Deuteronomy 10:19 – “And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Deuteronomy 10:19 is a direct command from God to the Israelites, urging them to show love and kindness to foreigners living among them. This command is rooted in the Israelites’ own experience of being foreigners and oppressed in Egypt. God reminds them that because they were once strangers in a foreign land, they should empathize with those in similar situations. This call to love goes beyond mere tolerance; it’s a directive to actively care for and include those who are different or outside the community. The verse challenges God’s people to treat foreigners with the same kindness and compassion they would want to receive.
Historical Context
This verse is part of Moses’ speech to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Throughout their journey, the Israelites were reminded of their past as slaves in Egypt—a time when they experienced harsh treatment, oppression, and alienation. God’s law repeatedly called on the Israelites to remember their history and to let it shape how they treated others, especially the vulnerable. In ancient societies, foreigners often had little protection or rights. God’s command set Israel apart, instructing them to extend love and justice to those who were not native-born, reflecting their own story of deliverance and God’s compassion toward them.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Deuteronomy 10:19 underscores the principle of empathy and the importance of loving others as a reflection of God’s love for us. It teaches that our own experiences, especially our struggles, should lead us to show compassion to others. This verse also speaks to the inclusive nature of God’s love—He does not reserve His care and concern only for a specific group but extends it to all people. It’s a reminder that God’s people are called to break down barriers and welcome those who are different, showing that God’s love is not limited by borders, nationality, or background.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses straightforward language to issue a command that is both practical and deeply relational. The phrase “for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt” connects the command to the Israelites’ collective memory, grounding their obligation in their own lived experience. This literary technique of linking present action to past experience makes the command more personal and relatable. It’s not just a rule; it’s a call to act out of shared human experience. The structure of the verse emphasizes that God’s commands are not arbitrary but rooted in His people’s history and His character.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 23:9 – Warns the Israelites not to oppress a foreigner, reminding them of their own experience in Egypt.
- Leviticus 19:34 – Commands the Israelites to love the foreigner as themselves, reinforcing the idea of treating others with kindness and respect.
- Matthew 25:35 – Jesus speaks of welcoming strangers as part of serving Him, highlighting the importance of hospitality.
- Hebrews 13:2 – Encourages believers to show hospitality to strangers, noting that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Deuteronomy 10:19 is a powerful call to extend love and hospitality to those who are different or marginalized. It challenges us to look beyond our comfort zones and reach out to people who may feel like outsiders. In our modern context, this could include immigrants, refugees, or anyone who feels excluded. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own experiences of feeling lost or out of place and let those memories fuel our compassion. Loving the foreigner means being intentional about inclusion, offering support, and treating others with the dignity and kindness that reflects God’s heart.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse beautifully reflects God’s loving nature by showing that His care extends to everyone, especially those on the margins. God’s command to love the foreigner is rooted in His own character as a protector of the vulnerable. He is not just concerned with His people’s actions but with their hearts, teaching them to mirror His compassion in their interactions with others. God’s love is active—it reaches out to the stranger, the outsider, and the overlooked, inviting them into His care. By calling His people to love foreigners, God is inviting them to participate in His work of extending grace and kindness to all.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Deuteronomy 10:19 connects directly to the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ, who consistently reached out to those on the fringes of society. Jesus welcomed everyone, from Samaritans to tax collectors to sinners, breaking social norms to show God’s love to all. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that loving our neighbor includes those who are different from us, challenging the boundaries of who we consider worthy of our love. Jesus’ entire ministry was about breaking down barriers and inviting everyone into the kingdom of God. Through Christ, God’s love for the “foreigner” is made clear and accessible, showing us how to love without limits.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does your own experience of feeling like an outsider help you relate to and care for others who might feel the same way?
- What are some practical ways you can show love and hospitality to those who are different from you?
- How does understanding God’s command to love the foreigner challenge your perspective on inclusivity and kindness?
- In what ways can you make your community or church more welcoming to those who might feel like outsiders?
- How does Jesus’ example of loving the marginalized inspire you to take action in your own life?
This verse calls us to extend God’s love beyond our comfort zones, challenging us to embrace and care for those who might otherwise be overlooked, reflecting the inclusive and compassionate heart of God.