Immigrants and the Bible

 This is how you say I never read the Bible without actually saying it

Law & Covenant Instructions (Torah)

These are foundational instructions about how Israelites should treat non‑native people living among them.

 • Exodus 12:49

One law for native and foreigner alike.

 • Exodus 22:21

“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”

 • Exodus 23:9

Do not oppress a foreigner; you know the heart of a foreigner because you were foreigners in Egypt.

 • Leviticus 19:33–34

“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native‑born…”

 • Numbers 15:15, 29–30

One ordinance applies to the native and the stranger who sojourns among you.

 • Deuteronomy 1:16–17

Justice is to be the same for the native and the foreigner.

 • Deuteronomy 10:17–19

God loves the foreigner; you are to love foreigners because you were foreigners in Egypt.

 • Deuteronomy 14:21

Do not eat anything you find already dead; give it to the foreigner.

 • Deuteronomy 24:17–18, 19–22

Do not deprive the foreigner of justice; leave gleanings in fields for the foreigner, orphan, and widow.

Historical Books

Stories showing how foreigners are received, included, or judged.

 • Ruth 1:16–17

Ruth, a Moabitess, pledges loyalty to Naomi’s God and people — and becomes part of Israel’s story.

 • Esther 1–10

A foreign‑born Jewish woman becomes queen and saves her people.

Prophets (Justice, Mercy, and Inclusion)

Prophetic calls for justice often include warnings about how outsiders are treated.

 • Isaiah 1:17

Seek justice, defend the oppressed, fatherless, widow, and foreigner.

 • Isaiah 56:3–8

Foreigners who join themselves to the Lord are welcomed; God gathers all peoples.

 • Jeremiah 7:5–7

If you oppress the foreigner and do not serve God, your worship means little.

 • Jeremiah 22:3

Do justice and righteousness to the poor and needy, the stranger and orphan.

 • Ezekiel 47:22–23

In the future land allotment, foreigners may live with Israelites as citizens.

 • Zechariah 7:9–10

True fast includes showing kindness to the widow, fatherless, immigrant, and poor.

Wisdom Literature

Reflections that include empathy for others.

 • Psalm 146:9

The Lord watches over foreigners; sustains the fatherless and the widow.

 • Proverbs 29:10

Violence against the wicked brings fear, but the righteous consider the foreigner.

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New Testament

Gospels & Teachings of Jesus

Jesus reframes mercy and neighborly love in ways that welcome outsiders.

 • Matthew 25:35

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” (in the final judgment context)

 • Luke 10:25–37 (Good Samaritan)

Neighborly love crosses ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Pauline & General Epistles

Early Christian communities include people from diverse backgrounds.

 • Ephesians 2:19

You are no longer strangers and aliens, but citizens with the saints.

 • Hebrews 13:1–2

Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels unaware.

- Jody McKewen