Traditional Lens Commentary: Leviticus 19:34

Traditional Lens Reading of Leviticus 19:34

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Leviticus 19:34 as a profound command that reflects God's heart for justice and compassion, rooted in His own character. This passage, where God commands Israel to love the stranger as themselves, underscores the continuity of God's moral law, demonstrating His desire for holiness and righteousness among His people. It anticipates the New Testament ethic of loving one's neighbor and is a clear reflection of God's covenant faithfulness, which we see fulfilled in Christ's redemptive work on the cross.

Key Language Decisions

The Hebrew term for 'stranger' (ger) in this passage is crucial, as it refers to a non-Israelite living among the Israelites. This term suggests a resident alien who has joined the community. The command to 'love him as yourself' uses the word 'ahav,' which indicates a deep, covenantal love. Our tradition emphasizes the importance of this command as it echoes the broader biblical theme of God's inclusive love and redemptive plan for all nations.

Where Traditions Diverge

Our tradition differs from some Reformed and Lutheran perspectives that might emphasize the ceremonial aspects of the law more heavily. We see this passage as part of the moral law, which remains binding because it reflects God's unchanging character. Unlike certain liberal traditions, we do not read this as merely a social justice mandate detached from its theological roots in God's holiness and redemptive purpose.

Pastoral Application

For a Traditional Lens pastor, Leviticus 19:34 is a call to embody God's love and justice in our treatment of outsiders, reflecting Christ's love for us. We emphasize the importance of welcoming the stranger as a tangible expression of the gospel. This passage challenges us to examine our attitudes towards others and to extend grace and hospitality as a witness to the transformative power of saving faith. Our congregation would expect to hear a message that ties love for the stranger to the gospel's call to be a redeemed community, demonstrating the love of Christ in action.

Cross-References: Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 10:19; Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:13; Galatians 3:28

Doctrinal Connections: the image of God; the unity of Scripture; covenant theology; the moral law; the love of God