Bible Study: Wrong Alliances

Introduction:

Throughout the Old Testament, we see a recurring theme: God's people making alliances with foreign nations, often to their detriment. This study explores the concept of "wrong alliances," examining the reasons behind them, their consequences, and the underlying spiritual principles involved. We will also look at how pagan nations united against God's people, and the contrast between those alliances and God's covenant.

Key Themes:

• Trust in God vs. Trust in Human Power: The core issue in wrong alliances is a lack of trust in God's provision and protection. Instead, people rely on the perceived strength and resources of foreign powers.

• Spiritual Compromise: Alliances with pagan nations often led to spiritual compromise, as God's people were influenced by foreign gods and practices.

• Disobedience and Consequences: God repeatedly warned against these alliances, and disobedience resulted in negative consequences, including military defeats, captivity, and spiritual decline.

• The Contrast with God's Covenant: God's covenant with Israel was meant to be their source of security and identity. Wrong alliances represented a rejection of this covenant and a turning away from God.

• Pagan Unity against God's people: The pagan nations also united against Gods people, showing a spiritual battle.

Key Passages and Examples:

1. Examples of God’s people seeking wrong alliances:

• 1 Kings 15:19: Asa, king of Judah, makes an alliance with Ben-hadad, king of Syria, instead of relying on God to defeat Baasha, king of Israel. This showed a lack of faith.

• 2 Chronicles 18:1: Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, allies himself with Ahab, king of Israel, a notoriously wicked king. This alliance led to Jehoshaphat nearly losing his life in battle.

• 2 Chronicles 20:35: Jehoshaphat again makes a wrong alliance, this time with Ahaziah, king of Israel, for shipbuilding. This alliance was condemned by a prophet, and the ships were wrecked.

• Isaiah 30:2: God rebukes Israel for seeking help from Egypt instead of trusting in Him.

• Isaiah 31:1: Similar to Isaiah 30, this passage condemns reliance on Egypt's horses and chariots instead of God.

• Jeremiah 2:25: God condemns Judah for turning to other nations for help, likening it to thirsting and turning to broken cisterns.

• Hosea 12:1: Ephraim (Israel) is condemned for making alliances with Assyria and Egypt, showing their instability and lack of trust in God.

2. Examples of pagan nations uniting against God’s people:

• Joshua 9:2: The kings of Canaan unite against Joshua and Israel.

• Joshua 10:5, 33: The Amorite kings unite to fight against Gibeon, which had made a treaty with Joshua.

• Joshua 11:5: The kings of northern Canaan gather to fight against Joshua.

• Judges 3:13: The Ammonites and Amalekites unite to oppress Israel.

• Psalm 2:2: Kings and rulers gather against the Lord and His anointed.

• Psalm 56:6: The Psalmist describes enemies gathering to plot against him.

• Psalm 83:5: Various nations conspire to destroy Israel.

• Micah 4:11: Many nations gather against Zion, desiring to see her destroyed.

Spiritual Principles:

• Trust in God is paramount: God desires His people to rely on Him for protection and provision.

• Wrong alliances lead to spiritual compromise: Mixing with the world often dilutes faith and leads to idolatry.

• Obedience is better than reliance on human strength: God's ways are higher than human wisdom.

• Spiritual warfare is real: The unity of pagan nations against God's people illustrates the spiritual battle against God's purposes.

• God is sovereign: Even when nations unite against Him, God's ultimate plan will prevail.

Practical Application:

• Examine your own alliances: Are you relying on God or on human connections for security and provision?

• Be wary of spiritual compromise: Guard your heart against the influence of the world.

• Trust in God's promises: Remember that God is faithful to protect and provide for those who trust in Him.

• Recognize the spiritual battle: Be aware of the forces that oppose God's kingdom.

• Seek God's guidance in all relationships: Pray for discernment in forming alliances and partnerships.

• Remember that God is greater than any earthly power: Do not fear the unity of those who oppose God.

Conclusion:

The biblical examples of wrong alliances serve as a warning against placing trust in human power and worldly connections. God desires His people to rely on Him alone. By trusting in God and remaining faithful to His covenant, we can avoid the pitfalls of wrong alliances and experience His abundant blessings.

Bible Study: Wrong Alliances