THEOSISWlastow G.K.
Alongside Israel's exodus from Egypt, as highlighted in verse 38, there emerged a diverse multitude of people. Otto Gerlach points out that the additional regulations for Passover established after the exodus were significant; the Israelites had nearly lost their sense of national unity while in Egypt. A clearly defined national identity was intended to be formed, and thus, as the primary Passover laws were reiterated, the Lord, through Moses, specified exactly who could and must be counted among the household of Israel. The fulfillment of the Passover clearly identifies who belongs to the nation.
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A foreigner is not permitted to partake of the Passover unless he has joined the family of Israel through circumcision. It is particularly noteworthy that a 'servant bought with silver,' if circumcised, was considered part of the Israelite community and thus held greater status than an uncircumcised guest. This indicates that a slave within Israel was regarded as a member of the family, and the nature of servitude amongst the Israelites was markedly different from that in the Gentile nations. The Lord's directives regarding slaves carry the foundational aspect of the message that recognized the equality of both slave and free before the Lord within the church of Christ.
The term settler likely refers to a foreigner, a land tenant, or someone living under any arrangement on property owned by an Israelite, thereby sharing close ties with him. However, even these individuals remained outside the true community of Israel, embodying the essence of the Gentiles, while circumcised slaves were regarded as brothers. Additionally, a hireling is defined as a day laborer, who is temporarily engaged in work within a household.