Numbers 9:1-14 - The Beneficent Aspect Of The Law Of Moses Towards Foreigners

I. EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW . This is taught in our text and in several other passages ( Exodus 12:49 ; Le 24:22; Numbers 15:15 , Numbers 15:16 , Numbers 15:29 ). This is especially noticeable in regard to the laws of the sabbath ( Exodus 20:10 ; Exodus 23:12 ; Deuteronomy 5:14 ), and of the cities of refuge ( Numbers 35:15 ). Hence the Israelites were repeatedly warned against oppressing the stranger ( Exodus 22:21 ; Exodus 23:9 ), though he might be a hired servant, at the mercy of his employer ( Deuteronomy 24:14 , Deuteronomy 24:15 ), or an Egyptian ( Deuteronomy 23:7 ). In administering these laws strict impartiality is demanded of the judges ( Deuteronomy 1:16 ; Deuteronomy 24:17 ). Such equality is recognized under the laws of Christian England, but needs to be most carefully guarded. E.g; in our treatment of coolies or other coloured people in our colonies, foreign sailors in our ports, etc. Oppression of strangers one great crime before the fail of the Jewish monarchy ( Ezekiel 22:7 , Ezekiel 22:29 ). Ill-treatment of non-Christian races outside its borders one of England's national crimes (Chinese opium traffic; some of our colonial wars, etc.).

II. A CLAIM ON BENEVOLENCE . Strangers were not only guarded from oppression, but commended to the love of the Israelites.—See precepts in Le 19:33, 34; Deuteronomy 10:18 , Deuteronomy 10:19 ; Le 25:35, blossoming into the beautiful flower, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," which our Lord plucks from its hiding-place in Leviticus and exhibits and enforces on the whole world. Hence follow the precepts requiring that gleanings be left for the strangers (Le Leviticus 19:10 ; Leviticus 23:22 ), and that they should be allowed to share "in every good thing" God bestowed on Israel ( Deuteronomy 14:29 ; Deuteronomy 16:11 , Deuteronomy 16:14 ; Deuteronomy 26:11 ). God be praised for all the philanthropic agencies of England on behalf of foreigners. Let us see that our personal beneficence is not limited by race or creed ( Isaiah 58:6-11 , etc.).

III. INVITATIONS TO NATIONAL AND PERSONAL BLESSINGS , Gentiles were welcomed to all privileges of Judaism through conformity to its laws. They could enter into the covenant ( Deuteronomy 29:10-13 ), offer sacrifices (Le Leviticus 22:18 ), and keep the passover ( Exodus 12:43-49 ; Numbers 9:14 ). And it was required that they be instructed in the law of God ( Deuteronomy 31:10-13 , read in the light of Joshua 8:33-35 ). Having all these privileges, they were liable to the same punishments as the Israelites (Le Leviticus 17:8 , Leviticus 17:12 , Leviticus 17:15 ; Leviticus 24:16 , etc.). We need not wonder that the adhesion and conversion of strangers was anticipated ( 1 Kings 8:41-43 ; Isaiah 56:3 , etc.). Apply to the missionary work of the Church, which can speak to strangers of "a better covenant," "Christ our passover," "grace and truth by Jesus Christ."—P.