In the biblical narrative, the concept of forming alliances or maintaining society with the enemies of God is a recurring theme that often leads to spiritual and moral compromise. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that warn against such associations and offer means of preservation from them.

Biblical Warnings Against Alliances

The Bible consistently warns the people of God against forming alliances with those who do not share their faith and values. In the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to remain separate from the pagan nations surrounding them. In Deuteronomy 7:2-4 , God instructs, "And when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods."

The consequences of ignoring this command are illustrated in the account of Solomon, whose alliances through marriage led him to idolatry (1 Kings 11:1-4). Similarly, King Jehoshaphat's alliance with King Ahab of Israel resulted in negative consequences for Judah (2 Chronicles 18:1-3).

Means of Preservation

1. Obedience to God's Commands: The primary means of preservation from harmful alliances is obedience to God's commands. The Israelites were repeatedly reminded to adhere to God's laws and statutes to avoid the influence of pagan nations (Deuteronomy 6:1-3).

2. Discernment and Wisdom: Believers are called to exercise discernment and wisdom in their relationships. Proverbs 13:20 states, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This principle encourages believers to seek relationships that foster spiritual growth and wisdom.

3. Separation from Worldly Influences: The New Testament echoes the call for separation from worldly influences. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 , Paul writes, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?... Therefore, 'Come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord."

4. Prayer and Dependence on God: Prayer is a vital means of seeking God's guidance and strength to resist forming alliances with those who oppose His ways. Jesus taught His disciples to pray for deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13).

5. Community and Accountability: Engaging in a community of believers provides support and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as some have made a habit, but encouraging one another."

6. Renewal of the Mind: Romans 12:2 advises believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation helps believers discern God's will and avoid alliances that lead away from Him.

Historical Examples

Throughout history, the Church has faced challenges in maintaining purity and faithfulness amidst external pressures. The early Christians, for instance, were often tempted to conform to Roman societal norms but were called to stand firm in their faith (1 Peter 2:11-12).

In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance and means of preservation from forming alliances with the enemies of God. Through obedience, discernment, prayer, community, and the renewal of the mind, believers are equipped to maintain their faith and integrity in a world that often opposes God's ways.Proverbs 2:10-20
When wisdom enters into your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 19:27
Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causes to err from the words of knowledge.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Epistles of St. Paul
... he had found analogues of it in every society and in ... not that of God's people, wronged
by their enemies, and entitled ... is, What is the means which God takes to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 3 the epistles of.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... il daigne nous honnorer de cette doulce alliance paternelle, it ... are to maintain the
moral order of society. ... attitude of Christians towards their enemies in the ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

Progress of Calvinism
... as he did that it was a society complete in ... enter into treasonable relations with
foreign enemies, and to ... they attempted to negotiate an alliance with England. ...
/.../chapter iii progress of calvinism.htm

Religion and Amusement.
... They are the friends, not the enemies of religion. ... religion has not such strong alliance
with the ... their comfortless boarding-houses; some society besides their ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/religion and amusement.htm

The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
... He became man, Hilary says, in order that we might believe Him;"to be a Witness
from among us to the things of God, and by means of weak flesh to proclaim ...
/.../chapter ii the theology of st.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... and be cordially happy in their society and fellowship ... of the infidel and the reproach
of common enemies? ... and officers of state into a nearer alliance with each ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... Heathenism lingered as a force in society longer in the ... toward theurgy and magic,
and an alliance with polytheism ... us without our will: as if God could impose ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

The Westminster Assembly.
... One of his royalist enemies called him 'the Geneva ... nations in a civil and religious
alliance for the ... prayers and sermons, their austerity in society, dress and ...
/.../ 93 the westminster assembly.htm

General Index.
... condition of society in, after rejection of Christ, 28. ... Jewish church, alliance of,
with heathen, 382. ... persecution of, by enemies, 592, 607-610, 626, 627; by ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

The Counter-Reformation
... orders, especially the establishment of the Society of Jesus ... of Spain, and concluded
an alliance with France ... were rejected, the arms of its enemies were weakened ...
/.../chapter iv the counter-reformation.htm

Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Jehoshaphat in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Alliance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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