What does the Bible say about alliances?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns God’s people not to form alliances that compromise exclusive trust in him, obedience to his Word, or worship of his name. In Exodus 23:32-33 and Exodus 34:12-15, Israel is forbidden to covenant with the Canaanites lest idolatry become a snare. Deuteronomy 7:2 and Judges 2:2 show that such disobedience brought spiritual ruin. Jehoshaphat’s partnerships with wicked rulers drew prophetic rebuke and failure in 2 Chronicles 19:2 and 20:37. Isaiah 8:11-12 and Isaiah 30:2 teach believers not to share the world’s fears or seek security through ungodly powers. Christians may cooperate wisely in ordinary matters, but must never sacrifice fidelity to Christ for protection, prosperity, or influence.
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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