“Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Torah, which contains the laws and teachings given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commandments as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land.
Unity and Brotherhood: In this verse, God instructs the Israelites not to abhor or despise the Edomites and Egyptians. Despite the historical conflicts and tensions between these nations and Israel, God reminds His people of their shared humanity and the principle of unity. The Israelites were reminded that the Edomites were their distant relatives, as they were both descendants of Abraham (through Esau, the brother of Jacob/Israel). Likewise, the Israelites were to remember their time as strangers in Egypt and how the Egyptians had provided a place of refuge for them during the time of Joseph.
God’s Perspective: This verse reveals God’s desire for His people to have a compassionate and forgiving attitude towards others, even those who may have been considered enemies or adversaries in the past. God’s intention was to promote reconciliation and to discourage a spirit of enmity or hatred. It reminds the Israelites that they should not hold a grudge or despise individuals based on their national or ethnic background.
Lessons for Today: As Christians, this verse can remind us of the importance of unity, forgiveness, and compassion towards others. It challenges us to overcome prejudices, stereotypes, and animosity that may exist between different groups of people. In the New Testament, Jesus also taught about loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). As believers, we are called to emulate Christ’s example of love and reconciliation, reaching out to others with kindness and understanding.
Application: This verse encourages us to examine our own hearts and attitudes towards people of different backgrounds. It challenges us to actively reject prejudice and embrace a Christ-like love that extends to all people, regardless of their nationality, race, or past conflicts. By doing so, we can contribute to building bridges, promoting understanding, and fostering unity within our communities.
Remember, this study is based on Deuteronomy 23:7 from the King James Version. It’s always beneficial to read and study the Bible in its entirety to gain a more comprehensive understanding of God’s message and the context in which specific verses are written.
