Strangers

What the Law Requires Concerning Strangers

Love them as your own

Leviticus 19:33–34 The stranger is not to be mistreated; you are to love them as yourself.

Remember your own story

Exodus 22:21 Exodus 23:9 Do not oppress a stranger—you know what it feels like, because you were strangers in Egypt.

Include them in rest and provision

Exodus 23:12 The Sabbath rest is for them too. Leviticus 23:22 Leave the edges of your field so the stranger can eat (gleaning).

One law for all

Numbers 15:15–16 The same law applies to both native-born and the stranger.

Justice without bias

Deuteronomy 1:16 Deuteronomy 24:17 Do not pervert justice for the stranger.

Active care and provision

Deuteronomy 10:18–19 God defends the stranger and loves them, giving them food and clothing—so you are to love them too. Deuteronomy 14:28–29 Provide for the stranger through shared resources (tithes). Deuteronomy 26:11–13 Include the stranger in your rejoicing and provision.

A Thread Running Through It

If you gather these together, the Law doesn’t just say “don’t harm the stranger.” It goes much further:

Treat them as one of your own Ensure they have rest, food, justice, and dignity Let your own past vulnerability shape your response Reflect God’s own posture toward them

Compare Scripture

In Luke 24:16, they are “kept from recognizing Him.”

• They are literally encountering God as a stranger.

Click HERE to hear some thought I had about this.