Deuteronomy 10:19
Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 10:19
This verse extends the command to love the stranger, grounding it in Israel’s own history: “for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” The memory of exile and oppression shapes ethical obligation: gratitude to God for deliverance becomes compassion for the vulnerable. The stranger in the land becomes neighbor, not outsider to be feared. In a nomadic, frontier society, hospitality and fair treatment were essential for communal survival. The command reframes social identity—being a people set apart by God includes embracing those who are new or different, reflecting God’s own inclusive character.
Theologically, this verse ties gratitude for salvation to social ethics. It demonstrates that love for the stranger is not optional but integral to covenant obedience. It also aligns with the broader biblical theme of God’s heart for foreigners (gentiles in the New Testament) and the inclusion of outsiders in God’s redemptive plan. The verse challenges ethnic or national pride when it supersedes neighbor-love and justice.
Practical steps: welcome newcomers into your circles—whether immigrants, refugees, or travelers. Learn from people who are different from you; invite them to share meals, stories, and resources. In workplace or school, cultivate inclusive environments that honor diverse backgrounds. Support organizations that assist immigrants and refugees. The simple acts of hospitality—a meal, a listening ear, or a ride to church—embody this verse in daily life.
Cross-References: Leviticus 19:33-34; Matthew 25:35-40; Hebrews 13:2; Galatians 3:28