Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, an alliance refers to a formal agreement or covenant between two or more parties, often nations or tribes, to cooperate for mutual benefit. Alliances in the Bible can be seen as both political and spiritual in nature, with significant implications for the people involved.
Old Testament Alliances1.
Abrahamic Covenant: One of the earliest alliances in the Bible is the covenant God made with Abraham. This divine alliance promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation, and through him, all nations would be blessed (
Genesis 12:1-3). This covenant was foundational for the Israelites and set the stage for future alliances.
2.
Israel and Foreign Nations: The Israelites were often cautioned against forming alliances with surrounding pagan nations. In
Deuteronomy 7:2, God commanded Israel to make no covenants with the inhabitants of the Promised Land, warning that such alliances could lead them astray from worshiping Him. Despite this, Israel sometimes sought alliances for military or political reasons, such as the alliance between King Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, for the construction of the Temple (
1 Kings 5:1-12).
3.
Judah and Assyria: King Ahaz of Judah formed an alliance with Assyria to protect his kingdom from the threat of Israel and Syria. This alliance, however, led to negative consequences, as it demonstrated a lack of trust in God's protection (
2 Kings 16:7-9).
New Testament Alliances1.
The Early Church: In the New Testament, the concept of alliance shifts from political to spiritual. The early church formed a spiritual alliance through the unity of believers in Christ. This is seen in the communal life of the early Christians, who shared their possessions and supported one another (
Acts 2:44-47).
2.
Paul's Teachings: The Apostle Paul warned against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers, which can be interpreted as a caution against forming alliances that compromise one's faith (
2 Corinthians 6:14). This teaching emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and purity in relationships and partnerships.
Theological ImplicationsAlliances in the Bible often reflect the tension between reliance on human strength and trust in divine provision. While political alliances can offer temporary security, the biblical narrative consistently points to the ultimate security found in a covenant relationship with God. The Israelites' history serves as a reminder of the dangers of compromising faith for political gain, while the New Testament encourages believers to form alliances that strengthen their spiritual walk and witness.
Key Verses·
Genesis 12:1-3: "The LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.'"
·
Deuteronomy 7:2: "And when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy."
·
2 Corinthians 6:14: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?"
In summary, alliances in the Bible serve as a powerful reminder of the need for discernment and faithfulness in relationships, both political and spiritual.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A treaty between nations, or between individuals, for their mutual advantage.
Abraham formed an alliance with some of the Canaanitish princes (Genesis 14:13), also with Abimelech (21:22-32). Joshua and the elders of Israel entered into an alliance with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:3-27). When the Israelites entered Palestine they were forbidden to enter into alliances with the inhabitants of the country (Leviticus 18:3, 4;20:22, 23).
Solomon formed a league with Hiram (1 Kings 5:12). This "brotherly covenant" is referred to 250 years afterwards (Amos 1:9). He also appears to have entered into an alliance with Pharaoh (1 Kings 10:28, 29).
In the subsequent history of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel various alliances were formed between them and also with neighbouring nations at different times.
From patriarchal times a covenant of alliance was sealed by the blood of some sacrificial victim. The animal sacrificed was cut in two (except birds), and between these two parts the persons contracting the alliance passed (Genesis 15:10). There are frequent allusions to this practice (Jeremiah 34:18). Such alliances were called "covenants of salt" (Numbers 18:19;2 Chronicles 13:5), salt being the symbol of perpetuity. A pillar was set up as a memorial of the alliance between Laban and Jacob (Genesis 31:52). The Jews throughout their whole history attached great importance to fidelity to their engagements. Divine wrath fell upon the violators of them (Joshua 9:18;2 Samuel 21:1, 2;Ezek. 17:16).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A union or connection of interests between families, states, parties, etc., especially between families by marriage and states by compact, treaty, or league; as, matrimonial alliances; an alliance between church and state; an alliance between France and England.
2. (n.) Any union resembling that of families or states; union by relationship in qualities; affinity.
3. (n.) The persons or parties allied.
4. (v. t.) To connect by alliance; to ally.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ALLIANCEa-li'-ans. 1. In the Patriarchal Stories:
Frequent references are made to alliances between the patriarchs and foreigners. Abraham is reported to have had "confederates" among the chiefs of the Canaanites (Genesis 14:13). He also allied with Abimelech, king of Gerar (Genesis 21:22-34). Isaac's alliance with Abimelech (Genesis 26:26-34), which is offered as an explanation of the name Beer-sheba (Genesis 26:33), appears to be a variant of the record of alliance between Abraham and Abimelech. Jacob formed an alliance with Laban, the Syrian (Genesis 31:44-54), by which Gilead was established as a boundary line between Israel and Aramaic. These treaties refer, in all probability, to the early period of Israel's history, and throw a good deal of light upon the relation between Israel and the Philistines and the Syrians immediately after the conquest of Canaan.
2. In Pre-Canaanitic History:
The only reference to an alliance between Israel and foreign people prior to the conquest of Canaan, that might be regarded as historical, is that made between Israel and the Kenite tribes at the foot of Sinai, the precise nature of which, however, is not very clearly indicated. Such alliances led to intermarriages between the members of the allied tribes. Thus Moses married a Kenite woman (Judges 1:16;Judges 4:11). The patriarchal marriages refer to the existing conditions after the conquest. Possibly one more alliance belonging to that period is that between Israel and Moab (Numbers 25:1-3). According to the narrative, Israel became attached to the daughters of Moab, at Shittim, and was led astray after Baal-peor. Its historicity is proven from the prophetic allusions to this event (compareHosea 9:10Micah 6:5).
3. During the Conquest:
The invading hordes of Israel met with strong opposition on the part of the natives of Palestine (Judges 1:21, 27-36). In time, alliances were formed with some of them, which generally led, as might be expected, to considerable trouble. One concrete illustration is preserved in the story of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9). Intermarriages were frequent. The tribe of Judah thus became consolidated through the alliance and the amalgamation with the Kenites and Calebites (Judges 1:10-16). These relations between Israel and the Canaanites threatened the preservation of Yahwism.
4. The Monarchy:
Prohibitory measures were adopted in the legal codes with a view to Jewish separateness and purity (Exodus 23:32;Exodus 34:12, 15Deuteronomy 7:2; compareJudges 2:2, 3Leviticus 18:3, 4;Leviticus 20:22).
But at a very early date in the history of the Jewish kingdom the official heads of the people formed such alliances and intermarried. David became an ally to Achish of Gath (1 Samuel 27:2-12) and later on with Abner, which led to the consolidation of Judah and Israel into one kingdom (2 Samuel 3:17-21;2 Samuel 5:1-3). It appears likewise that Toi, king of Hamath, formed an alliance with David (2 Samuel 9:10) and that Hiram of Tyre was his ally (1 Kings 5:12 a). Alliances wrath foreign nations became essential to the progress of trade and commerce during the reign of Solomon. Two of his treaties are recorded: one with Hiram of Tyre (1 Kings 5:12-18;1 Kings 9:11-14) and one with Pharaoh, king of Egypt (1 Kings 9:16).
5. The Divided Kingdom:
After the disruption, Shishak of Egypt invaded Judea, and probably also Israel. This meant an abrogation of the treaty existing between Israel and Egypt during the reign of Solomon. In consequence of the war between the two kingdoms, Asa formed an alliance with Benhadad of Syria (1 Kings 15:18-20). Later on Ahab sought an alliance with Ben-hadad (1 Kings 20:31-34). Friendly relations ensued between Israel and Judah, during the reign of Jehoshaphat, which continued to the close of the dynasty of Omri (1 Kings 22:2-4, 502 Kings 3:7). With the accession of Jehu, hostilities were resumed. In the Syro-Ephraimitic war, Israel was allied with Syria, and Judah with Assyria (2 Kings 16:6-9Isaiah 7). This opened the way to the Assyrian power into both kingdoms. Relief against Assyria was sought in Egypt; Hoshea rebelled against Shalmaneser, and allied with So (Sevechus, the Shabaka of the 25th Dynasty) and thus brought about the fall of Samaria.
6. The Kingdom of Judah:
Hezekiah likewise sought an alliance with So, but derived no assistance from him. He is recorded to have formed friendly relations with Berodach-baladan of Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-18). These alliances resulted in the introduction of foreign cults into Jerusalem (2 Kings 16:10, 11). During the reign of Manasseh, Yahwism was seriously threatened by foreign religious practices (2 Kings 21:2-9). The protesting spirit against the prevailing conditions found expression in the Deuteronomic code, which emphasizes the national policy. Josiah fought against Pharaoh-necoh as an ally of Assyria (2 Kings 23:29). Jehoahaz continued the Assyrian alliance and was dethroned in consequence by Pharaoh-necoh (2 Kings 23:33). Jehoiakin was disposed to be friendly with Egypt, and even after his subjection to Nebuchadnezzar, he remained loyal to the Pharaoh (2 Kings 23:35). Zedekiah came to the throne as an ally of Babylon. When he broke this alliance, the destruction of Jerusalem resulted (2 Kings 25).
7. In Post-exilic Times:
Judas Maccabeus sought an alliance with the Romans (1 Maccabees 8; Josephus, Ant, XII, x, 6) which was renewed by Jonathan (1 Maccabees 12:1; Ant, XIII, v, 8) and by Simon (1 Maccabees 15:17; Ant, XIII, vii, 3). Treaties were concluded with the Spartans (1 Maccabees 12:2; 14:20; Ant, XII, iv, 10; XIII, v, 8). The Roman alliance was again renewed by Hyrcanus about 128 B.C. (Ant., XIII, ix, 2). This alliance proved to be of fatal consequence to the independence of the Jews (Ant., XIV, iv, 4; and xiv, 5). For the rites connected with the formation of the earlier alliances, see COVENANT.
Samuel Cohon
Greek
4783. sugkatathesis -- a putting down together, ie agreement... Transliteration: sugkatathesis Phonetic Spelling: (soong-kat-ath'-es-is) Short
Definition: assent, agreement Definition: assent, agreement, concord,
alliance.
