Deuteronomy 10:19

Commentary on Deuteronomy 10:19

Deuteronomy 10:19 is a powerful and frequently cited command from Moses to the Israelites, urging them to extend love and compassion to the vulnerable in their midst. This verse encapsulates a core principle of God's law: treating others with the same understanding and kindness one would desire for oneself, especially when recalling past hardships.

Context

This verse is part of Moses' second major discourse to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they are to enter the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 10:12, Moses calls the people to fear the Lord, walk in His ways, and love Him. The commands that follow, including the one to love the stranger, are practical expressions of this devotion. It is presented within a broader section (Deuteronomy 10:12-22) that emphasizes Israel's unique relationship with God and the ethical obligations stemming from His covenant. The command to love the stranger is immediately preceded by a reminder that God Himself "doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment" (Deuteronomy 10:18), setting a divine example for human conduct.

Key Themes

• Empathy and Compassion: The command to "love the stranger" is grounded in the Israelites' own historical experience. Having been strangers and oppressed in Egypt, they are uniquely positioned to understand the plight of foreigners and are therefore morally obligated to treat them with kindness.
• Divine Justice and Character: This command reflects God's own character, as He is portrayed as a defender of the vulnerable. By loving the stranger, Israel is called to imitate God's righteousness and concern for justice.
• Hospitality and Inclusivity: In ancient societies, strangers were often vulnerable and lacked the protection of family or tribe. This verse elevates the duty of hospitality beyond mere social custom, making it a divine imperative to care for those outside one's immediate community.
• Remembering Past Suffering: The rationale, "for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt," serves as a powerful reminder of their liberation from bondage and a moral foundation for their behavior as a free people. Their past vulnerability should drive their present compassion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "stranger" is ger (גֵּר). This term specifically refers to a resident alien or sojourner—someone who has left their homeland and resides in a foreign land. Unlike a mere visitor, the ger often lived long-term in the community but generally lacked land rights or tribal affiliation, making them particularly dependent and vulnerable. The Old Testament law frequently groups the ger with the widow and the orphan as those requiring special protection and care.

Significance and Application

Deuteronomy 10:19 remains profoundly relevant today, offering timeless principles for ethical living:

• A Call to Inclusive Love: This verse challenges believers to extend love and hospitality beyond their immediate families, tribes, or nations to include immigrants, refugees, and anyone who might be considered an "outsider" or marginalized in society.
• Empathy as a Moral Driver: Our own experiences of hardship, vulnerability, or being new to a situation should cultivate empathy and compassion for others facing similar challenges.
• Reflecting God's Heart: By showing love and justice to the stranger, believers embody the very character of God. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, notably in Leviticus 19:34, which commands, "But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." It highlights a consistent biblical ethic of care for the vulnerable and a call to welcome the outsider.