Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

FOREIGNER

In the OT words derived from the Hebrew roots zwr and nkr are often used to describe those who are “outsiders” from the speaker’s point of view. The two roots are more or less synonymous and are often used in parallel phrases (e.g., Jer. 5:19b; Prov. 27:13; also Ps. 69:8[MT 9]; 81:9[10]; Isa. 61:5; Obad. 11). But in narrative and prophetic texts, nēḵār, ben-nēḵār, and noḵrî usually connote “non-Israelite” (e.g., 1 Kgs. 8:41; Ruth 2:10) while zār more properly means “that which does not belong” (in whatever category is being considered). In Priestly legislation zār is used to designate Israelites who are not members of the levitical or Aaronic families and are thus “foreigners” as far as the performance of priestly duties is concerned (Exod. 29:33; 30:33; Lev. 22:10, 13; Num. 1:51; 3:10, 38; 16:40[17:5]; 18:4, 7; NRSV “lay person, outsider”). More frequently, zār takes on negative connotations when used to mean “non-Yahwistic” (and thus by implication idolatrous) forms of “otherness” (cf. Hos. 5:7).

Unlike the “sojourner” or “resident alien” (gēr), who was subject to and protected by Israelite laws (Exod. 12:49), the foreigner was not allowed to participate in Passover celebrations (v. 43) and could not be chosen king (Deut. 17:15). The foreigner could be charged interest on loans (Deut. 23:20[21]), and debts owed by foreigners did not have to be forgiven in the seventh year (15:2-3).

Wisdom pupils are warned against associating with the Strange Woman (ʾiššâ zārâ) or with the Foreigner (noḵrîyâ) who represents temptation personified, not because she is sexually promiscuous (as some translators misleadingly assume) but because she represents a departure from Wisdom’s (and therefore the Lord’s) ways (Prov. 2:16; 5:3, 20; 6:24; 7:5; 23:27).

NT texts tend to minimize ethnic distinctions according to the principles articulated in Eph. 2:11-19, and Christians are urged to show hospitality (the giving of food, shelter, and protection) to the stranger (Gk. xénos) in their midst (Matt. 25:35ff.; 3 John 5). However, those who are not related to the people of Israel by birth are still sometimes called “foreigners,” as in Luke 17:18 (allogenḗs); Acts 17:21 (xénos); Heb. 11:34 (allótrios).

Bibliography. M. Guttmann, “The Term ‘Foreigner’ (yrcn) Historically Considered,” HUCA 3 (1926): 1-20; L. A. Snijders, “zûr/zār,” TDOT 4:52-58.

Kathleen A. Farmer

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

FOREIGNER

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)