Who are the Foreigners in Deuteronomy 28?

Deuteronomy 28 stands as one of the most sobering and significant chapters in the Hebrew Bible. It presents Moses’ final address to the Israelites, laying out blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Among the many themes in this chapter, the recurring mention of “foreigners” plays a notable role, especially in the context of the covenant community. But who exactly are these foreigners, and what is their significance within Deuteronomy 28?

Understanding the Context of Deuteronomy 28

Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Torah, is essentially a series of speeches by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab before entering the Promised Land. In chapter 28, Moses details the blessings that will follow Israel’s obedience to God’s commandments and the curses that will result from disobedience. The chapter is structured to emphasize the stark contrast between prosperity and adversity, and it introduces the figure of the “foreigner” as a key part of the curses.

Defining “Foreigner” in the Old Testament

The Hebrew word often translated as “foreigner” or “stranger” in Deuteronomy is “ger” (גֵּר), though other terms like “nokri” (נָכְרִי) and “zar” (זָר) are also used throughout the Old Testament. These words can refer to different categories of non-Israelites:

• Ger (גֵּר): Typically refers to a resident alien—someone who lives among the Israelites but is not ethnically one of them.
• Nokri (נָכְרִי): More often denotes a foreigner from outside the community, with fewer rights and less integration.
• Zar (זָר): Often has a sense of being a total outsider, sometimes with a negative connotation.

In Deuteronomy 28, the term “foreigner” is used to describe those who are not part of the covenant people of Israel. The context suggests outsiders who do not share in the blessings or obligations of the Israelite community.

Foreigners in the Blessings and the Curses

While Deuteronomy 28’s blessings focus on Israel’s prosperity, land, and victory over enemies, the curses introduce a reversal of fortune. Verses 43–44 are especially relevant:

“The foreigner who resides among you will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower. He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him. He will be the head, and you will be the tail.” (Deuteronomy 28:43–44, NIV)

Here, foreigners are depicted as resident aliens who live among the Israelites but are not part of the covenant people. In the context of the curses, their rise to prominence and power is a sign of Israel’s distress and reversal of their God-given status.

The Role of Foreigners in Israelite Society

Foreigners in ancient Israel could occupy various roles. Some were merchants, laborers, or refugees who settled in the land. The Torah has numerous laws about treating the “ger” with kindness and justice (Leviticus 19:34), but also distinguishes them from the native-born Israelites in terms of inheritance and religious obligations.

In Deuteronomy 28, the foreigners’ prominence is not due to their own virtue but as a consequence of Israel’s disobedience. The passage underscores that Israel’s security and prosperity are contingent upon their faithfulness to God. When they stray, the very people who once served or lived among them as outsiders will surpass them in status and power.

Foreigners as Instruments of Judgment

Throughout the Old Testament, God often uses outsiders as instruments of judgment against Israel. In Deuteronomy 28, the rise of the foreigner is part of the covenantal curses—God allows the social and economic order to be upended as a warning and a consequence for unfaithfulness. This is not a condemnation of foreigners as individuals, but rather a theological statement about the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Implications for the Community of Faith

The mention of foreigners in Deuteronomy 28 challenges the Israelites to maintain their distinctiveness and fidelity to God. It serves as a reminder that their privileged position is conditional. If they fail to uphold the covenant, the stability of their society—including their relationship with foreigners—will be disrupted.

Moreover, the passage also reflects the inclusive vision of the Torah, where even foreigners could be integrated and treated with respect, but at the same time, highlights the dangers of forgetting their spiritual identity and obligations.

Conclusion: The Significance of Foreigners in Deuteronomy 28

The “foreigners” in Deuteronomy 28 are best understood as non-Israelites living within the land—resident aliens who, in times of Israel’s faithfulness, would remain in a subordinate position, but in times of disobedience, would rise above the Israelites. Their role in this chapter is both a social and theological marker, reflecting the consequences of Israel’s covenant loyalty or lack thereof.