Peace treaties in the Bible are agreements made between nations or individuals to cease hostilities and establish terms for peace. Scripture presents peace as a desirable and godly pursuit, but it also warns that peace treaties must be made with discernment, integrity, and dependence on God’s direction.
In the Old Testament, Israel was permitted to make peace with distant nations but not with the Canaanites, whom God had marked for judgment (Deuteronomy 20:10–18). The Gibeonites deceived Israel into making a peace treaty, pretending to be from a far country (Joshua 9). Israel failed to seek the Lord first:
“But they did not ask counsel of the Lord. So Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them…”
(Joshua 9:14–15)
This event illustrates the importance of seeking God before making alliances. Although the treaty was based on deception, Israel honored it because they had sworn an oath before the Lord.
Solomon made peace treaties with surrounding nations during his reign, resulting in political stability (1 Kings 4:24–25). However, some of these alliances led to spiritual compromise, especially when he married foreign women and adopted their idolatrous practices (1 Kings 11:1–8).
The prophets often criticized ungodly alliances and false peace. Isaiah condemned Judah’s reliance on Egypt for protection instead of trusting in God (Isaiah 30:1–2). Ezekiel spoke of those who say “peace” when there is no peace (Ezekiel 13:10).
In the New Testament, peace is primarily spiritual, but the principle of living peaceably remains:
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
(Romans 12:18)
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), indicating that seeking reconciliation and harmony is godly.
Peace treaties are not wrong in themselves. But Scripture teaches that true and lasting peace must be rooted in righteousness, truth, and obedience to God. Treaties that compromise truth or involve ungodly alliances often lead to destruction.
