Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, alliances and associations with the enemies of God are often depicted as acts of disobedience and unfaithfulness. Such alliances are particularly grievous when they involve those who are set apart for God's service, such as the priests and their families. The sons of the priests, who were expected to uphold the sanctity and purity of their office, sometimes fell into the trap of forming alliances with those who opposed God's commandments, leading to spiritual and communal consequences.
Eli's Sons: Hophni and PhinehasOne of the most notable examples of priestly sons forsaking their divine calling is found in the account of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas. These sons of the high priest Eli are described as "worthless men" who "did not know the LORD" (
1 Samuel 2:12). Their actions were a direct affront to the holiness required of those serving in the tabernacle. They engaged in corrupt practices, such as taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves and engaging in immoral behavior with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting (
1 Samuel 2:13-17, 22). Their disregard for God's commands and their alliance with sinful practices led to their downfall and the eventual judgment upon Eli's house (
1 Samuel 2:27-36).
The Sons of Aaron: Nadab and AbihuAnother significant example is the account of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, the first high priest. These sons, though initially consecrated for service, forsook their sacred duties by offering "unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command" (
Leviticus 10:1). Their actions demonstrated a lack of reverence for God's holiness and a willingness to deviate from His prescribed worship. As a result, fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, highlighting the severe consequences of forsaking God's commands (
Leviticus 10:2).
Ezra's ReformsDuring the time of Ezra, the issue of priests and Levites forming alliances with foreign women, who were often associated with pagan practices, became a significant concern. Ezra discovered that "the people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices" (
Ezra 9:1). This intermingling threatened the purity of worship and the distinct identity of God's people. Ezra's response was one of deep mourning and prayer, leading to a communal repentance and the dissolution of these alliances (
Ezra 9:3-10:17).
Nehemiah's ConfrontationSimilarly, Nehemiah faced the challenge of priests forming alliances with the enemies of God. He discovered that Eliashib the priest had provided Tobiah, an Ammonite and an adversary of Israel, with a room in the courts of the house of God (
Nehemiah 13:4-5). Nehemiah's response was swift and decisive; he threw out Tobiah's household goods and purified the rooms, restoring them to their intended use (
Nehemiah 13:8-9). This incident underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of God's house and the dangers of forming alliances with those opposed to God's purposes.
These examples serve as cautionary tales within the biblical narrative, illustrating the spiritual peril and communal disruption that can result from alliances with the enemies of God. The sons of the priests, who were meant to be exemplars of faithfulness, at times succumbed to the temptations of forming such alliances, leading to divine judgment and the need for reform and repentance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ezra 10:18,19And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Nuns of the Primitive Church
... to religious matters; then, through its alliance with the ... to treat each other as
natural, irreconcilable enemies. ... of a religious house to her own society. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vi the nuns of the.htm
Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... Heathenism lingered as a force in society longer in ... toward theurgy and magic, and
an alliance with polytheism ... the statement of Jerome, "Piety for God is not ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm
part ii
... the soul or the ship of human society; and pray ... heavenly crowns and eternal life
with God and His ... endure injustice, abuse, etc., and to pray for our enemies. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm
Resources
What is the World Evangelical Alliance? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church? | GotQuestions.orgWho was A.W. Tozer? | GotQuestions.orgAlliance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus