In the biblical context, the term "alien" refers to a foreigner or sojourner residing temporarily or permanently in Israel. The Hebrew word often translated as "alien" is "ger," which denotes a non-Israelite living among the Israelites. The treatment and status of aliens in Israel are addressed in various passages throughout the Old Testament, reflecting God's concern for justice, compassion, and the social order within His covenant community.

Legal and Social Status

Aliens in Israel were subject to specific laws and regulations that ensured their fair treatment and integration into society. They were expected to adhere to the same legal standards as native Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 24:22: "You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born. I am the LORD your God." This principle of equality under the law underscored the inclusive nature of God's covenant community.

Religious Participation

While aliens were not part of the covenant people by birth, they were allowed to participate in certain religious practices. For instance, they could observe the Sabbath (Exodus 20:10) and participate in the Passover if they were circumcised (Exodus 12:48-49). This inclusion in religious observances highlights the opportunity for spiritual integration and the acknowledgment of the one true God by those outside the ethnic boundaries of Israel.

Protection and Provision

The Mosaic Law contains numerous provisions for the protection and welfare of aliens. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 emphasizes God's love for the foreigner, commanding the Israelites to love the alien, "for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt." This command is rooted in Israel's own experience of alienation and deliverance, serving as a reminder of God's justice and mercy.

Aliens were also included in the social safety nets provided for the vulnerable. They had the right to glean in the fields during harvest, as stated in Leviticus 19:9-10: "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This provision ensured that aliens, along with widows and orphans, had access to food and sustenance.

Judicial Fairness

The Bible repeatedly calls for fair treatment of aliens in judicial matters. Deuteronomy 24:17 warns against depriving the foreigner of justice: "Do not deny justice to a foreigner or fatherless child, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security." This command reflects the broader biblical theme of justice and righteousness, emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of their origin, deserve fair treatment.

Moral and Ethical Expectations

While aliens were protected and provided for, they were also expected to adhere to the moral and ethical standards of the Israelite community. Leviticus 18:26 states, "But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you." This expectation ensured that the community maintained its holiness and distinctiveness as God's chosen people.

Prophetic Vision

The prophetic literature of the Old Testament envisions a future where aliens are fully integrated into the worship and community life of Israel. Isaiah 56:6-7 speaks of foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, serving Him and loving His name, being brought to His holy mountain and made joyful in His house of prayer. This vision anticipates the ultimate inclusion of all nations in the worship of the one true God.

In summary, the biblical treatment of aliens residing in Israel reflects a balance of justice, compassion, and covenantal faithfulness. Aliens were to be treated with dignity and fairness, provided for in times of need, and included in the religious life of the community, while also being held to the same moral and ethical standards as the Israelites.