Strangers and Sojourners

[Minister Monardo]

Titus 1:8 Be a lover of hospitality.
1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

For many people the mention of hospitality calls to mind Martha
Stewart more than the Gospels. While it is worthy to mention the
value of opening your home to others, there is a bit more being
conveyed in these words.
The word being translated hospitality actually means loving kindness
to strangers.
The word strangers refers to resident aliens, minorities, and sojourners
in the land.
In other words, these scriptures are dealing with the age old problem
of ethnicity, prejudice and racism.
Do you really think that will ever be properly dealt with outside of Christ?

To demonstrate this truth, let’s start with a narrative from Luke 17 where
Jesus is met by ten lepers seeking their healing. He orders them to go
show themselves to the priests. As they departed they discover that they
have been cleansed and one of them returns to glorify God in giving thanks
before the Lord, and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus comments:
Luke 17:18 there are none found that returned to give glory to God,
besides this stranger?

The Samaritans were a despised people living among the people of Israel,
and are enshrined in the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ by the words
“Good Samaritan”.
These strangers stand out among the members of society by whose
treatment the Lord will judge the nations.
So what does the Law and the Prophets have to say about this thorny topic?
Consider this survey:
The Law
Exodus 22:21 You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him,
for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 23:9 Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart
of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Leviticus 19:34 The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you
as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were
strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Deuteronomy 10:
18 He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves
the stranger, giving him food and clothing.
19 Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

The Prophets
Isaiah 56:
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve
him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that
keeps the sabbath from polluting it, and takes hold of my covenant;
7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my
house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted
upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer
for all people.
Jeremiah 22:3 Thus says the Lord: Execute judgment and righteousness,
and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong
and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed
innocent blood in this place.
Ezekiel 22:29 The people of the land have used oppression, committed
robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully
oppress the stranger.
Malachi 3:5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift
witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false
swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow,
and the fatherless, and that turns aside the stranger from his right, and
fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.

So we see beyond the prophets condemning society’s injustice,
a Law given to Moses that was acutely concerned for
the rights of strangers.

 

[BrotherJJ]

The word strangers refers to resident aliens, minorities, and sojourners
in the land.
In other words, these scriptures are dealing with the age old problem
of ethnicity, prejudice and racism.
Do you really think that will ever be properly dealt with outside of Christ?

During Temple times, did the strangers that were allowed to sojourn in Israel. Share equal rights with the Israelites?

 

[Minister Monardo]

During Temple times, did the strangers that were allowed to sojourn in Israel. Share equal rights with the Israelites?

"Equal rights" is an odd choice of words. The Law made
specific demands and allowances depending on the matter
at hand.
The topic is the concern the Law and the prophets
demonstrate for treatment of strangers, as stated
in post #1.
Here is one example that addresses your question.
I leave it to you if you feel there is more to be said, say on.
Exodus 12:
43 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the Passover: No foreigner shall eat it.
44 But every man’s servant who is bought for money,
when you have circumcised him, then he may eat it.
45 A sojourner and a hired servant shall not eat it.
46 In one house it shall be eaten; you shall not carry any of
the flesh outside the house, nor shall you break one of its bones.
47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.
48 And when a stranger dwells with you and wants to keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as a native of the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat it.
49 One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you.

 

[BrotherJJ]

"Equal rights" is an odd choice of words. The Law made
specific demands and allowances depending on the matter
at hand.
The topic is the concern the Law and the prophets
demonstrate for treatment of strangers, as stated in post #1

Your post #1 closing is odd as well. "Quote" So we see beyond the prophets condemning society’s injustice,
a Law given to Moses that was acutely concerned for
the rights of strangers. "End Quote"

Under the law (you posted many verses)

Would you reckon the Lords actions in Matt 15:26 socially unjust?

In your opinion were these Mosaic laws socially unjust?

Ex 12:43 And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
(MY NOTE: No strangers/Non Israelite allowed! Was this Moses taught, God given decree, socially unjust?)

Deut 7:3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
(QUESTION: Is this God given decree socially unjust?)

