Deuteronomy 23:7

Context of Deuteronomy 23:7

Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," is a restatement and exposition of the Mosaic Law given by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they entered the Promised Land. This book emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel, urging obedience and faithfulness. Deuteronomy 23 lays out various regulations concerning who may enter the assembly of the Lord and how the community should conduct itself in matters of purity and social relations.

Verse 7 presents a striking command concerning Israel's attitude towards two nations with whom they had complex and often hostile histories: the Edomites and the Egyptians. This injunction stands out because it mandates a spirit of non-abhorrence, even when other parts of the Law or historical events might suggest animosity.

Key Themes and Messages

• Brotherhood and Kinship: The command not to abhor an Edomite is explicitly based on the familial tie: "for he [is] thy brother." The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother, making them distant kin to the Israelites. Despite historical conflicts and Edom's refusal to allow Israel passage during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21), God commands that the familial bond should prevent deep-seated hatred. This emphasizes the enduring nature of kinship, even amidst tension.
• Remembering Past Experience and Empathy: For the Egyptians, the reasoning is different but equally powerful: "because thou wast a stranger in his land." Israel's own long sojourn as strangers in Egypt, where they eventually suffered severe oppression, is cited as the reason for compassion. This serves as a powerful call to empathy, reminding Israel to treat others, particularly those who are vulnerable or "strangers," with kindness, remembering their own past experience of vulnerability. This theme is echoed elsewhere in the Law; for example, Leviticus 19:34 commands, "But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself."
• Divine Mercy and Inclusivity: While the Mosaic Law often delineates strict boundaries for Israel's interaction with other nations, this verse reveals a broader divine principle of mercy and a surprising degree of inclusivity. It teaches Israel to look beyond immediate grievances and historical animosities to find common ground—whether it be shared ancestry or a shared human experience of being an outsider. This command reflects God's character of compassion and His desire for His people to reflect that compassion to others.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "abhor" is teta'ev (תְּתַעֵב), which means to detest, loathe, or treat with disgust. It implies a strong emotional and behavioral rejection. The command is not merely against outward hostility, but against the internal attitude of deep-seated hatred. The term "stranger" (גֵּר - ger) refers to a resident alien or sojourner, often a vulnerable person without land rights, whose welfare was frequently a subject of divine command in the Law.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 23:7 offers profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to:

1. Cultivate Compassion: We are called to extend grace and avoid hatred towards those with whom we might have historical, national, or even personal disagreements. The principle of not holding eternal grudges, especially when there's a basis for connection or empathy, is vital.
2. Practice Empathy: Remembering our own past struggles, vulnerabilities, or times of being an "outsider" should fuel our compassion for others who are in similar situations. As Exodus 23:9 warns against oppressing a stranger, "for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."
3. Recognize Shared Humanity: Despite differences, we are to seek common ground and recognize the shared humanity or spiritual kinship we have with others. This verse encourages a broader perspective beyond immediate tribalism or nationalistic sentiments, reflecting God's love for all people.