And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.
If your fellow person becomes poor and is struggling financially while living near you, then you must help them. Yes, even if they are a foreigner or someone just passing through—help them so they can survive and live among you.
This verse is commanding God's people to help anyone in need, whether they're family, neighbors, or strangers, so they can survive and thrive in the community.
📚 Historical Context
This command was part of God's economic laws for Israel during their time in the wilderness and early settlement in the Promised Land. In ancient agrarian societies, financial ruin often meant death, so these laws created a safety net for the vulnerable. The inclusion of 'strangers and sojourners' was radical for its time, extending care beyond tribal or ethnic boundaries.
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