What other scriptures warn against forming alliances with ungodly people or practices? Starting Point: Jehoshaphat’s Wake-up Call “Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, ‘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) Jehoshaphat’s mistake—allying with Ahab—sets the stage. Scripture repeats this warning many times, so let’s trace the theme. Warnings Embedded in the Law “You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods.” “When the LORD your God delivers them over to you… you must destroy them totally. Make no covenant with them and show them no mercy. Do not intermarry with them… for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods.” “‘You shall not make a covenant with the people of this land…’ Yet you have disobeyed My voice… They will become thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.” Historical Lessons from Israel’s Kings “They were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, ‘You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.’ Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.” • 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 (Asa’s treaty with Ben-hadad) “Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand.” “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help… They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.” “What will you gain by traveling to Egypt to drink the waters of the Nile? And what will you gain by traveling to Assyria to drink the waters of the Euphrates?” Wisdom Literature on Choosing Companions “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.” “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” “Do not make friends with an angry man… lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” Post-Exile Recommitments “Do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Never seek their peace or prosperity…” “Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women?… Must we hear now that you too are doing all this terrible wickedness?” New Testament: The Call to Separation “Do not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy… With such a man do not even eat.” “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers… ‘Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’” “Do not be partakers with them… Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.” “Do not love the world or anything in the world… the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues.” Key Principles That Surface – Any alliance that weakens obedience to God invites discipline. – The closer the bond (marriage, treaty, business partnership, spiritual fellowship), the greater the danger. – The issue is not isolation but influence—who is shaping whom. – Separation is both negative (refusing corrupt ties) and positive (clinging to the Lord and His people). Takeaway From Moses to the prophets to Paul, Scripture speaks with one voice: partnering with those who reject God always pulls His people off course. The safest place remains wholehearted loyalty to the Lord, trusting Him rather than human strength or worldly approval. |
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