Why does Deuteronomy 10:19 command love for foreigners while other passages in Deuteronomy mandate severe treatment of certain nations?

Historical and Cultural Context

Deuteronomy 10:19 states, “And you are to love the foreigner, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” In the ancient Near East, foreigners (often translated as “sojourners” or “strangers”) were typically vulnerable without the same rights as native-born citizens. This injunction emphasized care and compassion for those residing among Israel without their native land or extended family. Elsewhere, however, Deuteronomy commands harsh treatment toward certain peoples, including the nations inhabiting Canaan (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:1–5; 20:16–18). Understanding this contrast requires analyzing context, history, and the intended identity of these nations.

Foreigners dwelling peacefully and abiding by Israel’s fundamental laws lived under covenant blessings, which included ethical treatment (see Deuteronomy 24:17–18). On the other hand, the Canaanite nations were characterized by pervasive idolatry and practices such as child sacrifice, which archaeological findings (including ancient inscriptions and remains from sites like Gezer and Megiddo) show were disturbingly common in the region. The stark difference between peaceful residence and entrenched opposition to Israel’s worship of God underlies the contrasting commands.

Meaning of “Foreigner” in Deuteronomy

In biblical texts, “foreigner” (Hebrew: ger) generally denotes an alien who joins the community and adopts its foundational principles. Scripture provides provisions for such individuals to be protected, to share in festivals, and to receive just treatment (Deuteronomy 16:14; 24:14). Because they were vulnerable, God commanded empathy: “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 24:22).

Those who posed no spiritual or moral threat were to be loved. Deuteronomy 10:19 underscores care for them in daily life, particularly regarding fair wages, access to basic resources (see Deuteronomy 24:19–21), and inclusion in communal blessings. This principle reflects a broader scriptural theme of mercy and hospitality; examples of righteous treatment of foreigners include Ruth the Moabitess, welcomed into Israel and ultimately blessed as she became an ancestor of King David.

Purposes of the Severe Commands

The same text that mandates care for peaceful foreigners also calls for severe measures against particular nations. Deuteronomy 7:1–2 instructs, “When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations…you must devote them to complete destruction.” The rationale in verses 3 and 4 explains that mingling with these cultures would lead to idolatry: “For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods” (Deuteronomy 7:4).

Excavations in regions historically inhabited by Canaanite groups confirm the prevalence of cultic rituals considered abhorrent by Israel’s covenant standards, including infant sacrifice and ritual prostitution. Writings like those of Ugarit and artifacts at sites such as Tel Dan corroborate the existence of polytheistic worship that conflicted profoundly with Israel’s monotheistic faith. According to the text, preserving Israel’s purity of worship and protecting it from spiritual corruption required the removal of these hostile nations at that unique juncture in redemptive history.

Distinction Between Peaceful Inhabitants and Hostile Adversaries

Deuteronomy’s severe instructions target nations that resisted Israel and promoted morally and spiritually destructive practices. However, the law makes a distinction: if a city sought peace, Israel was to offer terms of labor and coexistence (Deuteronomy 20:10–11). Hostility arose when a group actively opposed or threatened Israel’s worship, rejecting any alignment with the core tenets of the covenant.

This difference is seen clearly in how Rahab (Joshua 2) was spared and embraced because she acknowledged the God of Israel, aligning with Him rather than clinging to Jericho’s idolatrous practices. The biblical narrative often demonstrates that those who turned from wickedness and recognized the God of Israel could be integrated, thus linking directly to the principle of loving the foreigner.

The Reverence for Covenant Identity

Underlying both the command to love the foreigner and the call to judge nations is the covenant identity of Israel as a people entrusted with divine revelation (Deuteronomy 4:7–8). Israel was to remain holy so that knowledge of the true God could spread without distortion (Deuteronomy 28:9–10). When foreigners submitted in peace, they were to receive the benefits of that holiness and dwell securely. However, any nation that sought to lead Israel away from the worship of God fell under the judgments specified.

Theological and Moral Implications

1. Mercy for the Vulnerable: Deuteronomy’s command to love foreigners underscores a broader theme of compassion, reflecting that God’s nature includes safeguarding the defenseless (Psalm 146:9). This moral ethic stretches beyond Israel, as evidenced by New Testament calls to hospitality and love (Hebrews 13:2).

2. Holiness and Judgment: Scripture consistently presents both mercy and judgment side by side. The morally bankrupt practices of certain groups in Deuteronomy can be viewed through this lens: love is extended when people turn to righteousness, while divine judgment is realized when they persist in gross evil or threaten God’s redemptive plan.

3. Historical Validation: Archaeological records and ancient textual sources lend credibility to the scriptural descriptions of widespread pagan practices among the Canaanite nations. These findings support the biblical portrayal of a unique set of commands meant to protect Israel from adopting corrupt religious customs.

4. Cohesive Law, Not Contradiction: Rather than a contradictory message, Deuteronomy’s stance on foreigners intersects with a specific historical context. Love for the sojourner and the mandate against certain nations pivot on whether those individuals or groups embraced or resisted the worship of the God who revealed Himself through Israel.

Key Takeaways

• Deuteronomy 10:19 focuses on individuals who come peacefully into Israel’s midst, deserving love and protection, reflecting God’s mercy.

• Other passages address nations committed to practices that would undermine Israel’s fidelity to God, necessitating decisive action at that historical moment.

• The contrast highlights the principle that God’s mercy extends to all who seek refuge and turn from destructive idolatry, while justice falls on those who persist in corruption.

• This correlation of mercy and judgment runs throughout Scripture, culminating in an invitation for all nations to find reconciliation and peace under the one true God.

By recognizing the distinct contexts and the consistent moral and theological underpinnings, one can appreciate the commands in Deuteronomy as part of a unified portrayal of compassionate justice alongside the safeguarding of covenant fidelity.