ChristianAnswers.Net WebBible Encyclopedia
a treaty between nations, or between individuals, for their mutual advantage
When the Israelites entered Canaan they were forbidden to enter into alliances with the inhabitants of the country (Lev. 18:3-4; 20:22-23). Joshua and the elders of Israel entered into an alliance with the Gibeonites (Josh. 9:3-27).
Solomon formed a league with Hiram (1 Kings 5:12). This “brotherly covenant” is referred to 250 years afterwards (Amos 1:9). He also appears to have entered into an alliance with Pharaoh (1 Kings 10:28-29).
In patriarchal times, a covenant of alliance was sealed by a blood sacrifice. The animal sacrificed was cut in two (except birds), and between these two parts the persons contracting the alliance passed (Genesis 15:10). There are frequent allusions to this practice (Jer. 34:18). Such alliances were called “covenants of salt” (Num. 18:19; 2 Chr. 13:5), salt being the symbol of perpetuity.