In the biblical context, alliances by marriage were often strategic arrangements that served political, social, or economic purposes. These alliances were common in the ancient Near East and are documented throughout the Scriptures. Such unions could bring peace between nations, secure trade routes, or consolidate power. However, they also posed spiritual risks, particularly when they involved unions with those who did not share the faith of Israel.

Solomon's Marriages

One of the most notable examples of alliance by marriage is King Solomon, who formed numerous alliances through marriage. In 1 Kings 3:1, it is recorded, "Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt by marrying Pharaoh’s daughter. Solomon brought her to the City of David until he had finished building his palace and the house of the LORD and the wall around Jerusalem." This marriage was a political move to secure peace and strengthen ties with Egypt. However, Solomon's many foreign wives eventually led him astray, as they turned his heart toward other gods (1 Kings 11:1-4).

Ahab and Jezebel

Another significant alliance by marriage is that of King Ahab of Israel and Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. This marriage is mentioned in 1 Kings 16:31: "And as if following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not enough, he married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal." Jezebel's influence led Ahab and Israel into idolatry, demonstrating the spiritual dangers of such alliances.

Jehoshaphat and Athaliah

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, also engaged in an alliance by marriage when his son Jehoram married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. This alliance is noted in 2 Kings 8:18: "Jehoram walked in the way of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD." This marriage brought the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom into Judah, leading to spiritual decline.

Ezra and Nehemiah's Reforms

The post-exilic leaders Ezra and Nehemiah addressed the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which had become prevalent among the Israelites. Ezra 9:1-2 reports, "The leaders came to me and said, 'The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the peoples of the lands... They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the peoples of the lands.'" Ezra's response was one of mourning and prayer, leading to a covenant renewal and the separation from foreign wives (Ezra 10).

Nehemiah also confronted this issue, as seen in Nehemiah 13:23-27, where he rebuked the people for marrying foreign women, reminding them of Solomon's downfall due to similar alliances.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the principle of being unequally yoked with unbelievers is emphasized. 2 Corinthians 6:14 advises, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This teaching underscores the importance of spiritual unity in marriage, warning against alliances that could compromise one's faith.

Throughout the Bible, alliances by marriage are depicted as double-edged swords. While they could bring temporary peace and prosperity, they often led to spiritual compromise and idolatry, highlighting the need for discernment and faithfulness to God's commandments.