BTW there was a gentile/Non Jew ethnicities court at the Temple. NO Gentiles/ Non Jew ethnicities were allowed beyond (middle wall of partition) at the Temple. Furthermore no women or children were allowed in the Temple either. Only male Jews over 20 were allowed.

Although strangers that sojourn in Israel were to be treated with respect & dignity. They were not citizens nor were they treated as such. I found your post narrative inaccurate & misleading.

Finally:
Samaritans were Jews that had intermarried (against Mosaic law). They were despised & seen as unclean by other Jews.

They worshiped the same YHVH as all Jews did. They accepted Torah, buy, only the1st 5 books of the Bible (Torah). Samaritans even had their own temple on Mt Gerazim. (Jn 4:20). Best wishes, JJ

 

[Minister Monardo]

Would you reckon the Lords actions in Matt 15:26 socially unjust?

No. The Lord tested her determination to be heard, and her
response earned her high praise. Why would I ever question
the Lord's justice?

In your opinion were these Mosaic laws socially unjust?

The scriptures quoted from the Law and the prophets
demanded justice and fair treatment for the stranger,
not equality. I simply stated that they had rights under
the Torah, while the prophets condemned their society
for failing to observe them.

Ex 12:43 And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the ordinance of the passover: There shall no stranger eat thereof:
(MY NOTE: No strangers/Non Israelite allowed! Was this Moses taught, God given decree, socially unjust?)

Why are you stopping here. I already quoted through verse 49.
The point was to require circumcision to participate in the
Passover. They were not required to be circumcised if they
did not want to, it is an ordinance for the Passover, not equal
justice under the Law. Where is the injustice? My comments
never demanded equal rights, as per your first question, just
protection from abuse and persecution. Read them again.

Deut 7:3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.
(QUESTION: Is this God given decree socially unjust?)

BTW there was a gentile/Non Jew ethnicities court at the Temple. NO Gentiles/ Non Jew ethnicities were allowed beyond (middle wall of partition) at the Temple. Furthermore no women or children were allowed in the Temple either. Only male Jews over 20 were allowed.

Although strangers that sojourn in Israel were to be treated with respect & dignity. They were not citizens nor were they treated as such. I found your post narrative inaccurate & misleading.

None of the scriptures quoted in the OP pertained to the Temple, but to the land. That being the case, there is clearly no "equal rights", which is why I found the term inapplicable. Sojourners had no inheritance in Israel. The OP, as CLEARLY STATED, was about prejudice, and abuse of the strangers. I find YOUR POST off-topic and misleading.

Finally:
Samaritans were Jews that had intermarried (against Mosaic law). They were despised & seen as unclean by other Jews.

They worshiped the same YHVH as all Jews did. They accepted Torah, buy, only the1st 5 books of the Bible (Torah). Samaritans even had their own temple on Mt Gerazim. (Jn 4:20). Best wishes, JJ

The discussion of Samaritans goes back to the Assyrian conquest
of the northern kingdom, when all the people of Israel were carried
away, dispersed, and replaced by peoples of other lands. Way
beyond the scope of the thread. Even if they had a Temple on Mt
Gerazim, that is ancient history now.
John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the
Father is seeking such to worship Him.

Respectfully, the thread begins with apostolic teachings, which
placed acceptance of all people with regards to the Gospel
as a priority, would you agree?

 

[BrotherJJ]

No. The Lord tested her determination to be heard, and her
response earned her high praise. Why would I ever question
the Lord's justice?

The scriptures quoted from the Law and the prophets
demanded justice and fair treatment for the stranger,
not equality. I simply stated that they had rights under
the Torah, while the prophets condemned their society
for failing to observe them.

Why are you stopping here. I already quoted through verse 49.
The point was to require circumcision to participate in the
Passover. They were not required to be circumcised if they
did not want to, it is an ordinance for the Passover, not equal
justice under the Law. Where is the injustice? My comments
never demanded equal rights, as per your first question, just
protection from abuse and persecution. Read them again.

None of the scriptures quoted in the OP pertained to the Temple, but to the land. That being the case, there is clearly no "equal rights", which is why I found the term inapplicable. Sojourners had no inheritance in Israel. The OP, as CLEARLY STATED, was about prejudice, and abuse of the strangers. I find YOUR POST off-topic and misleading.

