Proselytes in Israel

What was the standing of such proselytes?  When Jehovah made his covenant, it was only with Israel, those of the "vast mixed company," although present, were not named as participants.  (Exodus 12:38; 19:3, 7, 8) Their firstborn were not taken into account when the ransom price for the firstborn of Israel was calculated.  (Numbers 3:44-51) Decades later when the land of Canaan was divided  between Israelite tribes, nothing was set aside for non-Israelite believers.  (Genesis 12:7; Joshua 13:1-14)  Why? Because the Law covenant was not made with proselytes. But proselyte men were circumcised in obedience   to the Law.  They observed its regulations, and they benefited from its provisions. Proselytes as well as Israelites came under the Law covenant. -Exodus 12:48, 49; Numbers 15:14-16; Romans 3:19.

For example, if a proselyte accidentally killed someone, he could, like an Israelite, flee to a city of refuge.  (Numbers 35:15, 22-25; Joshua 20:9)  On Atonement Day a sacrifice was offered "in behalf of the entire congregation of Israel." As part of the congregation, proselytes shared in the proceedings and were covered by  the sacrifice.  (Leviticus  16:7-10, 15, 17, 29; Deuteronomy 23:7, 8) So closely were proselytes associated with Israel under the Law that at Pentecost 33 C.E., when the first  'key of the kingdom' was used in behalf of the Jews, proselytes also benefited .  As a result, "Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch," became a Christian and was among the "seven certified men" appointed to care for the needs of the Jerusalem congregation. -Matthew 16:19; Acts 2:5-10; 6:3-6; 8:26-39.

Next time: Jehovah Blesses Abraham's Seed

From the Watchtower magazine, 1998