What does the Bible say about alliances?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns God’s people not to form alliances that compromise faithful trust in him, especially partnerships that invite idolatry, injustice, or reliance on worldly power. Exodus 23:32-33 and Exodus 34:12-15 forbid covenants with the Canaanites because such ties would ensnare Israel in false worship; Deuteronomy 7:2 and Judges 2:2 repeat this covenantal warning. The rebukes of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 19:2 and 20:37 show that even politically useful alliances may dishonor God when they join the righteous to the wicked. Isaiah 8:12 and Isaiah 30:2 call believers away from fearful conspiracies and foreign protection, urging confidence in the Lord’s counsel and strength.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- POLITICAL
- With idolaters forbidden Exodus 23:32; Exodus 23:33; Exodus 34:12-15; Deuteronomy 7:2; Judges 2:2; 2 Chronicles 19:2; 2 Chronicles 20:37; Isaiah 8:11; Isaiah 8:12; Isaiah 30:2; Isaiah 31:1; Hosea 4:17
- Ratification of
- By oaths Genesis 21:23; Genesis 26:28-31; Joshua 9:15-20; 1 Samuel 20:16; 1 Samuel 20:17
- By giving the hand Lamentations 5:6
- See COVENANTS
- See TREATY
- INSTANCES OF
- Between Abraham and Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner Genesis 14:13
- Abraham and Abimelech Genesis 21:22-32
- Isaac and Abimelech Genesis 26:26-31
- Canaanitish nations against Israel Joshua 9:1; Joshua 9:2
- Joshua and the Gibeonites Joshua 9
- Moabites, Amalekites, and Ammonites Judges 3:12; Judges 3:13
- Solomon and Hiram 1 Kings 5:12; Amos 1:9
- Asa and Benhadad 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Kings 15:19; 2 Chronicles 16:3
- Jehoshaphat and Ahab 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18:1
- Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah 2 Chronicles 20:35
- Ahaz and Tiglath 2 Kings 16:7; 2 Kings 16:8; 2 Chronicles 28:16; 2 Chronicles 28:21
- Rezin and Pekah 2 Kings 16:5
- Zedekiah and Pharaoh Jeremiah 37:1-8; Ezekiel 17:15-17
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