Why were non-Israelites allowed to participate in the sacrificial system?

Answer

Non-Israelites were not to participate in many aspects of the Jewish sacrificial system. However, one way in which a foreigner could take part was in the burnt offering (Leviticus 17:8-9). The foreigner was required to bring their burnt offering to the tabernacle, just like any natural-born Israelite. When a burnt offering was presented at the tabernacle, it was evident that the sacrifice was dedicated to the Lord Almighty and not to any other deity.

Moreover, Numbers 15:14-16 states, “For future generations, whenever a foreigner or anyone else residing among you offers a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord, they must follow the same procedures as you. The community must have the same regulations for both you and the foreigner living among you; this is a permanent decree for future generations. You and the foreigner shall be equals before the Lord: The same laws and statutes will apply to both you and the foreigner living among you.” While many customs were exclusive to Jews, those that were not could be observed by Gentile sojourners residing among the Israelites.

The Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths/Tabernacles were also identified as celebrations that a “sojourner” could participate in (Deuteronomy 16). Sojourners were to be treated kindly, as the Israelites had experienced being sojourners in Egypt «Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. », (Exodus 23:9).

Although the Old Testament made many distinctions between Jewish and non-Jewish practices, it emphasizes that God’s love is inclusive of all who place their trust in Him. A notable example is seen in the story of Jonah. Jonah, a prophet, attempts to flee from God after being called to preach against sin.Against the wickedness of the Gentile city of Nineveh. After God guides His prophet back on track, Jonah preaches to the people of Nineveh. They fast in repentance, and God shows them mercy and spares their city. Through it all, Jonah learns what Peter discovers centuries later: “How true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35).