Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, a "league" refers to a formal agreement or covenant between two or more parties, often nations or tribes, for mutual benefit or protection. The concept of a league is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern practice of forming alliances to ensure security, peace, and cooperation. In the Bible, leagues are often depicted as solemn and binding agreements, sometimes made with divine oversight or approval.Old Testament References 1. Joshua and the Gibeonites: One of the most notable instances of a league in the Bible is found in the book of Joshua. The Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelites, resorted to deception to secure a treaty. 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." Despite the deceit, the Israelites honored the league due to the sacredness of the oath made before God. 2. Abraham and Abimelech: In Genesis 21:27 , Abraham and Abimelech, the king of Gerar, formed a league. "So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant." This agreement was made to ensure peaceful coexistence and mutual respect for each other's rights and properties. 3. Israel and Foreign Nations: The Israelites were often warned against forming leagues with pagan nations, as these alliances could lead them away from their covenant with God. In Exodus 23:32 , God commands, "You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods." Such leagues were seen as compromising Israel's distinctiveness and faithfulness to Yahweh. Theological Implications Leagues in the Bible often carry significant theological weight. They are not merely political or social contracts but are seen as covenants that involve moral and spiritual obligations. The making and breaking of leagues can have profound consequences, as they reflect one's faithfulness to God and His commandments. Moral and Ethical Considerations The biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of integrity and faithfulness in the making of leagues. The account of the Gibeonites highlights the ethical dilemma faced by the Israelites when confronted with a league made under false pretenses. Despite the deception, the Israelites chose to honor their oath, demonstrating the high value placed on keeping one's word. Prophetic and Eschatological Context In prophetic literature, the concept of a league can also be seen in the context of eschatological events. Alliances and treaties among nations are often depicted as part of the unfolding of God's divine plan. For instance, in Daniel 11, various leagues and alliances play a role in the prophetic vision of future conflicts and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. Conclusion The concept of a league in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness, integrity, and the serious nature of covenants. Whether between individuals, nations, or with God Himself, these agreements are to be honored and respected, reflecting the character of a people set apart for God's purposes. Easton's Bible Dictionary A treaty or confederacy. The Jews were forbidden to enter into an alliance of any kind (1) with the Canaanites (Exodus 23:32, 33; 34:12-16); (2) with the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8, 14; Deuteronomy 25:17-19); (3) with the Moabites and Ammonites (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19). Treaties were permitted to be entered into with all other nations. Thus David maintained friendly intercourse with the kings of Tyre and Hamath, and Solomon with the kings of Tyre and Egypt. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A measure of length or distance, varying in different countries from about 2.4 to 4.6 English statute miles of 5.280 feet each, and used (as a land measure) chiefly on the continent of Europe, and in the Spanish parts of America. The marine league of England and the United States is equal to three marine, or geographical, miles of 6080 feet each.2. (n.) A stone erected near a public road to mark the distance of a league. 3. (n.) An alliance or combination of two or more nations, parties, or persons, for the accomplishment of a purpose which requires a continued course of action, as for mutual defense, or for furtherance of commercial, religious, or political interests, etc. 4. (v. i.) To unite in a league or confederacy; to combine for mutual support; to confederate. 5. (v. t.) To join in a league; to cause to combine for a joint purpose; to combine; to unite; as, common interests will league heterogeneous elements. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LEAGUEleg. Strong's Hebrew 7194. qashar -- to bind, league together, conspire... qashar. 7195 . to bind, league together, conspire. Transliteration: qashar Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-shar') Short Definition: conspired. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7194.htm - 6k 2275a. Chebron -- "association, league," a city in S. Judah 2275. Chebrown -- "association, league," a city in S. Judah 1285. berith -- a covenant 2266. chabar -- to unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell ... 4541. maccekah -- a libation, molten metal or image 3772. karath -- to cut off, cut down Library How Antiochus Made a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked ... How Scaurus Made a League of Mutual Assistance with Aretas; and ... How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ... How, after the Death of Antiochus, Hyrcanus Made an Expedition ... How the Angles, Being Invited into Britain, at First Drove Off the ... How Alexander Honored Jonathan after an Extraordinary Manner; and ... Hyrcanus Receives the High Priesthood, and Ejects Ptolemy Out of ... Healing of the Deaf and Dumb Demoniac. --The Charge of a League ... How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ... How Simon Confederated Himself with Antiochus Pius, and Made War ... Thesaurus League (20 Occurrences)... America. The marine league of England and the United States is equal to three marine, or geographical, miles of 6080 feet each. ... /l/league.htm - 14k Confederate (3 Occurrences) Achaia (11 Occurrences) Treaty (25 Occurrences) Decapolis (3 Occurrences) Confederacy (2 Occurrences) Baasa (26 Occurrences) Withdraw (52 Occurrences) Gibeon (39 Occurrences) Jotham (26 Occurrences) Resources What can we learn from church softball? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to bind the strong man? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible say the United Nations will have a role in the end times? | GotQuestions.org League: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance League (20 Occurrences)Joshua 9:6 Joshua 9:7 Joshua 9:11 Joshua 9:15 Joshua 9:16 Judges 2:2 1 Samuel 22:8 2 Samuel 3:12 2 Samuel 3:13 2 Samuel 3:21 2 Samuel 5:3 1 Kings 5:12 1 Kings 15:19 2 Chronicles 16:3 Job 5:23 Isaiah 7:2 Isaiah 13:15 Isaiah 30:1 Ezekiel 30:5 Daniel 11:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |