Daily text, Thursday, December 29. 2016

[Queen Esther]

The Israelites loved the foreign residents (See paragraphs 11-13)

Your people will be my people, and your God my God.—Ruth 1:16.

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2016/12/29

Jehovah did not forbid the presence of non-Israelites among his people. He allowed “a vast mixed company” of non-Israelites, including Egyptians, to accompany his people when he delivered them from Egypt. (Ex. 12:38; ftn.) Just before the Israelites crossed the Jordan to take possession of Canaan, Moses told them that they “must love the foreign resident” in their midst. (Deut. 10:17-19) God’s chosen people were to accept in their community any foreigners who were willing to observe the basic laws given by Moses. (Lev. 24:22) Some foreign residents became worshippers of Jehovah, sharing the feelings of the Moabite Ruth. Jehovah welcomed them as members of the community of his chosen people. (Num. 15:14, 15) When Solomon’s temple was dedicated to Jehovah, provision was made for non-Israelite worshippers, as reflected in Solomon’s prayer.—2 Chron. 6:32, 33. w14 11/15 4:11-13