What other biblical instances show consequences of alliances with foreign nations? Setting the Scene: 2 Kings 17:3 “Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against him, and Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute.” Hoshea’s tribute-based alliance with Assyria did not spare Israel; the nation soon fell and was exiled (17:5-6). Scripture repeatedly shows this same pattern: partnering with foreign powers rather than trusting the Lord brings painful consequences. Early Cautionary Tale: The Gibeonite Treaty • Joshua 9:14-15 — Israel “did not consult the LORD” and swore peace with the Gibeonites. • Consequence: Israel was bound to protect them (10:6-10) and lived with the burden of an oath that violated God’s command to drive out the nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-2). Centuries later Saul’s breach of that oath brought famine (2 Samuel 21:1-2). Solomon’s Foreign Marriages • 1 Kings 11:1-2 — “King Solomon loved many foreign women… ‘You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.’” • Consequence: “His heart was not fully devoted to the LORD” (v.4). The kingdom was torn from his son (v.11-13). King Asa’s Pact with Aram • 2 Chron 16:2-3 — Asa sent silver and gold to Ben-hadad of Aram to break Aram’s treaty with Israel. • Consequence: Hanani rebuked him: “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD… from now on you will have wars.” (vv.7-9). Asa fell into disease and died bitter (vv.12-13). Jehoshaphat’s Alliance with Ahab • 2 Chron 18:1 — Jehoshaphat “made an alliance by marriage with Ahab.” • Consequence: He barely escaped death at Ramoth-gilead (18:31). On returning home, the prophet Jehu said, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, wrath has come upon you.” (19:2). Later, his joint shipping venture with Ahab’s son was wrecked (20:35-37). Ahaz Seeks Assyrian Help • 2 Kings 16:7-8 — Ahaz sent treasures to Tiglath-Pileser III: “I am your servant and your son.” • Consequence: Assyria oppressed Judah, and Ahaz introduced pagan altar patterns he saw in Damascus (vv.10-18), deepening Judah’s idolatry. Hezekiah Shows Off to Babylon • 2 Kings 20:13 — Hezekiah displayed “all that was in his treasuries.” • Consequence: Isaiah foretold exile: “Nothing will be left… And some of your descendants will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” (vv.17-18). Israel Turns to Egypt • Isaiah 30:1-3 — “Woe to the rebellious children… who set out to go down to Egypt without consulting Me… Egypt’s protection will become your shame.” • Isaiah 31:1, 3 — “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… The Egyptians are men, not God.” • Hosea 7:11 — “Ephraim has called to Egypt; they have gone to Assyria.” • Consequence: Trusting Egypt or Assyria brought disgrace and captivity instead of deliverance. Recurring Lesson in the Prophets • Jeremiah 2:18 — “Now what have you to gain by traveling to Egypt… or to Assyria?” • Ezekiel 16:26-28 — Jerusalem’s political “harlotry” with Egypt, Assyria, and Chaldea only multiplied her shame. • Haggai 2:17 — “I struck you… yet you did not turn to Me,” a summary of covenant curses for misplaced trust. Key Takeaways • Alliances formed without seeking the Lord lead to bondage, idolatry, or judgment. • Prosperity gained through foreign partnerships is temporary; the spiritual cost is lasting. • God repeatedly calls His people to rely on His covenant faithfulness rather than political or military leverage. Walking Forward The accounts above invite modern readers to examine where they place their security and to cultivate wholehearted trust in the Lord alone. |
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