Deuteronomy 10:19 meaning

In this verse, the Israelites are commanded to show love and kindness to strangers, reflecting on their own history as formerly oppressed strangers in Egypt. This command carries immense significance as it underscores the importance of compassion and empathy towards those who are vulnerable or foreign among them. It's a call to remember their past struggles and to respond with graciousness, mirroring the love that God has extended to all people.

The directive to "love the stranger" serves as a fundamental principle in the social fabric of the Israelite community, urging them to treat others with dignity and respect. This is not merely a matter of social obligation but an integral expression of their faith and identity as God’s chosen people. As stated, “for you were strangers in the land of Egypt,” this historical recollection emphasizes the moral responsibility to welcome and care for those in need.

In the NASB95 translation, this concept reinforces the principle of divine justice inherent in God’s character. Such treatment of others aligns with the overarching biblical themes concerning social justice and the value of every human life, urging believers today to cultivate an attitude of love towards all, especially the marginalized.