Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 10:19 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible is full of teachings about how we should treat other people. One of these teachings is found in Deuteronomy 10:19. This verse reminds us of how God wants us to treat strangers. In today’s world, it can be easy to forget the value of kindness and compassion. That’s why it’s so important to understand what verses like this really mean.
The Context of Deuteronomy 10:19 KJV
Understanding the Book of Deuteronomy
The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible. It is part of the Pentateuch, which includes the first five books written by Moses. Deuteronomy is a record of Moses’ final speeches to the people of Israel before they entered the Promised Land. Moses was preparing them to live according to God’s laws in the new land.
He reminded the Israelites of everything that had happened since they left Egypt. He also repeated the Ten Commandments and other important laws. These laws were meant to guide the people in how to live and how to treat others.
The Chapter Leading Up to the Verse
Chapter 10 of Deuteronomy begins with Moses recalling how he received the Ten Commandments from God a second time. The first tablets were broken when the Israelites sinned by worshiping a golden calf. But God, in His mercy, gave them another chance. He gave Moses new tablets.
In this chapter, Moses talks about God’s greatness, power, and love. He reminds the people that God is just, merciful, and mighty. He also says that God does not show favoritism and loves the stranger. In verse 18, Moses says, “He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.”
Then, in verse 19, Moses tells the people how they should respond to this love of God.
Deuteronomy 10:19 (KJV)
“Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
This verse is short, but very powerful. It is a direct command from God given through Moses. It tells the people of Israel to love the stranger because they were once strangers themselves in Egypt.
Let’s take a closer look at what this verse is saying.
Deuteronomy 10:19 Meaning
“Love ye therefore the stranger”
The word “stranger” in the Bible often refers to foreigners, outsiders, or people who are not part of your family, tribe, or nation. In this verse, Moses is telling the Israelites to love those who are not like them.
The word “love” here is not just about feelings. It means to care for, protect, and treat kindly. It is about action. God is commanding the Israelites to actively care for and show kindness to strangers.
This command goes beyond just being polite. It is a call to compassion, hospitality, and justice.
“For ye were strangers in the land of Egypt”
Moses gives a strong reason for why the Israelites should love strangers. He reminds them of their own history. They were once strangers in Egypt. They were not treated well. They were oppressed, enslaved, and mistreated.
God rescued them from that suffering. Because they know what it feels like to be strangers and outsiders, they should be kind to others who are now in that same position.
This part of the verse is about empathy. It tells us to remember our past and use it to treat others with mercy and compassion.
Deuteronomy 10:19 Application in Life
1. Loving the Stranger Today
In today’s world, strangers can be immigrants, refugees, people from different cultures, or even people in our communities we don’t know well. This verse reminds us that we are called to love them.
We can show love to strangers by:
- Welcoming them into our homes or churches.
- Helping them when they are in need.
- Speaking up for their rights and safety.
- Listening to their stories with respect and care.
This love is not based on what they can do for us. It is based on what God has done for us.
2. Remembering Our Own Story
Many people have stories of being outsiders. Maybe we moved to a new place. Maybe we were the new person in a church, school, or job. Maybe we’ve felt left out or unwelcome.
Deuteronomy 10:19 tells us to remember those times. When we do, we can better understand how others feel. This helps us become more loving and kind.
God rescued Israel from their suffering. He also rescues us from our sins. In return, He asks us to extend that love to others.
3. Reflecting God’s Character
God loves the stranger. In verse 18, we see that God gives them food and clothing. This shows His care for the basic needs of every person, no matter where they come from.
If we are to be like God, we must also care for the needs of others. This means being generous, fair, and welcoming.
God’s love is not limited. He does not only love people who look, think, or act like us. He loves everyone. We are called to do the same.
4. Breaking Down Barriers
Sometimes, we build walls between ourselves and others. We may fear people who are different. We may ignore their struggles. We may judge them without knowing them.
This verse is a challenge to break down those walls. It reminds us that God does not show partiality, and neither should we.
Loving the stranger means stepping outside of our comfort zones. It means building bridges instead of walls.
5. A Test of True Faith
In the New Testament, James 1:27 says that true religion is to care for orphans and widows in their distress. This matches the heart of Deuteronomy 10:19.
Our love for God is shown by how we treat others—especially those who are vulnerable. If we claim to follow God, we must also care for the stranger.
This kind of love is sacrificial. It costs us time, energy, and resources. But it also brings joy, peace, and blessing.
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 10:19 is a powerful reminder of God’s heart. It teaches us that loving the stranger is not just a good idea—it is a command from God. This verse calls us to remember our past, reflect God’s love, and live out our faith in action. The people of Israel were once strangers. They suffered, and God rescued them. In response, they were called to love others who were now in that same position. The same is true for us today.
When we love the stranger, we are showing that we understand God’s mercy. We are proving that His love has changed our hearts. And we are making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. Let us take this verse to heart. Let us open our eyes to the needs around us. Let us love, not just in words, but in action.
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