Definition: Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Exodus 23:9. Itâs a really important message about treating others with kindness and understanding. Hereâs what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that you shouldnât be harsh or unkind to people who are new to your life or situation. It's like recognizing that everyone has a story, a past, and a reason for being where they are. Letâs unpack it piece by piece: âExodus 23:9â : This refers to a specific event in ancient Egypt â Moses receiving a special message from God. âAlso thou shalt not oppress a strangerâŠâ : This is the main part of the verse. âStrangerâ means someone new, someone whoâs just arrived or is in a different place. It's about being fair and respectful to those you don't know well. "...for ye know the heart of a stranger..." : This is where it gets really important. The author is saying that you can understand people even if theyâre new to your life. You can sense their feelings, their struggles, and their motivations. It's like looking beyond just their words and seeing what's going on inside them. "...seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." : This is a really powerful image! In ancient Egypt, the Israelites were treated as strangers - they werenât fully accepted or understood by the Egyptians. They didnât know the same customs or beliefs. It's like being an outsider for a while. So, what does it mean practically? The verse encourages us to: Be kind and compassionate: Treat people with empathy and understanding, even if they're different from you. Listen without judgment: Try to understand where someone is coming from, rather than immediately criticizing or judging them. Recognize their humanity: Understand that everyone has a story and experiences, just like you. In essence, itâs about valuing people's worth by acknowledging their past and the circumstances of their life. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to show kindness towards someone new?