In the context of the Bible, the term "confederates" refers to groups or nations that form alliances or partnerships, often for military or political purposes. The concept of confederation is seen throughout the Scriptures, where various tribes, nations, or groups come together for mutual benefit or to achieve a common goal. These alliances can be seen as either positive or negative, depending on their purpose and the parties involved.

Old Testament References

One of the earliest examples of confederation in the Bible is found in Genesis 14, where Abraham allies with other local leaders to rescue his nephew Lot. In Genesis 14:13, it is noted, "Then a fugitive came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were confederates with Abram." This alliance was formed to combat the invading kings and demonstrates a positive use of confederation for the protection and recovery of family and property.

In Joshua 9, the Gibeonites deceive Israel into forming a covenant with them, fearing the Israelites' conquests in Canaan. Joshua 9:15 states, "And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them." This confederation, although based on deception, shows the strategic use of alliances for survival.

The Psalms also mention confederates in the context of opposition to God's people. Psalm 83:5-8 describes a coalition of nations conspiring against Israel: "For with one mind they plot together, they form an alliance against You—the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, Philistia with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot." This passage highlights the threat posed by confederate enemies and the need for divine intervention.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "confederates," the concept of alliances and partnerships is present. The early church faced opposition from various groups, and the apostles often had to navigate complex political and social landscapes. In Acts 4:27, the early Christians recognize the confederation of Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel against Jesus: "In fact, in this city Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of confederates in the Bible underscores the importance of discernment in forming alliances. While some confederations can lead to protection and mutual benefit, others can result in compromise or opposition to God's purposes. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in their relationships and partnerships, ensuring that their alliances align with His will and purposes.

The Bible also emphasizes the ultimate futility of confederations that oppose God's plans. Isaiah 8:9-10 warns, "Raise the war cry, O nations, and be shattered; listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be broken; prepare for battle, and be dismayed. Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us." This passage reassures believers of God's sovereignty and the ultimate victory of His purposes, regardless of earthly alliances.

The Jews Become Confederates with Caesar when He Fought against ...
... From The Death Of Queen Alexandra To The Death Of Antigonus. CHAPTER 8. The Jews
Become Confederates With Caesar When He Fought Against Egypt. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the jews become.htm

Herod Ejects Antigonus, the Son of Aristobulus Out of Judea, and ...
... We therefore make that peace which God hath given us common to our confederates
also, insomuch that the body of Asia is now recovered out of that distemper it ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 herod ejects antigonus.htm

The Accession of Darius.
... Confusion at Susa."No heir to the throne."Five days' interregnum."Provisional
government."Consultation of the confederates."Otanes in favor of a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter iv the accession of.htm

The Honors that were Paid the Jews; and the Leagues that were Made ...
... Jews, and have the high priesthood of the Jews for ever, according to the customs
of their forefathers, and that he and his sons be our confederates; and that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 the honors that.htm

Narrow Escapes. Is Thrown from a Horse. Has Pneumonia. Nearly ...
... Christmas day. There was a little squad of Confederates there, belonging
to the command of Col. Jessee, of New Castle, Ky. One of ...
/.../chapter x narrow escapes is.htm

What Good Does it do Me that He Declares on his Oath that it was ...
... adversaries. We need not be much afraid of attacks which their author fears
to publish and allows only his confederates to read. ...
/.../2 what good does it.htm

Zwinglian Confessions.
... the God who has enlightened you, will enlighten also your confederates; and Switzerland,
regenerated by the Holy Ghost, shall flourish in righteousness and ...
/.../ 51 zwinglian confessions.htm

From the Saying of Our Lord we Know that the Flesh is Weak...
... to the executioner, when, subjected to torture by the tyrant for having taken part
in a conspiracy, still making no betrayal of her confederates, she at last ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad martyras/chapter iv from the saying.htm

The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ...
... Goats, too, have been confederates in this art of soothsaying, trained to divination;
and crows taught by men to give oracular responses to men. ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ii the absurdity and impiety.htm

If, Again, it is Certain that we are the Most Wicked of Men...
... robbers. Against traitors and public foes every man is a soldier; search
is made even for their confederates and accessories. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter ii if again it.htm

Confederates (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Confederates (1 Occurrence). Obadiah 1:7 All the
men of thy confederacy have conducted thee to the border ...
/c/confederates.htm - 6k

Confederate (3 Occurrences)
... 47). As a noun "confederate" occurs in 1 Maccabees 10:16, summachos, "confederates"
(1 Maccabees 8:20, 24, 31; 14:40; 15:17). Confederacy ...
/c/confederate.htm - 9k

Waters (386 Occurrences)
... me'-rom (me-merom; hudor Marron or hudor Merron): The place which was the scene
of Joshua's victory over Jabin and his confederates (Joshua 11:7), commonly ...
/w/waters.htm - 42k

Merom (2 Occurrences)
... me'-rom (me-merom; hudor Marron or hudor Merron): The place which was the scene
of Joshua's victory over Jabin and his confederates (Joshua 11:7), commonly ...
/m/merom.htm - 10k

Elamarna
... some (Sayce, The Higher Criticism and the Verdict of the Monuments, 175;), is that
they are Habiri, not `Abiri, and that the name means "confederates," and was ...
/e/elamarna.htm - 31k

Tablets (31 Occurrences)
... some (Sayce, The Higher Criticism and the Verdict of the Monuments, 175;), is that
they are Habiri, not `Abiri, and that the name means "confederates," and was ...
/t/tablets.htm - 41k

El-amarna
... some (Sayce, The Higher Criticism and the Verdict of the Monuments, 175;), is that
they are Habiri, not `Abiri, and that the name means "confederates," and was ...
/e/el-amarna.htm - 31k

Tell (3056 Occurrences)
... some (Sayce, The Higher Criticism and the Verdict of the Monuments, 175;), is that
they are Habiri, not `Abiri, and that the name means "confederates," and was ...
/t/tell.htm - 33k

Confer (6 Occurrences)

/c/confer.htm - 9k

Ituraea (1 Occurrence)
... They would therefore be the most northerly of the confederates opposed to David
(supra), and their country may naturally be sought in the neighborhood of Mt. ...
/i/ituraea.htm - 10k

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