Strangers Befriended
S. R. Aldridge, B. A. Leviticus 19:33-34 And if a stranger sojourn with you in your land, you shall not vex him.… I. THE DANGER APPREHENDED. The fear was lest they should grow too inclusive and haughty, and begin to despise and oppress the individual foreigners that should remain in the land or might enter it for a settlement. The invitation to the stranger might be like that of the spider to the fly — a siren's voice luring to destruction. This is the very fate that has befallen the Jews in mediaeval and modern Europe. To prevent such usage the command of the text was issued. There arises a clashing of commercial interests; to see foreigners flourishing in the midst whilst home interests suffer, has often led to riot and persecution. II. THE PRINCIPLES OH WHICH THE COMMAND OF THE TEXT IS RAISED. 1. There is a recognition of the brotherhood of man. "He shall be unto you as one born among you." This doctrine of the unity of the race was brought eminently to light by Jesus Christ. 2. There is a recognition of the royal law of love, both as to its extent and as an instrument of obedience. For (1) love is not to be centred in self, nor (2) is the class of neighbours to be restricted, and (3) to love the stranger is seen to be the only security against inequitable dealing — three important truths.Without affection, the strictest rules are in vain. To guide the ship by its helm is easier than by any external attachment of ropes. Better is it for a man to be impelled towards the goal by inward desire than to be pushed and dragged by the hands of others, tugging him now on this side, now on that. 3. It is instructive to discern in the law predictions of the gospel. Here are the germs that developed into trees laden with richest fruit. III. THE MEMORIES BY WHICH OBSERVANCE OF THE COMMAND IS ENFORCED. 1. By a remembrance of their own condition in former days. Christians! your time of bondage should make you compassionate to those still in darkness. Will you shun them as evil, or let praying and working on their behalf go hand in band? 2. By a remembrance of their relationship to God. After nearly every precept comes this solemn reminder, "I am the Lord thy God." He was the covenant God to whom the Israelites had dedicated themselves, being sprinkled with sacrificial blood. If they entertained a proper sense of the authority of God, they would attend to this particular statute. Stand on the monument, and it is difficult to tell which is the giant and which the dwarf below in the streets. So before the majesty of God all earthly distinctions of race disappear. Love the stranger! God hath made all of one blood. (S. R. Aldridge, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. WEB: "'If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong.