How could a non-Jew become a Jew (8:17)?
To become a Jew meant to accept and obey the entirety of Jewish ceremonial, civil and moral law (Numbers 15:1416). Some of these laws would have been irrelevant in exile due to the lack of a temple or an autonomous government. Many would still apply, however, including circumcision (Exodus 12:48), observance of holy days (Leviticus 16:29) and dietary laws (Leviticus 17:12). The fear of the Jews mentioned here was not fear of Jewish aggression, since the edict only permitted the Jews to protect themselves (8:11). It was more likely an awed recognition that the Jews had been granted divine favor and protection.
