Deuteronomy 23:7
“You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were a sojourner in his land.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text here strikingly contrasts the treatment of the Edomites and Egyptians with the Moabites and Ammonites. While the latter, who actively sought Israel's harm, were banned from the community, the Edomites, Israel's own kin, and the Egyptians, who previously offered refuge, were not to be "abhorred." This highlights that even after severe mistreatment, the memory of familial connection and past kindnesses held significant weight in God's commands.
In this section of Deuteronomy, Moses is laying out regulations for Israel's community, specifically addressing who can and cannot join them. He's just explained that Moabites and Ammonites are permanently excluded due to their hostility, contrasting them with Edomites and Egyptians. The prohibition against abhorring Edomites rests on their close familial tie as descendants of Jacob's twin brother Esau, while the instruction concerning Egyptians recalls the initial hospitality they received during a famine, even though later oppression occurred.
How do we reconcile the memory of deep hurt with God's command to not hold onto bitterness?
God instructs Israel not to despise the Edomites. Why? Because they are family – descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. Even though Edom had previously denied them passage and potentially caused conflict, this familial tie was to be a primary lens for their relationship. This isn't about excusing past wrongs, but about remembering our shared humanity and divine connections before letting grievances fester into outright hatred.
Egypt’s betrayal and slavery loom large in Israel’s memory, so why the command to not abhor them?
The command to not abhor the Egyptians is rooted in a specific historical memory: their early hospitality. When famine struck, it was in Egypt that Jacob’s family found refuge and provision. Though their later experience in Egypt was horrific slavery, God reminds Israel of the initial kindness. This teaches us that gratitude for past benefits can temper our response to present or subsequent injustices, preventing bitterness from completely eclipsing foundational positive experiences.
Understand the original words
tate'eb · Hebrew Verb
A strong emotional reaction of intense dislike, hatred, or loathing. In a biblical context, it often refers to a profound moral or spiritual repulsion toward someone or something.
ger · Hebrew Noun
A temporary resident, stranger, or foreigner living in a land not their own. It signifies one who lacks the full rights of a native-born citizen and is often subject to the laws and conditions of the host nation.
This passage highlights the close familial tie between Jacob and Esau, explaining why Edomites, Esau's descendants, were to be treated as 'brothers' rather than hated enemies.
Genesis 47:4-6This shows the kindness shown by the Egyptians to Joseph's family, providing them land and sustenance during a famine, which serves as the historical basis for not abhorring the Egyptians despite later oppression.
Exodus 2:23-25This passage acknowledges the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt, but also sets the stage for God remembering His covenant and hearing their cry, hinting at the complex history that the command in Deuteronomy doesn't ignore but contextualizes.
Numbers 20:14-21This recounts the Edomites' refusal to allow the Israelites passage, a clear act of hostility, which makes God's command not to abhor them even more striking and highlights the principle of remembering kinship over immediate offense.
Romans 12:17-18This New Testament passage echoes the principle of peaceful coexistence, urging believers to live at peace with all people as far as it depends on them, reflecting the spirit of not harboring hatred even towards those who have wronged them.
gillDeuteronomy 23:7: "Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land."
Thou shall not abhor an Edomite,.... Or an Idumean, the descendants of Esau, whose name was Edom, Genesis 25:30 the Targum of Jonathan adds, "that comes to be made a proselyte"; he was not to be rejected with abhorrence, because of the old grudge between Jacob and Esau, and which was become national in their posterity: for he is thy brother; the…
pooleDeuteronomy 23:7: "Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land."
An Edomite; the children of Edom; only the Amalekites are excepted by God’s particular order, and upon special reason, Deu 25:17-19 . Thy brother, by Esau, Jacob’s brother. Thou wast a stranger in his land, and didst receive habitation, protection, and provision from them a long time, which kindness thou must not forget for their following perse…
The text here strikingly contrasts the treatment of the Edomites and Egyptians with the Moabites and Ammonites. While the latter, who actively sought Israel's harm, were banned from the community, the Edomites, Israel's own kin, and the Egyptians, who previously offered refuge, were not to be "abhorred." This highlights that even after severe mistreatment, the memory of familial connection and past kindnesses held significant weight in God's commands.
In this section of Deuteronomy, Moses is laying out regulations for Israel's community, specifically addressing who can and cannot join them. He's just explained that Moabites and Ammonites are permanently excluded due to their hostility, contrasting them with Edomites and Egyptians. The prohibition against abhorring Edomites rests on their close familial tie as descendants of Jacob's twin brother Esau, while the instruction concerning Egyptians recalls the initial hospitality they received during a famine, even though later oppression occurred.
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"“You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were a sojourner in his land." — The text here strikingly contrasts the treatment of the Edomites and Egyptians with the Moabites and Ammonites. While the latter, who actively sought Israel's harm, were banned from the community, th…
