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Alliances: On the first establishment of the Hebrews in Palestine no connections were formed between them and the surrounding nations. But with the extension of their power under the kings alliances became essential to the security of their commerce. Solomon concluded two important treaties exclusively for commercial purposes the first with Hiram king of Tyre 1Ki 5:2-12; 9:27 the second with a Pharaoh, king of Egypt. 1Ki 10:28,29 When war broke out between Amaziah I and Jeroboam II, a coalition was formed between Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah on the one side, and Ahaz and Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, on the other. 2Ki 16:5-9 The formation of an alliance was attended with various religious rites. A victim was slain and divided into two parts, between which the contracting parties passed. Ge 15:10 Generally speaking the oath alone is mentioned in the contracting of alliances, either between nations, Jos 9:15 or individuals. Ge 25:28; 31:53; 1Sa 20:17; 2Ki 11:4 The event was celebrated by a feast. Gene l.c.; Ex 24:11; 2Sa 3:12,20 Salt, as symbolical of fidelity, was used on these occasions. Occasionally a pillar or a heap of stones was set up as a memorial of the alliance. Ge 31:52 Presents were also sent by the parties soliciting the alliance. 1Ki 15:18; Isa 30:6 ;
1 Macc 16:18. The fidelity of the Jews to their engagements was conspicuous at all periods of their history, Jos 9:18 and any breach of covenant was visited with very severe punishment. 2Sa 21:1; Eze 17:16
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