Do not oppress a foreign residentThis command reflects God's concern for justice and compassion, emphasizing the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect. In ancient Israel, foreign residents, or "sojourners," were often vulnerable due to their lack of familial and social support. The Israelites are reminded not to exploit or mistreat them, aligning with the broader biblical theme of justice for the marginalized (
Leviticus 19:33-34). This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to love their neighbors as themselves (
Matthew 22:39).
since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners
This phrase serves as a reminder of the Israelites' own history and experiences. Having lived as foreigners in Egypt, they understood the hardships and injustices that could befall those without native status. This empathetic understanding is meant to guide their treatment of others. The shared experience of being foreigners is a call to empathy and solidarity, reinforcing the idea that personal history should inform ethical behavior.
for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt
The reference to Egypt is a powerful reminder of the Israelites' past bondage and suffering. It underscores the importance of memory in shaping moral and ethical conduct. The experience in Egypt was foundational to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God, who delivered them from oppression (Exodus 20:2). This historical context is a call to gratitude and humility, recognizing God's deliverance and extending that grace to others. The theme of liberation from Egypt is a type of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin (John 8:36).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Foreign Resident (Ger in Hebrew)Refers to a non-Israelite living among the Israelites. The term implies someone who is not native to the land but resides there, often without the full rights of citizenship.
2.
IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, also known as the children of Israel, who were enslaved in Egypt and later delivered by God through Moses.
3.
EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved for 400 years. It serves as a historical and spiritual backdrop for understanding the plight of the foreigner.
4.
MosesThe leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and to whom the Law, including this commandment, was given.
5.
The ExodusThe event of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, symbolizing liberation and God's faithfulness, and providing a context for understanding the commandment against oppressing foreigners.
Teaching Points
Empathy Through Shared ExperienceThe Israelites' past as foreigners in Egypt is a call to empathy. Remembering their own suffering should motivate them to treat others with kindness and justice.
God's Heart for the MarginalizedGod's commands reflect His concern for the vulnerable, including foreigners. As His people, we are called to mirror His compassion and justice.
Hospitality as a Christian VirtueWelcoming and caring for foreigners is a tangible expression of Christian love and hospitality, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Gospel.
Living as Foreigners in the WorldChristians are called to live as foreigners and exiles in this world, maintaining distinct values and showing love to all, including those who are different from us.
Practical Justice and AdvocacyBeyond personal kindness, this command challenges believers to advocate for fair treatment and justice for foreigners in society.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 23:9?
2.How can we empathize with foreigners as Exodus 23:9 instructs us to do?
3.What does Exodus 23:9 teach about God's concern for the marginalized?
4.How does Exodus 23:9 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving your neighbor?
5.In what ways can our church better support immigrants and strangers today?
6.How does remembering our spiritual journey help us obey Exodus 23:9?
7.How does Exodus 23:9 emphasize empathy towards foreigners in a modern context?
8.What historical context influenced the command in Exodus 23:9?
9.How does Exodus 23:9 relate to the broader theme of justice in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 23?
11.How do we reconcile the command in Exodus 23:9 to treat foreigners kindly with other Old Testament passages that demand harsh treatment of certain groups?
12.What does the Bible say about treating foreigners?
13.Deuteronomy 14:21 allows selling meat that dies of itself to foreigners. How does this reconcile with moral and compassionate principles elsewhere in the Bible?
14.What are the laws in the Covenant Code?What Does Exodus 23:9 Mean
Do not oppress“Do not oppress …” (Exodus 23:9)
- God issues a clear, non-negotiable command. Oppression—any form of harsh treatment, exploitation, or denial of justice—is forbidden.
- The same Holy God who says, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3) also says, “Do not oppress.” Both carry equal weight.
- Scripture consistently links righteousness with how we treat the vulnerable (Leviticus 19:13;Proverbs 14:31;James 2:1-4).
- Jesus affirms this principle when He identifies Himself with “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40).
a foreign resident“… a foreign resident …” (Exodus 23:9)
- A foreign resident is a non-Israelite who lives among God’s people, seeking safety, work, or refuge.
- God demands the same basic protections for the outsider as for the native-born (Leviticus 19:33-34;Deuteronomy 1:16).
- Ruth, a Moabite, becomes an ancestor of David and of Christ, illustrating God’s heart for the sojourner (Ruth 2:10-12; 4:13-22;Matthew 1:5).
- In Christ, national distinctions never justify mistreatment (Acts 10:34-35;Galatians 3:28).
since you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners“… since you yourselves know how it feels …” (Exodus 23:9)
- Empathy is commanded. Israel must remember the sting of alienation and let it shape their behavior.
- Earlier God said, “You must not mistreat or oppress a foreign resident, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Exodus 22:21). He repeats it here—He wants it to sink in.
- New-covenant believers are called to similar empathy: “Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them” (Hebrews 13:3); “We ourselves were once foolish …” (Titus 3:3).
- Genuine mercy flows from recalling personal deliverance (Ephesians 2:12-13).
for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt“… for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9)
- Historical motivation grounds the command. Israel’s national memory of bondage is meant to shape national ethics (Deuteronomy 5:15; 24:17-22).
- God redeemed them, so they must reflect His character—“The LORD your God defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19).
- Redemption and compassion remain linked under the New Covenant: “You are a chosen people … once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people” (1 Peter 2:9-10;Colossians 3:12-15).
- The command still speaks: those rescued by God should never replicate the oppression from which He saved them.
summaryExodus 23:9 forbids any form of mistreatment toward non-Israelites dwelling among God’s people. The command is rooted in God’s just character, calls for active empathy, and is anchored in Israel’s own experience of foreign bondage. Believers today, redeemed by Christ, are to mirror that same compassion, treating every outsider with dignity, justice, and love.
(9)
Thou shalt not oppress a stranger.--See Note on
Exodus 22:21. The repetition of the law indicates the strong inclination of the Hebrew people to ill-use strangers, and the anxiety of the legislator to check their inclination.
Verse 9. -Thou shalt not oppress a stranger. This is a repetition ofExodus 22:21, with perhaps a special reference to oppression through courts of justice.For thou knowest the heart of a stranger. Literally, "the mind of a stranger," or, in other words, his thoughts and feelings. Thou shouldest therefore be able to sympathise with him. CEREMONIAL LAWS (vers. 10-19).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Do not
לֹ֣א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no
oppress
תִלְחָ֑ץ(ṯil·ḥāṣ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3905:To squeeze, press, oppress
a foreign resident,
וְגֵ֖ר(wə·ḡêr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1616:A guest, a foreigner
since you
וְאַתֶּ֗ם(wə·’at·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you
yourselves know
יְדַעְתֶּם֙(yə·ḏa‘·tem)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3045:To know
how it feels to be foreigners;
הַגֵּ֔ר(hag·gêr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1616:A guest, a foreigner
for
כִּֽי־(kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction
you were
הֱיִיתֶ֖ם(hĕ·yî·ṯem)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be
foreigners
גֵרִ֥ים(ḡê·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1616:A guest, a foreigner
in the land
בְּאֶ֥רֶץ(bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776:Earth, land
of Egypt.
מִצְרָֽיִם׃(miṣ·rā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714:Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 23:9 You shall not oppress an alien (Exo. Ex)
