Above: Modern-day Israel with Lebanon to the north.

Currently, Israel and Lebanon are at war, but there was a time in ancient history that the region had strong alliances.

Consider the following, mostly from the 10th Century BC:

1. Multi-generational alliances: 1 Sam 5:11; 1 Kings 5:1.

2. Worker-exchange programs: 1 Kings 5:13-14; 7:14.

3. Free trade of food and resources: 1 Kings 5:10-11.

4. Contributions to Israel's religious life: 1 Kings 5:6-18

5. Contributions to Lebanese building projects: 1 Kings 9:19

6. Political marriage unions: 1 Kings 16:31 (although this would not prove positive for Israel)

7. Resources for Jerusalem's reconstruction: Ezra 3:7 (5th Century BC).

Below: Trade routes in Solomon’s time, showing principal imports and their sources.

So, what the heck happened?

Tags: Israel