land of Egypt. They themselves experienced the hardship of being foreigners in a foreign land, and God delivered them from that situation. Therefore, they are to extend that same compassion and empathy to the strangers among them.
God’s Identity:The verse concludes with the statement, “I am the Lord your God.” By identifying Himself as the Lord, God reminds the Israelites that these commands are not arbitrary but come from the One who has authority over their lives. They are to obey these laws as a reflection of their relationship with Him.
Application:The principle of loving strangers carries important implications for believers today. It encourages us to show hospitality, kindness, and empathy to those who are different from us, including foreigners, immigrants, and refugees. We are to treat them as fellow human beings, extending compassion and care, just as we would want to be treated ourselves.
Jesus’ Teaching:Jesus reinforced this principle of love and hospitality in His teachings. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus said, “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.” Jesus taught His followers to extend love and assistance to those in need, including strangers, as if they were serving Him directly.
In conclusion, Leviticus 19:34 emphasizes the importance of showing love and kindness to strangers, based on the Israelites’ own experience as foreigners in Egypt. This principle extends to believers today, reminding us to treat those who are different from us with compassion and empathy. By doing so, we reflect the character of God and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ.
