In the biblical context, the concept of providing security for strangers is deeply rooted in the principles of hospitality, compassion, and justice. The Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, emphasizes the importance of caring for strangers, often equating their treatment with righteousness and obedience to God's commandments.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the treatment of strangers, often referred to as "sojourners" or "foreigners." In Leviticus 19:33-34 , God commands the Israelites: "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." This passage highlights the expectation that the Israelites extend the same love and protection to strangers as they would to their own people, rooted in their own experience as foreigners in Egypt.

The book of Deuteronomy also reinforces this principle. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 states, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He 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." Here, God’s love and provision for the foreigner are presented as a model for the Israelites to emulate.

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the treatment of strangers. In the book of Job, Job defends his righteousness by stating, "but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler" (Job 31:32). This reflects the cultural and religious expectation of providing hospitality and security to those who are not part of one's immediate community.

Prophetic Writings

The prophets frequently called the people of Israel to account for their treatment of the vulnerable, including strangers. In Ezekiel 22:7 , the prophet condemns Jerusalem for its injustices, stating, "They have treated father and mother with contempt; they have oppressed the foreigner within you; they have wronged the fatherless and the widow." The mistreatment of strangers is listed among the grave sins that led to divine judgment.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues the theme of caring for strangers, expanding it within the context of the early Christian community. In Matthew 25:35 , Jesus teaches about the final judgment, saying, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in." This passage underscores the idea that acts of kindness and hospitality towards strangers are acts of service to Christ Himself.

The epistle to the Hebrews also exhorts believers to practice hospitality: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" (Hebrews 13:2). This verse alludes to the account of Abraham in Genesis 18, where he unknowingly hosts divine visitors, reinforcing the spiritual significance of welcoming strangers.

Practical Implications

The biblical mandate to provide security for strangers has practical implications for Christian living. It calls believers to extend love, hospitality, and protection to those who are not part of their immediate community, reflecting God's love and justice. This principle challenges Christians to consider how they can actively support and defend the rights and dignity of strangers in their midst, whether through personal acts of kindness or broader social and political advocacy.