Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Introduction: The problem -- Immigration and immigrants in Abraham's world -- Unwanted guests : the story of the Israelite exodus -- Lessons learned : the immigrant and the law -- Aliens in ancient Israel -- Let justice roll : the champions of justice -- By the Rivers of Babylon -- Jesus and the New Testament -- What does this mean today.

By a careful study of relevant materials in the Old Testament, in combination with archaeological and sociological materials, the author forms a clear definition of an alien in Israelite society. This understanding is an important starting point in the current debate. The book concludes by suggesting how the Bible might assist Christians in thinking about the problem of legal and illegal immigrants, and in developing the implications of the biblical teaching for public policy. --from publisher description