...Strong's Hebrew
8002. shelem -- a sacrifice foralliance or friendship, peace...... shelem. 8003 . a sacrifice for
alliance or friendship, peace offering.
Transliteration: shelem Phonetic Spelling: (sheh'-lem) Short Definition: offerings.
...2266. chabar -- to unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell...
... root Definition to unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charm NASB
Word Usagealliance is made (1), allied (4), attached (1), attaching (1), came...
2859. chathan -- make oneself a daughter's husband
... make oneself a daughter's husband NASB Word Usage allied himself by marriage (1),
become the son-in-law (4), formed a marriagealliance (1), intermarry (4...
4541a. massekah -- a libation, molten metal or image
... Word Origin from nasak Definition a libation, molten metal or image NASB Word Usage
alliance (1), image (2), molten (5), molten image (8), molten images (9...
7195. qesher -- conspiracy
... confederacy, conspiracy, treason. From qashar; an (unlawful)alliance -- confederacy,
conspiracy, treason. see HEBREW qashar. 7194, 7195. qesher. 7196 ....
3772. karath -- to cut off, cut down
... A primitive root; to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume;
specifically, to covenant (ie Make analliance or bargain, originally...
Library
The Articles of the EvangelicalAlliance.
... EIGHTH CHAPTER. MODERN PROTESTANT CREEDS. 114. The Articles of the Evangelical
Alliance. Literature.... CHARACTER AND AIM OF THEALLIANCE....
The Doctrinal Basis of the EvangelicalAlliance, 1846.
... THE DOCTRINAL BASIS OF THE EVANGELICALALLIANCE, 1846. Adopted at the Organization
of the American Branch of the EvangelicalAlliance, in January, 1867....
Mention of the Heretic Colarbasus;Alliance Between Heresy and the...
... Book IV. Chapter XIII."Mention of the Heretic Colarbasus;Alliance Between
Heresy and the Pythagorean Philosophy. Certain, adhering...
Church Alliances and Federations of Churches.
... They began with theAlliance of the Reformed Churches, which held its first meeting
in Edinburgh, 1876, and are the following: 1. The Baptist WorldAlliance...
Appendix I.
... And then it was not for some years that Cyaxares felt himself strong enough by his
alliance with Nabopolassar for a third Median invasion of Assyria which...
The Harvest of a Godless Life
... 17:10, 11. The original application of these words is to Judah'salliance
with Damascus, which Isaiah was dead against. He saw that...
"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... They realized that help gained through analliance with these men would be as nothing
in comparison with the blessing they might expect to receive by following...
Bands of Love; Or, Union to Christ. "I Drew them with Cords of a...
... union, but never does it display its force so well as when we see it bringing the
Creator into oneness with the creature, the divine intoalliance with the...
The Divided Kingdom.
... reign of Jehoshaphat whose judicial, military and educational or religious reforms
introduce a new and good day in Judah and whose unhappyalliance with Ahab...
The Conquest of Lydia.
... The first measure which he adopted was to form analliance with the most powerful
of the states of Greece, as he had been directed to do by the oracle....
Thesaurus
Alliance (12 Occurrences)... Abraham formed an
alliance with some of the Canaanitish princes (Genesis
14:13), also with Abimelech (21:22-32). Joshua and the
...Benhadad (24 Occurrences)
... BENHADAD II 1. Hadad-'idri of the Monuments 2. Expeditions against Israel 3.Alliance
with Ahab 4. Biblical History Confirmed by the Monuments 5.Alliance...
Lacedaemonians
... with whom the Jews claimed some kinship and formed alliances (1 Maccabees 12:2,
5, 6, 20, 21; 14:20, 23; 15:23; 2 Maccabees 5:9). Thealliance mentioned in 1...
Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences)
... The great mistake of his reign was his entering into analliance with Ahab, the
king of Israel, which involved him in much disgrace, and brought disaster on...
Ahaziah (34 Occurrences)
... 4. His MaritimeAlliance: According to 1 Kings 22:48 Ahaziah attempted to form an
alliance with Jehoshaphat of Judah to revive the ancient maritime traffic...
Jezebel (20 Occurrences)
... This was the "first time that a king of Israel had allied himself by marriage with
a heathen princess; and thealliance was in this case of a peculiarly...
Ahab (85 Occurrences)
... Ahab, recognizing the advantages that would accrue to his kingdom from analliance
with the foremost commercial nation of his time, renewed the old relations...
Macedonia (23 Occurrences)
... In 215 King Philip V, son of Demetrius II and successor of Antigonus Doson
(229-220 BC), formed analliance with Hannibal, who had defeated the Roman forces...
Tyre (59 Occurrences)
... In the time of David a friendlyalliance was entered into between the Hebrews and
the Tyrians, who were long ruled over by their native kings (2 Samuel 5:11; 1...
Asmoneans
... In this hour of hope and fear Judas was led to seek a Romanalliance whose
consummation he never saw. From that day his fortune changed....
Resources
What is the World Evangelical Alliance? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church? | GotQuestions.orgWho was A.W. Tozer? | GotQuestions.orgAlliance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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