In the context of the Old Testament, the term "alien" refers to a foreigner or sojourner residing among the Israelites. The Hebrew word often translated as "alien" is "ger," which denotes a non-Israelite who lives within the community of Israel. The treatment and inclusion of aliens in various aspects of Israelite life are addressed in several passages of the Pentateuch, particularly concerning religious observances such as the Passover.

The Passover, instituted in Exodus 12, is a pivotal event in Israelite history, commemorating the LORD's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. It is a sacred observance that underscores the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people, Israel. The regulations concerning who may partake in the Passover are explicitly outlined in the Scriptures.

Exodus 12:43-45 states: "The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'This is the ordinance of the Passover: No foreigner may eat it. But any slave who has been purchased may eat of it, after you have circumcised him. A temporary resident or hired hand shall not eat the Passover.'"

This passage delineates a clear boundary regarding participation in the Passover meal. Foreigners, or aliens, who have not fully integrated into the covenant community through circumcision are prohibited from partaking in the Passover. The requirement of circumcision is significant, as it is the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 17:10-14), symbolizing one's inclusion in the covenant community and commitment to the God of Israel.

The distinction made between aliens and those who are circumcised highlights the theological importance of covenant identity. While aliens could live among the Israelites and were to be treated with justice and compassion (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33-34), participation in the Passover was reserved for those who had entered into the covenant through circumcision. This requirement underscores the exclusivity of the covenant relationship and the holiness of the Passover as a sacred observance.

Furthermore, Numbers 9:14 provides additional instruction: "If a foreigner residing among you wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, he must do so according to the Passover statute and its ordinances. You are to apply the same statute to both the foreigner and the native of the land." This verse indicates that aliens who desired to celebrate the Passover could do so, provided they adhered to the same regulations as the Israelites, including circumcision.

The prohibition against uncircumcised aliens partaking in the Passover serves as a reminder of the distinctiveness of Israel as a people set apart for God. It reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and the necessity of covenant fidelity. While the Old Testament law made provisions for the inclusion of aliens in the community, full participation in the religious life of Israel required a commitment to the covenant, as symbolized by circumcision.

In summary, the biblical injunction against aliens eating the Passover without circumcision emphasizes the sanctity of the covenant and the importance of covenantal identity in the religious life of Israel. This regulation reflects the broader theological themes of holiness, covenant fidelity, and the distinctiveness of God's chosen people.Exodus 12:45
A foreigner and an hired servant shall not eat thereof.
Nave's Topical Index

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the ... lawful for any but the priests
to eat, prefigure the ... the end the fatal stroke was forbidden, lest the ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Ver.5. "God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes ... the second,
as to their knowing good and evil, was absolutely forbidden; because they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... which he did forthwith grant according to his grace, and then the preacher did set
before his brethren the spiritual meat, and they did all eat and were well ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

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