In biblical times, the concept of leagues, or alliances, was a significant aspect of political and social interactions among nations and tribes. The term "league" refers to a formal agreement or covenant between parties, often for mutual benefit, protection, or cooperation. These alliances were common in the ancient Near East and are frequently mentioned in the Bible, highlighting their importance in the historical and theological narrative of Scripture.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several examples of leagues, often involving the Israelites and surrounding nations. One of the earliest mentions is found in the book of Genesis, where Abraham forms a league with the Amorites, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, to rescue Lot from captivity (Genesis 14:13-24). This alliance underscores the necessity of cooperation for survival and success in the ancient world.

In the book of Joshua, the Gibeonites deceive the Israelites into forming a league with them to avoid destruction (Joshua 9:3-15). Despite the deception, the Israelites honor the covenant due to the sacredness of oaths made before God. This incident illustrates the binding nature of leagues and the moral and spiritual obligations they entailed.

The Israelites were often warned against forming leagues with pagan nations, as these alliances could lead to idolatry and a departure from God's commandments. In Exodus 23:32-33, God instructs the Israelites, "You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. They must not remain in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me." This warning is reiterated in Deuteronomy 7:2-4, emphasizing the spiritual dangers of such alliances.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention leagues in the same political sense as the Old Testament, the concept of spiritual alliances and unity is prevalent. The early Christian community is described as being in a spiritual league, united in faith and purpose. Acts 2:42-47 depicts the believers as devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, forming a spiritual alliance that transcends political boundaries.

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the idea of unity and cooperation among believers, urging them to maintain the bond of peace and work together for the advancement of the Gospel (Ephesians 4:3-6). This spiritual league is based on shared faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, contrasting with the political and military alliances of the Old Testament.

Theological Implications

Leagues in the Bible often serve as a reflection of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Just as human alliances required faithfulness and commitment, so too does the divine covenant demand loyalty and obedience. The Israelites' repeated failures to uphold their end of the covenant serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unfaithfulness.

Moreover, the concept of leagues highlights the importance of discernment in forming alliances. The biblical narrative consistently warns against compromising one's faith and values for the sake of political or social gain. This principle remains relevant for believers today, emphasizing the need for wisdom and integrity in all relationships and agreements.

In summary, leagues in the Bible represent both the practical necessity of alliances in the ancient world and the deeper spiritual truths about covenantal faithfulness and unity among God's people.

The Honors that were Paid the Jews; and the Leagues that were Made ...
... CHAPTER 10. The Honors That Were Paid The Jews; And The Leagues That Were
Made By The Romans And Other Nations, With Them. 1. Now ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 the honors that.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... The first day brought us to La Granja, a distance of twelve leagues from Madrid,
where I expected to find Lopez and another man whom I had sent before. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 52.htm

First Chapter
... in Holy Scripture preached oft-times in a certain city, and the people loved to
hear him, and his teachings were the talk of the country for many leagues round ...
/.../the history and life of the reverend doctor john tauler/first chapter.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... About four leagues from Santander, whilst we were baiting our horses at a village
hostelry, I saw a fellow run off after having held a whispering conversation ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 31.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... After proceeding about six leagues, we reached the north-eastern extremity of the
bay of Cadiz, and passed by Saint Lucar, an ancient town close by where the ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 17.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... At Ferrol I hired a horse and guide as far as Ribadeo, a distance of twenty
leagues, and somewhat less than half the way to Oviedo. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 30.htm

The Public School and the Boy
... In some cities the public school has sought to give partial direction to the play
life of the boy through public school athletic leagues, but even these ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/ii the public school and.htm

Calvary
... The crustacean lies at the bottom of the ocean, and the world of waters rolls above
it; it cannot in its tiny shell comprehend these leagues upon leagues of ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xii calvary.htm

The Foundation of the House of St. Joseph. The Observation of Holy ...
... house I remained more than six months, our Lord ordained that a holy woman [2] of
our Order should hear of me, who was more than seventy leagues away from the ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxv the foundation of.htm

Ascalon. Gerar. The Story of the Eighty Witches.
... For thus he writes: "Then" (from Azotus) "is new Ascalon distant two parsae, or
leagues" (that is, eight miles); "which Ezra, the priest, of blessed memory ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 14 ascalon gerar the.htm

Leagues (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Leagues (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 30:1 Woe to the
rebellious children, saith Jehovah, who take counsel, but ...
/l/leagues.htm - 6k

League (20 Occurrences)

/l/league.htm - 14k

Leah (30 Occurrences)

/l/leah.htm - 19k

A (102073 Occurrences)
... 4. (pp) In each; to or for each; as, twenty leagues a day, a hundred pounds
a year, a dollar a yard, etc. 5. (prep.) In; on; at; by. ...
/a/a.htm - 9k

Education (4 Occurrences)
... In time, sufficient cooperation was obtained to make possible the organization
of strong intertribal leagues and, finally, the kingship. ...
/e/education.htm - 40k

Monthly (11 Occurrences)
... fact that eating and drinking were the known and ordinary symbols of friendship
and were the usual rites in engaging in covenants and leagues." Thus sacrifices ...
/m/monthly.htm - 93k

Heap (66 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 30:1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith Jehovah, who take counsel, but
not of me, and who make leagues, but not by my Spirit, that they may heap sin ...
/h/heap.htm - 33k

Sacrifice (300 Occurrences)
... fact that eating and drinking were the known and ordinary symbols of friendship
and were the usual rites in engaging in covenants and leagues." Thus sacrifices ...
/s/sacrifice.htm - 101k

Sodomite (1 Occurrence)
... fact that eating and drinking were the known and ordinary symbols of friendship
and were the usual rites in engaging in covenants and leagues." Thus sacrifices ...
/s/sodomite.htm - 101k

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