Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, covenants play a crucial role in the relationship between God and His people, the Israelites. However, the Israelites also engaged in covenants with other nations, which were often political or military in nature. These covenants were significant in the historical and spiritual journey of the Jewish people, as they navigated their existence among surrounding nations.1. Definition and Purpose of Covenants A covenant, in biblical terms, is a solemn agreement or treaty between two parties. It often involves commitments and obligations, and in the context of the Israelites, these covenants could be between individuals, tribes, or nations. The purpose of such covenants was typically to ensure peace, mutual protection, or cooperation in times of conflict. 2. Biblical Examples of Covenants with Other Nations · Covenant with the Gibeonites: One of the earliest recorded covenants with another nation is found in Joshua 9. The Gibeonites, fearing the advancing Israelites, deceived Joshua into making a peace treaty with them. Despite the deception, the Israelites honored the covenant, demonstrating the binding nature of such agreements. 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." · Covenant with Hiram, King of Tyre: King Solomon made a covenant with Hiram, king of Tyre, to secure materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This alliance is detailed in 1 Kings 5:12 : "So the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty." · Covenant with Egypt: In times of political instability, the Israelites sometimes sought alliances with powerful neighbors like Egypt. Isaiah 30:1-2 warns against such alliances, indicating a reliance on foreign powers rather than on God: "Woe to the obstinate children, declares the LORD, who carry out a plan that is not Mine, forming an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin; who set out to go down to Egypt without consulting Me, to seek help from Pharaoh’s protection and to take refuge in Egypt’s shade." 3. Theological Implications The covenants made with other nations often had significant theological implications. While they were necessary for political and military reasons, these covenants sometimes led the Israelites away from their reliance on God. The prophets frequently admonished the Israelites for trusting in foreign alliances rather than in the Lord. This tension highlights the importance of faithfulness to God above political expediency. 4. Lessons from Covenants with Other Nations The biblical accounts of covenants with other nations serve as a reminder of the complexities of living in a world where political and spiritual loyalties can conflict. The Israelites' experiences underscore the need for discernment and faithfulness to God's commands, even when engaging with the broader world. These narratives encourage believers to prioritize their covenant relationship with God while navigating their interactions with the world around them. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 5:12And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 17:4 Library Cestius Sends Neopolitanus the Tribune to See in what Condition ... P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Nature of Covenanting. Covenant Duties. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647. That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired. Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... On the Church and Its Head Resources What is the Mosaic Covenant? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a covenant? | GotQuestions.org Why are Mormons/LDS so interested in genealogies? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covenants of God's Promises to Man Covenants of the Contract of Marriage Covenants of the United Determination of a People to Serve God Covenants: (With Death and Hell) Carnal Security Covenants: (With Stones and Beasts, of the Earth) Peace Covenants: Agreements Between Two Parties Covenants: Conditions of Clearly Specified Covenants: Conditions of Conformed by Oath Covenants: Conditions of Witnessed Covenants: Conditions of Written and Sealed Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Friendship Covenants: Designed For: Establishing Peace Covenants: Designed For: Mutual Protection Covenants: Designed For: Procuring Assistance in War Covenants: Designed For: Promoting Commerce Covenants: Designed For: Selling Land Covenants: Followed by a Feast Covenants: God often Called to Witness Covenants: Made by Passing Between the Pieces of the Divided Sacrifices Covenants: Names Given to Places where Made Covenants: Pillars Raised in Token of Covenants: Presents Given As Tokens Covenants: Ratified by Joining Hands Covenants: Salt a Sign of Perpetuity In Covenants: The Jews: Condemned for Making, With Idolatrous Nations Covenants: The Jews: Forbidden to Make, With the Nations of Canaan Covenants: The Jews: Frequently Made With Other Nations Covenants: The Jews: Regarded, As Sacred Covenants: Violated by the Wicked Covenants: when Confirmed, Unalterable Related Terms |
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