“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Context: The book of Exodus records the story of how the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt and received the Law from God through Moses. Exodus 22 contains various laws and regulations given by God to guide the Israelites in their relationships with one another.
Importance of Strangers: In this verse, God emphasizes the importance of treating strangers with fairness and kindness. The Hebrew word used here for “stranger” is “ger,” which refers to a foreigner or resident alien. It includes individuals who are not native-born Israelites but reside within their community.
Prohibition against Vexation and Oppression: God commands the Israelites not to vex or oppress the strangers among them. To “vex” means to mistreat, trouble, or afflict someone unjustly, while “oppress” refers to the exercise of power or authority in a cruel or unjust manner. This command demonstrates God’s concern for justice and the fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or background.
Reason: God provides a reason for this command, reminding the Israelites that they themselves were once strangers in the land of Egypt. This serves as a powerful reminder of their own experiences of oppression and mistreatment as slaves in Egypt. They should remember their past and use it as a basis for compassionate and just treatment of others.
Application: The principle behind this command extends beyond the ancient Israelites and is relevant for believers today. It teaches us the importance of showing kindness, fairness, and hospitality to strangers or foreigners in our midst. It reminds us to treat others as we would want to be treated and to be mindful of our own experiences and vulnerabilities. We are called to extend love and support to those who are marginalized, oppressed, or in need.
New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the importance of loving our neighbors, including strangers. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus teaches that our neighbor is not just someone of the same nationality or background, but anyone in need. The apostle Paul also emphasizes the equal standing of believers, regardless of their ethnic or social backgrounds, in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
In conclusion, Exodus 22:21 calls for the fair and compassionate treatment of strangers, reminding the Israelites and believers today of their own past experiences and the need to extend love and justice to others. It is a timeless principle that emphasizes the value of hospitality and the recognition of the inherent dignity of every individual.
