In the context of biblical literature, the term "confederate" generally refers to an alliance or league formed between individuals, tribes, or nations. The concept of confederation is seen throughout the Bible, often highlighting the dynamics of political, military, and spiritual alliances.

Old Testament Context

The idea of confederation is evident in the Old Testament, where various groups formed alliances for mutual benefit, protection, or conquest. One of the earliest examples is found in Genesis 14, where Abraham allies with other local leaders to rescue his nephew Lot. The Berean Standard Bible states, "When Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan" (Genesis 14:14). This passage illustrates the necessity of forming alliances to achieve common goals.

Another significant instance is the confederation of Canaanite kings against the Israelites during the conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 9-11, several Canaanite kings unite to resist the advancing Israelites. Joshua 9:2 notes, "they came together to wage war against Joshua and Israel." This confederation, however, ultimately fails as the Israelites, under God's guidance, defeat the coalition.

Spiritual Implications

The Bible often warns against forming ungodly alliances, emphasizing reliance on God rather than human strength. In Isaiah 8:12 , the prophet cautions, "Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it." This verse underscores the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty rather than seeking security through human confederations.

The account of King Jehoshaphat of Judah provides a cautionary tale about forming alliances with those who do not honor God. In 2 Chronicles 18, Jehoshaphat allies with King Ahab of Israel, which leads to negative consequences. The prophet Jehu rebukes Jehoshaphat, saying, "Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you" (2 Chronicles 19:2).

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "confederate," the concept of spiritual alliances is present. Believers are encouraged to form spiritual bonds with fellow Christians, emphasizing unity in Christ. In Ephesians 4:3 , Paul urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Conversely, the New Testament warns against forming spiritual alliances with unbelievers. In 2 Corinthians 6:14 , Paul advises, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This passage highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and integrity.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of being "confederate" serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing alliances wisely, both in the physical and spiritual realms. The Bible consistently encourages reliance on God and warns against forming alliances that compromise one's faith and values.1. (a.) One who is united with others in a league, treaty, or alliance.

2. (a.) of or pertaining to the government of the eleven Southern States of the United States which (1860-1865) attempted to establish an independent nation styled the Confederate States of America; as, the Confederate congress; Confederate money.

3. (n.) One who is united with others in a league; a person or a nation engaged in a confederacy; an ally; also, an accomplice in a bad sense.

4. (n.) A name designating an adherent to the cause of the States which attempted to withdraw from the Union (1860-1865).

5. (v. t.) To unite in a league or confederacy; to ally.

6. (v. i.) To unite in a league; to join in a mutual contract or covenant; to band together.

CONFEDERATE; CONFEDERACY

kon-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).

As a noun "confederate" occurs in 1 Maccabees 10:16, summachos, "confederates" (1 Maccabees 8:20, 24, 31; 14:40; 15:17).

Confederacy, as a "league," occurs as the translation of berith, "the men of thy confederacy" (Obad 1:7); as a conspiracy it occurs in Isaiah 8:12 twice, as translation of qesher from qashar, "to bind": "Say ye not, a confederate." Compare 2 Samuel 15:12 2 Kings 12:20, etc.

W. L. Walker

5117. nuach -- to rest
... cease, be confederate, lay, let down, be quiet, remain, cause to, be at,.
A primitive root; to rest, ie Settle down; used in a great ...
/hebrew/5117.htm - 7k

1167. baal -- owner, lord
... 1), wrathful* (1). archer, babbler, bird, captain, chief man, confederate,
have to do, dreamer,. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband ...
/hebrew/1167.htm - 6k

1285. berith -- a covenant
... 1), El-berith* (1), league (2), treaty (4). confederacy, confederate, covenant,
league. From barah (in the sense of cutting (like ...
/hebrew/1285.htm - 6k

This Action is Yours, My Brother, Yours Alone. It is Clear that no ...
... It is clear that no one in the church has been your companion or confederate
in it, but only that Barabbas whom you mention so frequently. ...
/.../37 this action is yours.htm

Mr. Beecher in England
... The feeling on both sides was intensified by the "Trent Affair." Two Confederate
envoys, sent to Europe to secure the recognition of the Confederacy, were ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/mr beecher in england.htm

After the War.
... of the Protestant Episcopal Church, following the principles and precedents of 1789,
organized themselves into a "Church in the Confederate States." One of the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xx after the war.htm

Psalm 60. 1-5 10-12. On a Day of Humiliation for Disappointments ...
... to shame. 5 Go with our armies to the fight, Like a confederate God; In
vain confederate powers unite Against thy lifted rod. 6 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms of david/psalm 60 5-jan 10-12 on.htm

We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ...
... 11. There we learn that the land of Shinar is mentioned as the place where
men first united in confederate action against God. God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/we arrive now at a.htm

How Trypho after He had Beaten Demetrius Delivered the Kingdom to ...
... this defeat, retired into Cilicia; but the child Antiochus sent ambassadors and
an epistle to Jonathan, and made him his friend and confederate, and confirmed ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how trypho after.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... when he came to him, and that now he was willing to make him this requital for his
favors, and to avenge himself upon Saul, and so was become his confederate. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... In this emergency Ahaz, instead of seeking help from Jehovah, had hired
the Assyrians to defend him against the confederate forces. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Christ Teaching Liberality
... and the Soldier." In one of the terrible battles in Virginia, during the late war,
a Union officer fell wounded in front of the Confederate breastwork, which ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

The Fourth Season,
... If Syria be confederate with Ephraim, how do the hearts of the house of David shake,
even as the trees of the wood which are shaken with the wind. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iv the fourth season.htm

Confederate (3 Occurrences)
... government of the eleven Southern States of the United States which (1860-1865)
attempted to establish an independent nation styled the Confederate States of ...
/c/confederate.htm - 9k

Confederacy (2 Occurrences)
... See Conspiracy. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONFEDERATE; CONFEDERACY.
kon-fed'-er-at, kon-fed'-er-a-si: "Confederate" as an ...
/c/confederacy.htm - 8k

Associate (20 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To join with one, as a friend, companion, partner, or confederate; as,
to associate others with us in business, or in an enterprise. ...
/a/associate.htm - 14k

League (20 Occurrences)
... political interests, etc. 4. (vi) To unite in a league or confederacy;
to combine for mutual support; to confederate. 5. (vt) To ...
/l/league.htm - 14k

Gibeon (39 Occurrences)
... fenced cities. The five confederate kings who led the army were taken
prisoners, and put to death at Makkedah (qv). This eventful ...
/g/gibeon.htm - 31k

Geshem (5 Occurrences)
... Palestine during the exile in Babylon, or had been settled in or near Samaria by
Sargon (Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 6:1, 2, 6). He was a confederate of Sanballat ...
/g/geshem.htm - 9k

Terebinths (12 Occurrences)
... and told Abram the Hebrew: now he dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, brother
of Eshcol, and brother of Aner; and these were confederate with Abram. ...
/t/terebinths.htm - 10k

Damascus (58 Occurrences)
... It is first mentioned in Scripture in connection with Abraham's victory over
the confederate kings under Chedorlaomer (Genesis 14:15). ...
/d/damascus.htm - 45k

Band (150 Occurrences)
... 17. (vt) To unite in a troop, company, or confederacy. 18. (vi) To confederate
for some common purpose; to unite; to conspire together. 19. ...
/b/band.htm - 50k

Conjure (2 Occurrences)
... to implore earnestly; to adjure. 2. (vi) To combine together by an oath;
to conspire; to confederate. 3. (vt) To affect or effect ...
/c/conjure.htm - 7k

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