Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "confederacy" refers to an alliance or league formed between groups or nations for a common purpose. This concept is seen throughout the Scriptures, where various peoples and nations form alliances for military, political, or economic reasons. The idea of a confederacy is often associated with both positive and negative connotations, depending on the nature and purpose of the alliance.Old Testament References 1. Genesis 14:1-16: One of the earliest examples of a confederacy in the Bible is found in the account of the War of the Kings. Four kings, led by Chedorlaomer, formed a confederacy to wage war against five other kings in the region of the Dead Sea. This alliance was ultimately defeated by Abram (later Abraham), who rescued his nephew Lot. This narrative illustrates the use of confederacies for military purposes and highlights the role of divine intervention in the affairs of men. 2. Joshua 9:1-15: The Gibeonites, fearing the Israelites, formed a deceptive confederacy by pretending to be from a distant land to secure a peace treaty with Joshua. This alliance, though based on deceit, was honored by the Israelites due to their oath before God. This passage underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance before entering into alliances. 3. Isaiah 8:12: The prophet Isaiah warns against forming confederacies with those who do not trust in the Lord. "Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it." This admonition serves as a reminder to rely on God rather than human alliances for security and guidance. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly mention confederacies in the same manner as the Old Testament, the concept of alliances and unity is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The early church is encouraged to form a spiritual confederacy, united in faith and purpose. 1. Acts 4:32: The early believers are described as being "of one heart and soul," sharing everything they had. This spiritual unity reflects a positive form of confederacy, where the common purpose is the advancement of the Gospel and the support of one another. 2. 2 Corinthians 6:14: Paul advises believers not to be "unequally yoked with unbelievers," which can be interpreted as a warning against forming alliances that compromise one's faith. This principle can be applied to the idea of confederacies, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment in forming partnerships. Theological Implications The concept of confederacy in the Bible often serves as a test of faith and obedience to God. Alliances formed without seeking divine guidance can lead to negative consequences, as seen in the history of Israel and Judah. Conversely, when alliances are formed with a focus on God's will and purpose, they can lead to blessings and the fulfillment of divine promises. In summary, the biblical perspective on confederacies highlights the importance of aligning with God's purposes and seeking His guidance in forming alliances. Whether in the context of ancient Israel or the early church, the underlying principle remains the same: trust in the Lord and seek His wisdom in all endeavors. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A league or compact between two or more persons or states; an alliance.2. (n.) The persons, bodies, states, or nations united by a league; a confederation. 3. (n.) A combination of two or more persons to commit an unlawful act, or to do a lawful act by unlawful means. See Conspiracy. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CONFEDERATE; CONFEDERACYkon-fed'-er-at, kon-fed'-er-a-si: "Confederate" as an adjective in the sense of united or leagued is twice the translation of berith "covenant," in several instances translated "league" (Genesis 14:13, ba`al berith, "lord or master of a covenant," "an ally,") "these were confederate with Abram"; compare Psalm 83:5; once of nuach, "to rest," "Syria is confederate with Ephraim" (Isaiah 7:2, the Revised Version, margin "resteth on Ephraim"; also 1 Maccabees 10:47). Strong's Hebrew 7195. qesher -- conspiracy... confederacy, conspiracy, treason. From qashar; an (unlawful) alliance -- confederacy, conspiracy, treason. see HEBREW qashar. 7194, 7195. qesher. 7196 . ... /hebrew/7195.htm - 6k 1285. berith -- a covenant Library The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth" Mr. Beecher in England That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ... The Complement of Genesis. The Cambridge Platform and the Half-Way Covenant Sermon at the Faribault Celebration of the Centennial of the ... Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution ... The Fort Sumter Expedition Let us Pass on Now to Theatrical Exhibitions, which we have ... Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's ... Thesaurus Confederacy (2 Occurrences)... See Conspiracy. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONFEDERATE; CONFEDERACY. ... WL Walker. Multi-Version Concordance Confederacy (2 Occurrences). ... /c/confederacy.htm - 8k Confederate (3 Occurrences) League (20 Occurrences) Conspiracy (17 Occurrences) Fearful (73 Occurrences) Judah (802 Occurrences) Neapolis (1 Occurrence) Uzziah (27 Occurrences) Jabin (8 Occurrences) Jobab (9 Occurrences) Resources What is the Revived Roman Empire? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible prophesy a one-world government and a one-world currency in the end times? | GotQuestions.org Does China have a role in the end times? | GotQuestions.org Confederacy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Confederacy (2 Occurrences)Isaiah 8:12 Obadiah 1:7 Subtopics Related Terms |