Leviticus 19:33-34 - Exposition

The command already given "neither to vex a stranger, nor oppress him" ( Exodus 22:21 ), on the pathetic ground that "ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" ( Exodus 23:9 ), is broadened in these verses to the positive law, thou shalt love him as thyself. "The royal law of Leviticus 19:18 is expressly extended to the stranger, and notwithstanding the national narrowness necessary to preserve the true religion in the world, the general brotherhood of mankind is hereby taught as far as was possible under the circumstances" (Gardiner).