Deuteronomy 23:7 - You shall not abhor an Edomite; for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land.
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What does "Deuteronomy 23:7" mean?
Deuteronomy 23:7, "You shall not abhor an Edomite; for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land," carries a powerful message about how the Israelites should treat two specific nations: the Edomites and the Egyptians. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"You shall not abhor...": This is a strong command. It prohibits feelings of hatred, disgust, or intense aversion towards these groups.
"...an Edomite; for he is your brother": The Edomites were believed to be descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). Therefore, the Israelites were related to them. The rationale for not abhorring them is kinship. Despite any historical conflicts or differences, the shared ancestry should foster a sense of connection and discourage animosity. It's a reminder of shared heritage and the need for familial reconciliation, even if strained.
"...an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land": This rationale is based on gratitude and empathy. The Israelites had experienced being vulnerable strangers in Egypt and were treated (initially, at least) with some level of hospitality. This experience should make them sensitive to the plight of foreigners and prevent them from treating Egyptians with contempt or disdain, even if their relationship later soured. It serves as a reminder to treat others as you would have wanted to be treated.
In essence, the verse commands tolerance and respect towards specific groups based on two different principles:
Kinship: The Edomites were relatives, and familial ties should override hatred.
Gratitude and Empathy: The Egyptians had provided refuge for the Israelites, so they should be treated with respect and understanding, acknowledging their historical role in the Israelites' survival.
Theological Implications:
Universalism vs. Particularism: This verse demonstrates a tension within the Old Testament. On one hand, there are laws and passages emphasizing Israel's unique covenant with God and their separation from other nations. On the other hand, passages like this one promote ethical treatment of foreigners and even nations that were not part of the covenant.
Memory and Ethics: The verse highlights the importance of collective memory in shaping ethical behavior. The Israelites' experience in Egypt should inform their treatment of others.
Justice and Compassion: It promotes justice and compassion by reminding the Israelites to treat others with respect, even those who might have been considered enemies or outsiders.
Application: The principles of gratitude and empathy can be applied across time and cultures to how groups and individuals treat each other.
Important Considerations:
This verse doesn't necessarily imply that all Egyptians were always benevolent or that the Israelites were treated perfectly in Egypt. The history is complex. The point is that the Israelites should remember the period of refuge and not let later conflicts erase that memory.
The command not to "abhor" is not necessarily a command to love unconditionally. It's a prohibition against deep-seated hatred and a call for basic respect.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 23:7 offers a powerful lesson in forgiveness, gratitude, and the importance of treating others with respect, even when there are historical grievances or differences in background. It emphasizes the role of memory and empathy in shaping ethical behavior and building a more just and compassionate society.
Deuteronomy 23:7 - You shall not abhor an Edomite; for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land.
What does "Deuteronomy 23:7" mean?
Deuteronomy 23:7, "You shall not abhor an Edomite; for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land," carries a powerful message about how the Israelites should treat two specific nations: the Edomites and the Egyptians. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"You shall not abhor...": This is a strong command. It prohibits feelings of hatred, disgust, or intense aversion towards these groups.
"...an Edomite; for he is your brother": The Edomites were believed to be descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). Therefore, the Israelites were related to them. The rationale for not abhorring them is kinship. Despite any historical conflicts or differences, the shared ancestry should foster a sense of connection and discourage animosity. It's a reminder of shared heritage and the need for familial reconciliation, even if strained.
"...an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land": This rationale is based on gratitude and empathy. The Israelites had experienced being vulnerable strangers in Egypt and were treated (initially, at least) with some level of hospitality. This experience should make them sensitive to the plight of foreigners and prevent them from treating Egyptians with contempt or disdain, even if their relationship later soured. It serves as a reminder to treat others as you would have wanted to be treated.
In essence, the verse commands tolerance and respect towards specific groups based on two different principles:
Kinship: The Edomites were relatives, and familial ties should override hatred.
Gratitude and Empathy: The Egyptians had provided refuge for the Israelites, so they should be treated with respect and understanding, acknowledging their historical role in the Israelites' survival.
Theological Implications:
Universalism vs. Particularism: This verse demonstrates a tension within the Old Testament. On one hand, there are laws and passages emphasizing Israel's unique covenant with God and their separation from other nations. On the other hand, passages like this one promote ethical treatment of foreigners and even nations that were not part of the covenant.
Memory and Ethics: The verse highlights the importance of collective memory in shaping ethical behavior. The Israelites' experience in Egypt should inform their treatment of others.
Justice and Compassion: It promotes justice and compassion by reminding the Israelites to treat others with respect, even those who might have been considered enemies or outsiders.
Application: The principles of gratitude and empathy can be applied across time and cultures to how groups and individuals treat each other.
Important Considerations:
This verse doesn't necessarily imply that all Egyptians were always benevolent or that the Israelites were treated perfectly in Egypt. The history is complex. The point is that the Israelites should remember the period of refuge and not let later conflicts erase that memory.
The command not to "abhor" is not necessarily a command to love unconditionally. It's a prohibition against deep-seated hatred and a call for basic respect.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 23:7 offers a powerful lesson in forgiveness, gratitude, and the importance of treating others with respect, even when there are historical grievances or differences in background. It emphasizes the role of memory and empathy in shaping ethical behavior and building a more just and compassionate society.