Context / meaning
Deuteronomy 10 [12.] Now, Israel, what does Yahweh your God require of you, but to fear Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul, to keep Yahweh’s commandments and statutes, which I command you today for your good? Behold, to Yahweh your God belongs heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that is therein. Only Yahweh had a delight in your fathers to love them, and he chose their offspring[a] after them, even you above all peoples, as it is today. Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked. For Yahweh your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn’t respect persons, nor takes reward. He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear Yahweh your God; you shall serve him; and you shall cling to him, and you shall swear by his name. He is your praise, and he is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things, which your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down into Egypt with seventy persons; and now Yahweh your God has made you as the stars of the sky for multitude.
Deuteronomy 11 [1.] Therefore you shall love Yahweh your God, and keep his instructions, his statutes, his ordinances, and his commandments, always. Know this day: for I don’t speak with your children who have not known, and who have not seen the chastisement of Yahweh your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, his outstretched arm, his signs, and his works, which he did in the middle of Egypt to Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and to all his land; and what he did to the army of Egypt, to their horses, and to their chariots; how he made the water of the Red Sea to overflow them as they pursued you, and how Yahweh has destroyed them to this day;
Deuteronomy 11 [5.] and what he did to you in the wilderness, until you came to this place; and what he did to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben; how the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and every living thing that followed them, in the middle of all Israel; but your eyes have seen all of Yahweh’s great work which he did. Therefore you shall keep all the commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land, where you go over to possess it; and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give to them and to their offspring,[a] a land flowing with milk and honey.
Footnotes:
a. Deuteronomy 10:15 or, seed
a. Deuteronomy 11:9 or, seed
Meaning
This conveys a powerful message about the character of God and His call for His people to reflect His compassion and justice. Let's delve into its meaning:
- God as the ultimate authority:
Furthermore, it highlights that God is just and impartial. He does not show favoritism or partiality towards anyone. He does not judge based on external factors such as wealth, status, or influence. God's judgment is not swayed by bribes or rewards. He is a God of integrity and righteousness.
- God's concern for the vulnerable:
God, in His infinite compassion, ensures that justice is served for these individuals. He cares for their well-being and defends their cause. This displays God's deep concern for the powerless and His commitment to ensuring their rights are upheld.
Love and care for the foreigner: The passage further emphasizes God's love for the foreigner, urging His people to love them as well. It highlights that God provides food and clothing for the foreigners, demonstrating His provision and care for those who are outside of their own land.
The command to love the foreigner is significant in the context of the Israelites, who were themselves foreigners in the land of Egypt. It serves as a reminder of their own history and the hardships they endured as strangers in a foreign land. They are called to empathize with the foreigners among them and extend compassion and care to them.
This command challenges the Israelites to transcend their natural inclination towards exclusivity and to embrace an inclusive mindset. It encourages them to extend hospitality, kindness, and support to those who are different from them, recognizing that they too were once foreigners in a foreign land.
The broader context of Deuteronomy sheds light on the significance of this passage. The book is presented as a series of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites, providing them with instructions, laws, and reminders of God's faithfulness.
Deuteronomy serves as a covenant renewal between God and His chosen people before they enter the Promised Land. It reinforces their identity as the people of God and emphasizes the importance of obedience and wholehearted devotion to Him.
In this particular section, Moses recounts the events following the giving of the Ten Commandments and highlights the foundational principles for their relationship with God and with one another.
For us today, Deuteronomy 10:17-19 holds important lessons about the character of God and our response as His people. It challenges us to recognize the impartiality and justice of God, who shows no favoritism but cares for the vulnerable and marginalized. We are called to emulate His character by extending love and compassion to those in need, including foreigners and strangers among us.
In our daily lives, we can seek to break down barriers, reject prejudice, and embrace a spirit of inclusivity. We can extend hospitality, kindness, and support to those who are different from us, recognizing our shared humanity and the common grace of God that sustains us all.
Ultimately, Deuteronomy 10:17-19 reminds us of our responsibility to reflect the character of God in our relationships and interactions with others. As we love and care for the vulnerable, including foreigners and strangers, we demonstrate the transformative power of God's love and contribute to building a more just and compassionate society.
Deuteronomy 10:17-19. Yahweh your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn’t respect persons, nor takes reward. He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
foreigners - humanity - immigration - respect