alliance Summary and Overview

a treaty between nations, or between individuals, for their mutual advantage. Abraham formed an alliance with some of the Canaanite princes (Gen. 14:13), also with Abimelech (21:22-32). Joshua and the elders of Israel entered into an alliance with the Gibeonites (Josh. 9:3-27). When the Israelites entered Israel they were forbidden to enter into alliances with the inhabitants of the country (Lev. 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 (Gen. 15:10). There are frequent allusions to this practice (Jer. 34:18). Such alliances were called "covenants of salt" (Num. 18:19; 2 Chr. 13:5), salt being the symbol of perpetuity. A pillar was set up as a memorial of the alliance between Laban and Jacob (Gen. 31:52). The Jews throughout their whole history attached great importance to fidelity to their engagements. Divine wrath fell upon the violators of them (Josh. 9:18; 2 Sam. 21:1, 2; Ezek. 17:16).

ALLI'ANCE . The Jews were in intention a peculiar people, designed to live apart from all other nations. But they frustrated this design, and leagued themselves in offensive and defensive treaties with the surrounding governments. We know so little of the details of these affairs that we cannot always be sure just when they took place. But it is noticeable that the decay of the Jewish state in purity is synchronous with a desire to receive outside help. They left God for man. Before the state arose, alliances were indeed formed by the patriarchs, Gen 21:27-32; Gen 26 : 28, 29 ; Gen 31:44-54, but they were of very limited extent. When the Israelites invaded Palestine they were forbidden to ally themselves with the inhabitants, but the Gibeonites fraudulently made a treaty with them, to which Israel abode faithful. Josh 9. David and Solomon made an alliance with Tyre, 2 Sam 5:11; 1 Kgs 5:1-12, but it was for pacific ends. When, however, the disruption took place, both Judah and Israel looked to neighboring states for assistance in their "intestine internecine wars." By means of these foreigners idolatry was introduced, the national purity eventually destroyed, and the anger of God thus excited. Alliances were made by an oath between the parties, who in solemn fashion passed between the parts of an equally divided victim. Gen 15:10; Jer 34:18-20. A feast followed. Gen 26:30 ; 2 Sam 3:20. Salt, symbol of fidelity to this day in the East, was used; hence the phrase "covenant of salt." Num 18:19 ; 2 Chr 13:5. Once made, these alliances must not be broken. Josh 9:18; the punishment for so doing was severe. 2 Sam 21:1 ;Eze 17:16.