In
Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah, Nasso, the Gibeonites are defined as “heathens who
have taken on the laws and customs of Israel but have chosen to remain apart
from the Jewish community.” The same
text elaborates, “From here we learn how far the Holy One blessed be He,
drawing near to those far removed, even extending this to converts who have
ulterior motives.” (8:4)
It
is easy to define ourselves as better than “they” (whoever the “they” is). Yet, God Himself reaches out beyond the scope
of parochialism to embrace those who may eventually find their way.
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