Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Refugees are individuals who are forced to flee their homeland due to persecution, war, or natural disaster. In the biblical context, refugees are often depicted as sojourners, exiles, or strangers in a foreign land. The Bible provides numerous accounts of individuals and groups who experienced displacement and sought refuge, offering insights into God's perspective on hospitality, compassion, and justice. Biblical Examples of Refugees: 1. Abraham and Sarah: Abraham, originally from Ur of the Chaldeans, was called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1). During a famine, Abraham and Sarah sought refuge in Egypt (Genesis 12:10). This narrative highlights the theme of trusting God while living as a foreigner. 2. Jacob and His Family: Jacob and his family became refugees when they moved to Egypt to escape famine in Canaan (Genesis 46:1-7). This migration set the stage for the Israelites' eventual enslavement and subsequent exodus. 3. Moses: Moses fled Egypt to Midian after killing an Egyptian, becoming a refugee in a foreign land (Exodus 2:15). His experience as a sojourner prepared him for his role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. 4. The Israelites: The Israelites' exodus from Egypt is one of the most significant refugee narratives in the Bible. They fled from slavery and oppression, guided by God to the Promised Land (Exodus 12:37-42). This journey underscores themes of deliverance and divine provision. 5. David: David, before becoming king, was a refugee as he fled from King Saul's attempts to kill him. He sought refuge among the Philistines and in various wilderness locations (1 Samuel 21-27). 6. Elijah: The prophet Elijah became a refugee when he fled from Queen Jezebel's wrath, seeking refuge in the wilderness and later in Zarephath (1 Kings 19:1-9). 7. Jesus and His Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph became refugees when they fled to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre of infants (Matthew 2:13-15). This event fulfilled the prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Hosea 11:1). Biblical Teachings on Refugees: 1. Hospitality and Compassion: The Bible consistently calls for the treatment of refugees with kindness and hospitality. Leviticus 19:34 states, "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt." This command reflects God's desire for His people to remember their own history of displacement and to act with empathy. 2. Justice and Protection: Scripture emphasizes justice for the vulnerable, including refugees. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 declares, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." 3. God as Refuge: The Bible frequently describes God as a refuge for those in distress. Psalm 46:1 proclaims, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." This imagery reassures believers of God's protection and care, even in the most challenging circumstances. 4. The Church's Role: The New Testament encourages believers to extend hospitality and support to those in need. Hebrews 13:2 advises, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This call to action reflects the early church's commitment to caring for the marginalized. Conclusion: The biblical narrative and teachings provide a framework for understanding the plight of refugees and the appropriate response from God's people. Through accounts of displacement and divine intervention, the Bible underscores the importance of compassion, justice, and hospitality toward those who seek refuge. Strong's Hebrew 6412b. palet -- escaped one, fugitive... 6412a, 6412b. palet. 6413 . escaped one, fugitive. Transliteration: palet Short Definition: refugees. Word Origin from palat Definition ... /hebrew/6412b.htm - 5k 6412a. palit -- escaped one, fugitive Library Epistle vii. To Alcyson, Bishop of Corcyra. The Age of Knox: the Formative Period of Presbyterian Worship. The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727. Knox in the English Puritan Troubles at Frankfort: 1554-1555 Latitudinarian Churchmanship. A Period of Transition Jer. 6:16 the Good Way. The Second Awakening. Lupus of Troyes. Return to Benares. Thesaurus Refugees (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Refugees (6 Occurrences). Isaiah 16:3 Give wise directions, make a decision; let your shade be as night ... /r/refugees.htm - 8k Tahpanhes (7 Occurrences) Gedaliah (31 Occurrences) Refund (3 Occurrences) Papyrus (4 Occurrences) Aquila (7 Occurrences) Arvad (2 Occurrences) Arvadites (1 Occurrence) Refuge (111 Occurrences) Thessalonica (8 Occurrences) Resources How should Christians view refugees? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jesus a refugee? | GotQuestions.org Government and Worldview ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Refugees (6 Occurrences)Isaiah 16:3 Jeremiah 42:17 Jeremiah 44:14 Jeremiah 50:28 Ezekiel 33:21 Ezekiel 33:22 Subtopics Related Terms |