Throughout biblical history, the confederation of armies from different nations is a recurring theme, reflecting the complex political and military alliances of the ancient Near East. These alliances were often formed to achieve common goals, whether for defense, conquest, or mutual benefit. The Bible provides numerous examples of such confederations, illustrating both the power and the fragility of human alliances.

Confederations in the Old Testament

One of the earliest examples of a confederation is found in Genesis 14, where four kings—Amraphel of Shinar, Arioch of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer of Elam, and Tidal of Goiim—formed an alliance to wage war against five other kings in the Valley of Siddim. This coalition demonstrates the strategic partnerships formed to exert control over rebellious territories. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event: "Then the king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the king of Admah, the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar) marched out and arrayed themselves for battle in the Valley of Siddim" (Genesis 14:8).

In the conquest narratives of Joshua, the Canaanite kings often united against the Israelites. Joshua 10 describes the confederation of five Amorite kings who joined forces to attack Gibeon, a city that had made peace with Israel. The text states, "So the five kings of the Amorites—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon—joined forces, advanced with all their armies, besieged Gibeon, and fought against it" (Joshua 10:5). Despite their combined strength, these coalitions were ultimately defeated by the Israelites, underscoring the biblical theme of divine intervention on behalf of God's chosen people.

Confederations in the Prophetic Books

The prophetic books also mention alliances between nations, often as a warning against relying on human strength rather than trusting in God. Isaiah 7 recounts the Syro-Ephraimite War, where Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, son of Remaliah, king of Israel, allied against Judah. The prophet Isaiah warned King Ahaz of Judah not to fear this confederation, emphasizing reliance on the Lord: "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'It will not happen; it will not occur'" (Isaiah 7:7).

Similarly, Ezekiel 38-39 prophesies about a future confederation of nations led by Gog of Magog, who will come against Israel. This eschatological vision highlights the ultimate futility of human alliances against God's sovereign plan.

Confederations in the New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus on military alliances in the same way as the Old Testament, the concept of confederation can be seen in the political landscape of the Roman Empire. The Herodian dynasty, for example, maintained power through alliances with Rome, illustrating the continued relevance of political and military partnerships.

Theological Implications

The confederation of armies in the Bible serves as a reminder of the limitations of human power and the sovereignty of God. These alliances, often formed out of fear or ambition, contrast with the biblical call to trust in divine providence. The narratives demonstrate that while human alliances may offer temporary security, true deliverance and victory come from the Lord. As the psalmist declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7).Joshua 9:2
That they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 10:5
Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before Gibeon, and made war against it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 3:13
And he gathered to him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 20:1
And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots; and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Babylonia and Assyria
... the road through Mesopotamia to the Babylonian armies; the Egyptians ... in a different
way and with different results ... the battle-ground between the nations of the ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... them (ie, the kings and their armies) together unto ... will, therefore, do this, using
two different kinds of ... over peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... appear in the list of the subjugated nations, recalling the ... same functions and belonging
to a different family. ... of the care of commanding their armies; and as ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Who was Chedorlaomer / Kedorlaomer? | GotQuestions.org

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Armies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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