Alliance

Alliance in the biblical world referred to formal treaties or covenants between nations, city-states, or individuals, typically ratified by oath and sometimes by sacrifice. The Old Testament records numerous examples: Abraham's covenant with Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner (Gen. 14:13); Israel's inadvertent treaty with the Gibeonites (Josh. 9); and David's standing relationship with Hiram of Tyre. The Mosaic law warned against covenants with the Canaanite nations (Exod. 23:32; Deut. 7:2), foreseeing that such alliances would lead to religious compromise.

The prophets consistently condemned Israel and Judah for seeking military security through alliances with Egypt or Assyria rather than trusting God — a central theme in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. The underlying concern was that reliance on foreign powers represented a practical denial of God's sufficiency as Israel's protector. Paul draws on the concept in 2 Corinthians 6:14's warning against being unequally yoked with unbelievers.