In the biblical context, the term "allies" refers to individuals, groups, or nations that form partnerships or alliances for mutual benefit, often in times of war or conflict. The concept of alliances is prevalent throughout the Bible, illustrating both the potential benefits and pitfalls of such relationships.

Old Testament Alliances

1. Abraham and the Amorites: One of the earliest examples of an alliance is found in Genesis 14, where Abraham allies with Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner, who are Amorites. These allies assist Abraham in rescuing his nephew Lot from the coalition of kings who had taken him captive. This alliance demonstrates the importance of mutual support and loyalty among allies. Genesis 14:13 states, "Then a fugitive came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram."

2. Israel and Gibeon: In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites deceive Israel into forming an alliance by pretending to be from a distant land. Despite the deception, the Israelites honor their covenant with the Gibeonites, illustrating the importance of keeping one's word even when alliances are formed under false pretenses. Joshua 9:15 records, "And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them."

3. Judah and Assyria: King Ahaz of Judah sought an alliance with Assyria to protect his kingdom from the threat of Israel and Aram. This alliance, however, led to negative consequences, as it resulted in Judah's increased dependence on Assyria and eventual subjugation. 2 Kings 16:7 states, "So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.'"

New Testament Alliances

1. Herod and Pilate: In the New Testament, an unlikely alliance is formed between Herod Antipas and Pontius Pilate during the trial of Jesus. Though previously at odds, their shared involvement in the trial led to a reconciliation. Luke 23:12 notes, "That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies."

2. Paul and Fellow Workers: The Apostle Paul frequently mentions his fellow workers and allies in the spread of the Gospel. These alliances were crucial for the early church's growth and the dissemination of Christian teachings. In Romans 16, Paul greets numerous individuals who were his allies in ministry, highlighting the importance of collaboration and support among believers.

Theological Implications

Alliances in the Bible often serve as a reflection of human relationships with God and each other. They can be seen as a metaphor for the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing faithfulness, trust, and mutual support. However, the Bible also warns against forming alliances that lead to compromise or idolatry, as seen in the alliances with foreign nations that often led Israel astray.

The biblical narrative encourages discernment in forming alliances, urging believers to seek God's guidance and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This underscores the importance of aligning oneself with God's will in all relationships and partnerships.(n.) Plural of Ally.2266. chabar -- to unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell ...
... be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charm NASB Word Usage alliance is made
(1), allied (4), attached (1), attaching (1), came as allies (1), caster (1 ...
/hebrew/2266.htm - 6k

1167. baal -- owner, lord
... Word Origin from baal Definition owner, lord NASB Word Usage allies* (1), archers*
(1), bird* (1), bound (1), bridegroom (1), captain (1), case* (1), charmer ...
/hebrew/1167.htm - 6k

1285. berith -- a covenant
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a covenant NASB Word Usage allied (1),
allies* (1), covenant (275), covenants (1), El-berith* (1), league (2 ...
/hebrew/1285.htm - 6k

The Allies of the Tempter.
... DISCOURSE VI. THE ALLIES OF THE TEMPTER. THE ALLIES OF THE TEMPTER. He
that is not with me is against me."Matthew 12:30. One of ...
/.../chapin/humanity in the city/discourse vi the allies of.htm

Calamities of the Barbarians who had Been the Usurper John's ...
... Book VII. Chapter XLIII."Calamities of the Barbarians who had been the
Usurper John's Allies. After the death of the usurper, the ...
/.../chapter xliii calamities of the barbarians.htm

The Formation of Christendom, Volume VI
... Title Page. THE HOLY SEE AND THE WANDERING OF THE NATIONS FROM ST. LEO I.
TO ST. GREGORY I. by. THOMAS W. ALLIES, KCSG. Author of the ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/title page.htm

Selection
... By MARY H. ALLIES, authoress of "Leaves from St. John Chrysostom," &c. MENOLOGY
OF ENGLAND AND WALES. ... ALLIES, TW (KCSG). Formation of Christendom. Vols. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/selection.htm

The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations.
... Visigoths accepted the Roman supremacy, and the engagement to supply 40,000 men
for the service of the empire, upon the terms of occupying, as allies free of ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter i the holy see.htm

The Formation of Christendom, Volume VI
The Formation of Christendom, Volume VI. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/

The Letters of the Popes as Sources of History.
The Formation of Christendom, Volume VI. <. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/the letters of the popes.htm

Table of Contents.
The Formation of Christendom, Volume VI. <. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/table of contents.htm

Caesar Fell Down.
The Formation of Christendom, Volume VI. <. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter ii caesar fell down.htm

Peter Stood Up.
The Formation of Christendom, Volume VI. <. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iii peter stood up.htm

Allies (13 Occurrences)
...Allies (13 Occurrences). ... Now he lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother
of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and these were allies of Abram. ...
/a/allies.htm - 10k

Amraphel (2 Occurrences)
... Previous to this engagement, however, the Elamites and their allies had attacked
the Rephaim (Onkelos: "giants") in Ashtaroth-karnaim, the Zuzim (O: "mighty ...
/a/amraphel.htm - 12k

Pekah (11 Occurrences)
... 3. Judah Recalcitrant: While the plans of the allies were in course of formation,
an obstacle was met with which proved insurmountable by the arts of diplomacy ...
/p/pekah.htm - 19k

Allied (13 Occurrences)
... and declareth to Abram the Hebrew, and he is dwelling among the oaks of Mamre the
Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner, and they 'are' Abram's allies...
/a/allied.htm - 11k

Joram (26 Occurrences)
... Jehoram was entertained at Jerusalem (Josephus, Ant, IX, ii i, 1). The allies marched
against Moab by the longer route, around the southern end of the Dead Sea ...
/j/joram.htm - 27k

Jehoram (27 Occurrences)
... Jehoram was entertained at Jerusalem (Josephus, Ant, IX, ii i, 1). The allies marched
against Moab by the longer route, around the southern end of the Dead Sea ...
/j/jehoram.htm - 30k

Nabathaeans
... Nebaioth is spelled with the Hebrew letter taw ("t") and Nabateans is spelled with
the Hebrew letter teth ("t). They were apparently the first allies of the ...
/n/nabathaeans.htm - 11k

Nabataeans
... Nebaioth is spelled with the Hebrew letter taw ("t") and Nabateans is spelled with
the Hebrew letter teth ("t). They were apparently the first allies of the ...
/n/nabataeans.htm - 11k

Rabbah (14 Occurrences)
... After David had subdued all their allies in a great war, he sent Joab with a strong
force to take their city. For two years it held out against its assailants. ...
/r/rabbah.htm - 19k

Eshcol (6 Occurrences)
... esh'-kol ('eshkol, "cluster"; Eschol): The brother of Mamre and Aner, the Amorite
allies of Abraham who took part with him in the pursuit and defeat of ...
/e/eshcol.htm - 10k

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