Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, alliances and associations with the enemies of God are consistently portrayed as perilous and spiritually detrimental. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts where such alliances lead to moral and spiritual decline, invoking grief among the faithful who witness their brethren entangled in these compromising relationships.
Old Testament Warnings and ExamplesThe Old Testament is replete with warnings against forming alliances with pagan nations and adopting their practices. In
Deuteronomy 7:2-4 , God commands the Israelites, "And when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods."
The account of King Solomon serves as a poignant example. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's alliances through marriage to foreign women led him astray.
1 Kings 11:4 states, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been." This deviation from God's commandments resulted in the division of the kingdom and long-lasting consequences for Israel.
New Testament AdmonitionsThe New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to remain separate from worldly influences that oppose God. In
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 , Paul exhorts, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?"
The early church faced challenges as believers were tempted to conform to the surrounding pagan culture. The apostle James warns in
James 4:4 , "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God."
The Grief of the SaintsThroughout Scripture, the saints express deep sorrow when witnessing their brethren form alliances with the enemies of God. The prophet Jeremiah laments the spiritual adultery of Israel, crying out in
Jeremiah 9:1 , "Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people."
Similarly, the apostle Paul expresses anguish over the spiritual state of his fellow Jews in
Romans 9:2-3 , "I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood."
The Call to HolinessThe biblical call to holiness and separation from the enemies of God is a recurring theme. Believers are urged to live distinct lives, reflecting the holiness of God. In
1 Peter 1:15-16 , Peter writes, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
The grief of the saints serves as a reminder of the spiritual dangers inherent in alliances with those who oppose God. It underscores the importance of faithfulness and the call to remain steadfast in the face of worldly temptations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 26:35Which were a grief of mind to Isaac and to Rebekah.
Torrey's Topical TextbookEzra 9:3
And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonished.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ezra 10:6
Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
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my enemies, and I ... Fathers, filled with the Spirit of God, decreed should ...
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part ii
... the soul or the ship of human society; and pray ... you look upon the images of God's
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//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm
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