The discussion of Samaritans goes back to the Assyrian conquest
of the northern kingdom, when all the people of Israel were carried
away, dispersed, and replaced by peoples of other lands. Way
beyond the scope of the thread. Even if they had a Temple on Mt
Gerazim, that is ancient history now.
John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the
Father is seeking such to worship Him.

Respectfully, the thread begins with apostolic teachings, which
placed acceptance of all people with regards to the Gospel
as a priority, would you agree?

We disagree, your free to post your view, I replied with mine. I'll leave this exchange here:

Titus was a Greek gentile (Gal 2:3) that Paul lead to Christ (Tit 1-4). A non Jew BELIEVER.

1 Peter is writing to "pilgrims of the Dispersion" these were native born (under the Law) Jews that dispersed/FLED Jewish persecution because they embraced/BELIEVED Christ was Messiah.

You tie the NT post resurrection assembly to the OT under Mosaic law in your (law & prophets) verses. IT DOESN'T WORK!

You did this is out last exchange. Trying to ty OT 1st born meaning with NT 1st resurrected. IT DOESN'T FIT. Two different covenants that don't/can't be mixed! Shalom, JJ

 

[BrotherJJ]

Titus 1:8 Be a lover of hospitality.
1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

For many people the mention of hospitality calls to mind Martha
Stewart more than the Gospels. While it is worthy to mention the
value of opening your home to others, there is a bit more being
conveyed in these words.
The word being translated hospitality actually means loving kindness
to strangers.
The word strangers refers to resident aliens, minorities, and sojourners
in the land.
In other words, these scriptures are dealing with the age old problem
of ethnicity, prejudice and racism.
Do you really think that will ever be properly dealt with outside of Christ?

To demonstrate this truth, let’s start with a narrative from Luke 17 where
Jesus is met by ten lepers seeking their healing. He orders them to go
show themselves to the priests. As they departed they discover that they
have been cleansed and one of them returns to glorify God in giving thanks
before the Lord, and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus comments:
Luke 17:18 there are none found that returned to give glory to God,
besides this stranger?

The Samaritans were a despised people living among the people of Israel,
and are enshrined in the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ by the words
“Good Samaritan”.
These strangers stand out among the members of society by whose
treatment the Lord will judge the nations.
So what does the Law and the Prophets have to say about this thorny topic?
Consider this survey:
The Law
Exodus 22:21 You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him,
for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Exodus 23:9 Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart
of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Leviticus 19:34 The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you
as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were
strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Deuteronomy 10:
18 He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves
the stranger, giving him food and clothing.
19 Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

The Prophets
Isaiah 56:
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve
him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that
keeps the sabbath from polluting it, and takes hold of my covenant;
7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my
house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted
upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer
for all people.
Jeremiah 22:3 Thus says the Lord: Execute judgment and righteousness,
and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. Do no wrong
and do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed
innocent blood in this place.
Ezekiel 22:29 The people of the land have used oppression, committed
robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully
oppress the stranger.
Malachi 3:5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift
witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false
swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow,
and the fatherless, and that turns aside the stranger from his right, and
fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.

So we see beyond the prophets condemning society’s injustice,
a Law given to Moses that was acutely concerned for
the rights of strangers.

Interesting how the OP edited out the post I replied to. It said this,

Quote: "Law given to Moses that was acutely concerned for the rights of strangers. "End Quote"

I'll add a few more Moses written verses that are antithetical to original post I replied to.

An Israelite may charge a foreigner usury though he may not do so to a fellow Israelite Deut 23:21.

Shmita remission of debts did not apply to the debts of foreigners (Deut 15:3)

Israelites weren't allowed not to subject their fellow countrymen to slavery (Lev 25:39), they were specifically permitted to do so to the children of resident aliens (Lev 25:45–46)

Yet, citing Deut (Moses taught/written) verses in the original OP posted narrative. Invoking these actions as a current guide to social justice. A road map as to how, we should treat strangers/foreigners/sojourners today. Again, I adamantly disagree. JJ