In the biblical context, the terms "alien" and "sojourner" refer to individuals who reside temporarily or permanently in a land that is not their own. These terms are often used interchangeably in the Scriptures to describe foreigners or strangers living among the Israelites. The treatment and status of aliens and sojourners are significant themes throughout the Bible, reflecting God's concern for justice, compassion, and hospitality.

Old Testament Context

The Hebrew words "ger" (sojourner) and "nokri" (foreigner) are frequently used in the Old Testament to describe non-Israelites living among the Israelites. The Law of Moses contains numerous instructions regarding the treatment of these individuals. 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 command is rooted in the Israelites' own experience of being strangers in Egypt, emphasizing empathy and fair treatment.

Leviticus 19:33-34 further instructs, "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 love and equality to the sojourner, reflecting God's inclusive nature.

The sojourner was also included in religious observances and social welfare provisions. In Deuteronomy 16:14 , the sojourner is invited to participate in the Feast of Tabernacles: "And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your son and daughter, your male and female servants, the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow among you." Additionally, the gleaning laws in Leviticus 19:9-10 provided for the needs of the poor and the sojourner: "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."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "xenos" is often used to describe strangers or foreigners. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles continue the Old Testament emphasis on hospitality and love for the sojourner. In Matthew 25:35 , Jesus identifies Himself with the stranger, 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."

The early Christian community is encouraged to practice hospitality towards strangers. Hebrews 13:2 exhorts believers, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This reflects the broader Christian ethic of love and service to all, regardless of their status as insiders or outsiders.

The apostle Paul, in Ephesians 2:19 , speaks of the spiritual transformation that transcends ethnic and national boundaries: "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household." This passage underscores the unity and inclusion found in the body of Christ, where all believers, regardless of their background, are part of God's family.

Theological Implications

The biblical treatment of aliens and sojourners reveals God's heart for justice, mercy, and inclusion. It challenges believers to reflect God's character in their interactions with those who are different or marginalized. The consistent biblical mandate to love and care for the sojourner serves as a reminder of the universal nature of God's love and the call for His people to embody that love in tangible ways.