In the biblical context, the term "aliens" refers to foreigners or sojourners—individuals who reside in a land that is not their own. The treatment of aliens is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, where God’s people are often reminded of their own history as strangers in foreign lands and are commanded to treat aliens with justice and compassion.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous instructions regarding the treatment of aliens. In Exodus 22:21 , God commands, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." This directive is rooted in the Israelites' own experience of oppression in Egypt, serving as a reminder of their obligation to extend kindness and justice to those who are vulnerable.

Leviticus 19:33-34 further emphasizes this principle: "When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Here, the command to love the alien as oneself underscores the call to empathy and equitable treatment.

The prophets also speak against the oppression of aliens. In Malachi 3:5 , God warns of judgment against those who "oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigner of justice." This passage highlights the broader biblical concern for social justice and the protection of marginalized groups.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues the theme of compassion towards aliens, though the focus shifts more towards spiritual inclusion. In Ephesians 2:19 , Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household." This verse speaks to the spiritual unity and equality of all believers, regardless of their ethnic or national background.

The early church is depicted as a community that transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, welcoming all who come to faith in Christ. This inclusivity reflects the heart of God, who desires that none should be excluded from His kingdom.

Theological Implications

The biblical mandate to care for aliens is grounded in the character of God, who is described as a defender of the oppressed. Psalm 146:9 declares, "The LORD watches over the foreigner; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates." This verse affirms God’s protective nature and His concern for justice.

The treatment of aliens serves as a test of the covenant community’s faithfulness to God’s commands. It reflects a broader biblical ethic that calls for love, justice, and mercy towards all people, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalized.

Practical Application

For believers today, the biblical teachings on aliens challenge them to advocate for fair treatment and justice for immigrants and refugees. The Scriptures call for an attitude of hospitality and compassion, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual as created in the image of God. This includes supporting policies and practices that protect the rights and well-being of aliens, as well as engaging in personal acts of kindness and support for those who are strangers in a foreign land.Ezekiel 22:29
The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yes, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.
Nave's Topical Index

Death of Liberius, Bishop of Rome. He is Succeeded by Damasus and ...
... We have decreed that those who hold any other doctrines are to be aliens from our ...
name and dignity of bishop; so that the people who are now oppressed by the ...
/.../chapter xxiii death of liberius bishop.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... There had been many a dark time when enemies had oppressed, and many a hard ... turned
to flight armies of aliens.' One name alone is worthy to be named,"the name ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

That the Law of Moses must be Spiritually Understood to Preclude ...
... And now we call aliens happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up." [1470 ...
manifestly be most miserable; and in which the good shall be oppressed with not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 28 that the law of.htm

Letter xiii. --(For 341. ) Coss. Marcellinus, Probinus; Pr??f. ...
... For although the opponents of Christ [4365] have oppressed you together with us ... such
as these, since they are strangers to difficulties, become aliens from the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xiii for 341 coss marcellinus.htm

That it was Before Predicted that the World Would Hold us in ...
... of the world the good have suffered, and the righteous have been oppressed and slain
by ... the law of God, and had gone over to the manner of aliens; and that it ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/11 that it was before.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... In the time of the Judges Israel were apostate and greatly oppressed. ... were made strong,
waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times.
... They abide in the world as aliens, sons of a far land; and look forward to be ... them
that swallow up their fellows, and the down-trodden and oppressed have rest ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxii of death and the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xvi. 9, "Make to Yourselves ...
... He had oppressed many, had taken from many, and so had heaped much together. ... "Strange
children," aliens from the race, and belonging not to the seed of Abraham ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxiii on the words.htm

Comparison Between the False Church and the True.
... their day, hated and execrated more than the uncircumcised, were aliens from the ...
Italy, Germany, Spain, and England, when these countries were oppressed by the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 comparison between the.htm

On the Church and Its Head
... his coming, when the Gentiles were without Christ," being then aliens from the ... is
used respecting those churches which are neither oppressed with destructive ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 18 on the church.htm

If aliens were proved to exist, how would that discovery impact the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.org

Are there such things as aliens or UFOs? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian respond to illegal aliens/illegal immigrants? | GotQuestions.org

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