Equality

Leviticus 24:22

“You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the Lᴏʀᴅ your God.”

Let’s be proper with the text: God is indicating that as He treats us all on an equal basis, so He wants us to also treat all others as He treats them. Distinction is not based in origin, ethnic diversity, education or any other created diversity. When the Lᴏʀᴅ is looking for a leader of His people, He gives the prophet Samuel a new view of worth:

“For the Lᴏʀᴅ sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lᴏʀᴅ looks on the heart.” 1

There is an intrinsic value to each created individual that God insists not be disregarded by deceit. Whether it is in commerce—the weights and measures or social justice, God is specific,

“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lᴏʀᴅ your God.” 2

The distinctions came in the relationship of the individual to God as is duly noted,

“For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.” 3
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” 4

After the Jews came back from captivity in Babylon, they no longer were tempted by other gods of the nations but God did need to re-emphasize that the equality was to be towards those in agreement with His covenant no matter their personal circumstances.

“Then I will come near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, those who oppress the wage earner in his wages or the widow or the orphan, and those who turn away the stranger from justice and do not fear Me,” says the Lᴏʀᴅ of armies. 5

When Ruth came home with Naomi, she was accepted into Israel as she committed to the terms of the covenant. Ruth was of Moab, one of the neighboring nations that harassed Israel, yet she was accepted and became an ancestor of Jesus.

FOOTNOTE: 
1  1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) – https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/1sa/16/7/s_252007
2   Leviticus 19:34 (ESV) –
https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/lev/19/34/s_109034
3   Romans 10:12 (ESV) – https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/rom/10/12/s_1056012
4  Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV) – https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/gal/3/28-29/s_1094028
5  Malachi 3:5 (ESV) – https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/mal/3/5/s_928005

Leviticus 24:22 (ESV) - https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/lev/24/22/s_114022
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