Immigration in the Bible

It is helpful to view today’s debate over immigration against the backdrop of migration throughout Scripture.

God called Abraham to leave his home in what is now Iraq and journey to the land of Canaan as a foreigner and sojourner. Soon after his arrival, local kings captured his nephew Lot and his family, reminding us that strangers have often faced hostility and insecurity in the lands where they settled.

Later, Joseph lived as a foreigner in Egypt. Though separated from his family and homeland, God raised him to a position of influence where he became a blessing to the nation that had adopted him. Yet Israel’s experience in Egypt also reminds us how quickly hospitality can give way to fear. A new Pharaoh arose “who did not know Joseph,” and the descendants of Israel were enslaved and oppressed.

During the Exodus, the Israelites experienced another side of migration. As they crossed the wilderness, neighboring peoples often refused them food, water, or even permission to travel through their territory. Their journey reminds us that migrants have frequently depended upon the kindness—or suffered from the hostility—of those they encountered.

Centuries later, God Himself sent His people into exile in Babylon. Through the prophet Jeremiah He instructed them:

“Build houses and settle down… Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:5–7)

Even in exile, God’s people were to become a blessing to their adopted land. Yet the Book of Esther reminds us that they also lived under the constant threat of prejudice and even annihilation.

Because of Israel’s own history, God repeatedly commanded His people to treat foreigners with compassion: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” (Leviticus 19:34)

The New Testament expands this vision still further. James reminded the Jerusalem church that God was “taking from the Gentiles a people for himself” (Acts 15:14). Paul later declared that God “made from one man every nation of mankind” and determined where they would live so that people might seek Him (Acts 17:26–27). In God’s eyes, both Jew and Gentile are equally valued and equally invited into His family.

The Bible concludes with history’s greatest migration. People from every tribe, language, people, and nation gather around the throne of God in joyful worship. The barriers that once divided humanity are finally overcome in the Kingdom of Christ.

Migration, then, is not merely a modern phenomenon. Throughout history people have moved in search of safety, opportunity, freedom, family, and God’s calling. As long as there are wars, persecution, famine, oppression, natural disasters, and economic hardship, people will continue to leave places of vulnerability in search of hope elsewhere.

The Church sometimes finds itself among those who migrate. At other times it belongs to the communities that receive newcomers. In every circumstance, however, Christians are called to be God’s people—seeking the welfare of the places where they live while extending compassion, justice, and hospitality to the stranger.

The Apostle Paul reminds believers of their own spiritual story: “Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:12–13)

Modern immigration presents difficult questions that involve national security, public policy, economics, and humanitarian concerns. Christians may reach different conclusions about the best political solutions. Yet Scripture leaves little doubt about one principle: every migrant bears the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity and justice.

As we wrestle with the challenges of our own generation, we should remember Abraham, Joseph, Israel in Egypt, the exiles in Babylon, and even Jesus, whose family sought refuge in Egypt when His life was threatened. Their stories remind us that behind every debate are real people, many of whom seek the same things God’s people have sought throughout history: safety, opportunity, and a place to call home.

An African pastor friend of mine from Kenya once summarized Christian ministry in five simple words:

“First, do no harm.”

That is wise counsel whenever we speak about people on the move.