Ark of the Covenant - Bible History Online
Bible History

Schaff's Bible Dictionary


Definitions in Biblical History
 

A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    X    Y    Z   



Who is Alliance?
        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.


Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'alliance' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
bible-history.com - Schaff's

Copyright Information
© Schaff's Bible Dictionary


Schaff's Bible Dictionary Home
Bible History Online Home

 

Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
Online Bible (KJV)
Naves Topical Bible
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Schaff's Bible Dictionary
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Hitchcock's Bible Dictionary